How do you remove sticky labels from a box, without leaving glue or parts of the label?

Question

Whats the best way to remove a stuck on label, (which has been stuck solidly on for a matter of years) from a box with a glossy paper covering, without ripping the box and without leaving glue or parts of the label behind?

Answer 1

The absolutely fool proof way we get labels off is to put some lighter fluid onto the label and leave it for a minute. It melts the glue and the label should just slide straight off with no fuss. :)

Answer 2

If you are very careful, you can do it with a small cloth or cotton wool that is damp with a little slightly soapy water. Do NOT use white spirit on glossy paper as it can remove the gloss. (But it's fine on hard surfaces like most metals and some ceramics if their colors are glazed and the glaze is in good condition.)

And take your time! Just get the upper surface of the label (and NOT the surrounding paper) very slightly damp and then start scraping it off with a fingernail -- nothing harder like a knife or anything. Dab it again and do a little more and so on. Patience is the key...Have a few tissues handy so if you spill any water on the paper you can dab it dry straight away.

When you are down to the gluggy stuff (the sticky), you can remove it by pushing the gunk into a little ball (from the edges inwards) with a fingertip and then lifting it off. (Make sure your hands are absolutelty clean first so you don't leave any stains.) It will take a few minutes but it's the best way to remove such labels with the absolute minimum of damage.

Answer 3

Normally I'd suggest using Eucalyptus Oil as that helps to dissolve the glue, but that tends to work better on glass jars, as it doesn't matter if you get it wet.

Seeing as how the box is a bit glossy though, it might help to stop the moisture from wrecking it though. You could also try using a relatively sharp implement to scrape off the glue and label a bit by bit at a time while using anything that will dissolve said glue.

Answer 4

After you have pulled of as much of the label as you can. Gently rub the area with a damp cloth, any glue or bits of label will either cling to the cloth or just fall off.

Answer 5

Go to a stationers and buy an aerosol can of label remover, it lets you peel off any label in 10 seconds with no residue or mess, about £2.00. ALSO WD40 may work but is messy.

Answer 6

use a heat source such as an hair dryer to remove the label then use nail varnish remover to remove the glue then wipe over with soap and water good luck

Answer 7

Hi,

I seen on how Clean is your House the other night that if you gently melt it with a hairdryer and then use a diluted te tree oil to rub of the excess. But whether that will work for the material you want to remove it from

J

Answer 8

You could try to use steam. Sometimes the steaming of glue will remove it well. This is how you can get stamps off an envelope.

It is worth a try

Answer 9

Try white spirit.Dab it on.Leave for a while then gently rub the remaining label away.It will lift the glue,neutralise it.

Answer 10

There's a liquid that they sell called glue gone or something like that. You apply it and wait a second then it should peel right off.