ActionTekJackson Posted September 18, 2013 Posted September 18, 2013 Hey guys, Its been a LONG time since I've been on here, I've since married, had kids, and thus switched hobbies due to time/safety/neighbor constraints. So now I brew! 1 credit away from being a certified viticulture winemaker dude. Anyway, I have a question that I bet the chemistry geniuses here can help with. I recycle wine bottles from the local wineries for my own brews, the issue lies with removing the existing labels from these bottles, it takes forever to get the glue off the bottle and the most reliable method I've found so far is a simple razor blade and elbow grease. I'd like to eliminate the hard work portion of this step. I was curious what chemical bath anyone would suggest to best dissolve the binder used to adhere the labels to the glass. The paper itself is not really so much of an issue as a long hot water soak takes care of that but the glue typically remains behind. Any ideas would be awesome, thanks guys!
Bobosan Posted September 18, 2013 Posted September 18, 2013 Soak the left behind glue and label with googone spray and let sit for a bit. You won't need as much elbow grease. 1
NeuroticNurse Posted September 19, 2013 Posted September 19, 2013 Plain, ordinary, boiling hot water would do it, a plain, fifteen minute soak should remove any label.
dagabu Posted September 20, 2013 Posted September 20, 2013 Hey guys, Its been a LONG time since I've been on here, I've since married, had kids, and thus switched hobbies due to time/safety/neighbor constraints. So now I brew! 1 credit away from being a certified viticulture winemaker dude. Anyway, I have a question that I bet the chemistry geniuses here can help with. I recycle wine bottles from the local wineries for my own brews, the issue lies with removing the existing labels from these bottles, it takes forever to get the glue off the bottle and the most reliable method I've found so far is a simple razor blade and elbow grease. I'd like to eliminate the hard work portion of this step. I was curious what chemical bath anyone would suggest to best dissolve the binder used to adhere the labels to the glass. The paper itself is not really so much of an issue as a long hot water soak takes care of that but the glue typically remains behind. Any ideas would be awesome, thanks guys! I find that the paper labels are easy to remove with boiling water and a few drops of soap and some ammonia to get it to soak in then get a bottle of peanut oil and use it to remove remaining glue. Commercially, the root beer makers I know here in Minnesota use old beer bottles to bottle their beverage and use an enzyme in boiling water to take off the labels and glue, they just rinse and wipe.
flying fish Posted September 21, 2013 Posted September 21, 2013 Nice to see you posting again Dag! Anyway (if this isn't already obvious), I find that the abrasive scotch brite thingies also help a great deal when removing labels. Glass is one of the few materials that will not scrath with abrasive cleaning pads, so I like to take advantage of that fact.
mikeee Posted September 21, 2013 Posted September 21, 2013 I would have to agree with flying fish, soak the bottles in hot soapy water and use a scotchbrite pad to scrubthe glue off the bottle after you peel/scrape the paper label off.
a_bab Posted September 21, 2013 Posted September 21, 2013 You may also try to apply a bit of very concentrated lye solution on the label. Depending on the adhesive used, it may or may not eat it.
Jonathan Posted September 21, 2013 Posted September 21, 2013 Boiling works for me too. Acetone on a paper towel is good for the glue residue that remains.
dynomike1 Posted September 22, 2013 Posted September 22, 2013 There used to be a product called OOOps that would even remove chewing gum. Go to Walmart someone in there can tell you what replaced it.
mikeee Posted September 22, 2013 Posted September 22, 2013 Dynomike1, OOOps has been replaced with a product called OH SHIT!
schroedinger Posted September 22, 2013 Posted September 22, 2013 Soak them in Boiling/Hot water, withsome soap and amonia or vinegar (test what work better with your labels). Take them out and use a high pressure cleaner with the strongest water jet it has. You won`t need any more elbow grease, but do it outside or i a designated area as cleaning up can be messy.
Bobosan Posted September 22, 2013 Posted September 22, 2013 There used to be a product called OOOps that would even remove chewing gum. Go to Walmart someone in there can tell you what replaced it. ooops is still around. Autozone carries it.
fireinthehole Posted October 22, 2013 Posted October 22, 2013 hair dryer, possibly a mildly damp warm rag
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