How to Easily Remove Labels from Plastic Buckets - Tips and Tricks

How to Easily Remove Labels from Plastic Buckets - Tips and Tricks
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Removing labels from plastic buckets can be a real challenge. You have tried scraping, soaking in hot water, goo gone, rubbing alcohol soak, cooking oil, automotive brake cleaner fluid and WD 40 with no luck. What is the best way to remove labels and leftover glue from white plastic buckets?

Many people suggest using oil and baking soda paste on the area of the sticker and glue for 10-15 minutes. Rubbing it until the label comes off should do the trick. Another suggestion is to use a heat gun, but make sure not to hold it too close or else you may damage the bucket. Goof Off is also great for removing glue residue after the label has been removed.

FIVE STAR PBW cleaner can also be used to remove labels from plastic containers. It requires soaking the bucket for a few minutes before most all labels will fall off in one piece. Acetone in a spray bottle is another option that works well when sprayed on the label and left to sit for a while before scraping it off.

Avon's Skin-so-soft can be used to get rid of sticky residue without having to use terpentine which smells bad. Lighter fluid is also good for removing adhesive from labels on jars or plastic containers. If all else fails, painting over them might be your last resort.

Finally, why take the label off at all? Use it as a key code by matching colors with different types of plants. Or put your own label on top of it if you want something more creative!

Whatever method you choose, make sure to do it in a well ventilated area away from any structures since acetone has a very low flash point and is not friendly to lung tissue. With these tips, you should now be able to easily remove labels from plastic buckets so you can start planting!

How do you remove labels and leftover glue from white plastic buckets?

Try scraping, soaking in hot water, using Goo Gone, rubbing alcohol soak, cooking oil, automotive brake cleaner fluid or WD 40. If these methods don't work, try a paste of cooking oil and baking soda, a heat gun, FIVE STAR PBW cleaner, acetone in a spray bottle, lighter fluid, or Avon's Skin-so-soft. Alternatively, paint over the labels if they are stuck on too tightly. Start by scraping off as much of the label and glue as possible with a plastic scraper or putty knife. Then, soak the bucket in hot water for an hour or two to loosen the remaining adhesive. After that, use Goo Gone, rubbing alcohol, cooking oil, WD 40, automotive brake cleaner fluid, FIVE STAR PBW cleaner, acetone in a spray bottle, lighter fluid or Avon's Skin-so-soft to remove any remaining residue. Finally, if all else fails, paint over the labels.