How To: Remove Price Tags from Your Holiday Gifts

The holiday season is full of gift-giving, but one task many of us dread is the struggle to remove price tags and sticky residue from our carefully chosen presents. Whether you’ve purchased a new bottle of wine, a decorative item, or a children’s toy, removing price tags completely and without damaging the product can be tricky. Don’t worry, though—we’ve got you covered with effective, tested methods to tackle this common problem.

Here are five hassle-free ways to use Scraperite’s high-quality plastic blades to achieve completely clean, residue-free surfaces on your gifts.

Proven Methods for Label and Adhesive Removal (The Expert’s Toolkit)

The following techniques utilize simple household solutions to break down the adhesive, while our recommended Scraperite plastic blades ensure safe, scratch-free removal of any sticky remnants.

Method 1: Acetone-Based Removers (Nail Polish Remover & Rubbing Alcohol)

If you’re dealing with a sticker that refuses to come off, this method is a reliable solution. Nail polish remover contains acetone, a powerful solvent that breaks down the chemical bonds in most commercial adhesives.

Steps for Effective Label Removal:

1. Saturate: Soak a cotton ball or clean cloth generously with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol.
2. Penetrate: Place the soaked material directly over the label, letting it sit for at least a few minutes to allow the solvent to break down the glue.
3. Peel and Scrape: Carefully peel off the label. Use a Scraperite General Purpose Orange plastic scraper to gently lift any leftover, hardened sticky residue.
4. Clean: Wipe the treated area clean with a damp cloth to remove all traces of the solvent.

Safety Tip: This method works well for glass, metal, and certain hard plastic surfaces. Always perform a quick spot test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure there is no discoloration or surface damage.

Method 2: Warm Water Soak (The Gentle Approach)

A simple and highly effective label removal method for items like glass jars, bottles, and non-paper plastic items. Soaking the object in warm, soapy water softens the adhesive, making the sticker easy to peel off in one piece.

Steps:

1. Soak: Fill a sink or container with warm water and add a squirt of dish detergent or OxiClean®.
2. Submerge: Submerge your item completely and let it soak—overnight if the adhesive is particularly stubborn.
3. Remove Residue: Peel away the label from a corner. Use a plastic blade to gently and effectively remove price tags and sticky residue.
4. Rinse: Wipe the surface clean with a cloth or sponge.

Pro-Tip: If removing a label from a bottle that cannot be submerged, simply fill the bottle with hot tap water to heat the surface from the inside, aiding the adhesive breakdown.

Method 3: Hair Dryer Heat Treatment

For tougher labels that don’t want to peel, heat is a powerful adhesive remover. A hair dryer works by momentarily melting the glue’s bond, allowing for clean removal.

Steps:

1. Heat: Set the hair dryer on warm or medium heat and direct the airflow at the label for about one minute. The goal is to heat the glue, not the product.
2. Peel: Slowly move the dryer across the label until it starts to lift at the edges. Peel the sticker away gently.
3. Clean Up: Use a precise Scraperite Magenta Pro plastic blade to clean off any remaining sticky adhesive without marring the surface.
4. Wipe: Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.

Tip: This method is especially effective on glass and hard plastic. Exercise caution with delicate or heat-sensitive materials to prevent warping.

Method 4: Warm Vinegar Solution (Natural Adhesive Removal)

Vinegar is a fantastic natural adhesive remover. Its mild acidity effectively breaks down adhesive components without the harshness of commercial chemicals.

Steps:

1. Warm: Gently warm white vinegar (in the microwave or on the stovetop—do not boil).
2. Apply: Soak the labeled item in the warm vinegar or place a cloth soaked in vinegar over the label for 15-30 minutes.
3. Scrape: Peel off the label easily, then use one of Scraperite’s plastic blades to eliminate any remaining residue.
4. Finish: Wipe the surface clean with a cloth or sponge.

Tip: This works exceptionally well on ceramic, porcelain, and glass items, and it’s a useful natural solution for removing glue residue.

Method 5: Commercial Label Removal Sprays (Goo Gone)

If you have particularly stubborn stickers or extreme sticky residue, commercial adhesive remover sprays like Goo Gone are specifically formulated chemical solutions and can be a lifesaver.

Steps:

1. Spray: Apply a generous amount of Goo Gone or a similar product directly onto the label.
2. Wait: Cover with a cloth and let it sit for the time recommended on the product label (usually 15-30 minutes).
3. Scrape: Peel off the label and use a plastic scraper like the Scraperite General Purpose Dwarf Orange to safely clean off any dissolved residue.
4. Clean: Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth to remove the oil-based cleaner residue.

Tip: This method is highly effective for almost all surfaces, including plastic and metal.

Surface-Specific Tips for Scratch-Free Results

The best technique depends on the material. Use this guide to ensure a professional, scratch-free finish for your gifts.

Surface Material	Best Removal Method	Recommended Scraperite Blade
Glass & Jars	Warm Water Soak or Hair Dryer Heat	General Purpose Orange (Flexible, safe)
Metal & Tin	Soak with a damp rag (Water or Alcohol)	General Purpose Orange
Plastic (Hard)	Nail Polish Remover/Rubbing Alcohol or Hair Dryer	General Purpose Orange
Ceramic & Porcelain	Vinegar Solution (Acid-based)	Magenta Pro (Tougher residue)

Conclusion: Say Goodbye to Stubborn Stickers!

With these tried-and-true methods, you’ll be able to quickly and easily remove price tags and sticky residue from your holiday gifts, leaving your presents looking clean and polished. Always remember to prioritize safety by spot-testing removal solutions. For best results and a smooth, residue-free finish, consistently use a reliable Scraperite plastic scraper—the essential tool for any home DIY or cleaning project.