White Labs Vial Label Removal

[McBainne]

I tried a few options listed on this thread without too much success. Being a man of little patience, swmbo sensed my frustration and suggested oven cleaner.

After removing the outside label and soaking in oven cleaner, she was able to wipe the glue right off. I soaked for a few minutes in sanitizer to clean off the chemicals and the vials were glue free and unmarked.

 

[SoCal-Doug]

Googling brought up this thread, so I figured I would revive it with my discovery. I had about 30 preforms that I wanted to wash and reuse. After trying many things then stumbling on what works, here's the easy answer...

1. Hot water in the sink. Let the bottles soak for 10 or 15 minutes.
2. Labels peel right off, but the glue and some paper stays. That's ok.
3. Let them completely dry (maybe overnight)
4. Spray WD-40 on the now dry glue and label remnant. Let sit about 15 minutes. Having the remnants dry allows the WD-40 so soak in.
5. Wipe everything off with an old rag or washcloth.
6. Chuck them in the dishwasher for a nice cleaning.

WD40 does not appear to do anything to the outside of the bottle but absolutely softens the glue where it wipes right off.

 

[SoCal-Doug]

Or... Just get lazy and buy preforms

Search for "B008MB1QNY" (asin) on amazon

 

[imasickboy]

I miss the vials.