Many people have asked in some of the homebrew forums how to remove labels from beer bottles. I have read the messages from users who recommend soaking the bottles in PBW™ solution and others using WD-40 to dissolve the glue, but I found a really easy way. The labels will soften up and come off by filling up a large basin (about 7 to 9 gallons) of hot water with about 2/3rds to 3/4ths of a cup of Tide laundry detergent (or other brand of strong powdered laundry detergent). Let the bottles soak for at least an hour, then use a single sided razor blade or utility knife blade and scrape off the labels, then place the bottles back into the detergent solution for a few more minutes to soften up the remaining glue, then wipe off the remaining residue with a dry towel.

After you do this step, the bottles must be cleaned as usual with PBW and a bottle brush to remove any trace of the laundry detergent solution.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Facebook
  • Propeller
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Twitter
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • FriendFeed

One Response to “Removing Labels From Beer Bottles”

  1. [...] to use PBW to remove labels on beer bottles I had collected for homebrewing.  I came across this post where the author claims to have a really easy way to remove labels: I have read the messages [...]

    March 11th, 2010 | 2:26 am

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.