How to Remove Wine Bottle Labels

Wine bottles can be great for DIY projects. There are so many different ways to personalize a wine bottle. Paint, twine, stencils, glitter, just to name a few. So what’s the main concern that holds you back from using them?  Removing the pesky labels, I bet. Removing wine bottle labels can be easy. It’s especially easy if you don’t mind sweating over a hot bathtub of 30+ bottles. That’s what I did.

For my DIY wedding, I chose to create wine bottle centerpieces. This easy DIY project doesn’t have to be used just for centerpieces, use the bottles for other decor uses as well! Removing wine labels to create DIY centerpieces can be super budget friendly, especially if you’re getting your bottles from friends and family! Or, drink up! Whichever you prefer. All it takes is a few household items that you may already have on hand.

Find Wine Bottles

Let friends and family know you’re on the lookout for empty wine bottles. Getting engaged close to the holidays was perfect for this DIY centerpiece idea. Christmas parties and New Year’s parties: we ended up having too many wine bottles. If possible, try to find and use different shapes and sizes for the centerpieces. This helps add dimension and interest to your centerpieces.

Find Supplies to Help Remove Wine Bottle Labels

What you will need:

• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Rubber gloves
• Razor or knife (for stubborn labels)

When I first discovered this super easy DIY hack the instructions called for the following:

• 1 tablespoon dish soap
• ½ cup baking soda
• 2 cups white vinegar

These recommendations were designed for removing a small number of wine labels (5 or less bottles) in a standard size kitchen sink. If you are removing many more labels (like I did), and using a bigger workspace, such as a bath tub, I suggest at least doubling the recommendations. Too much can’t hurt, it will only help!

Removing the Labels, Let the Fun Begin

• Fill the sink or bathtub with VERY HOT water AND dish soap.

(I recommend wearing rubber kitchen gloves to protect yourself from the hot water)

• Fill each wine bottle with VERY HOT water as well.
• Once all the bottles are submerged, add the vinegar and baking soda.
• Let ‘em soak! The longer the amount of time, the better (i.e. a few hours or even overnight, if possible)

Some wine labels will peel right off without any extra effort (this is the best feeling!) Some will be more stubborn. Different glues, different outcomes. Don’t get discouraged! If a label is far too stubborn to be easily removed, let it continue to soak longer than the others. Or, push it off to the side and into the recycling bin to never be seen again (if you have an abundance of wine bottles). If you don’t have access to more wine bottles and you need the stubborn ones, carefully use a knife or blade to help remove the label.

Once the labels are removed rinse out the bottles (soap bubbles stay trapped inside) and wipe down the bottles to remove any lingering bits of glue. Sit the bottles outside (if the weather permits) to help them dry faster. Now that you have successfully removed the labels, it’s time to create your centerpieces. For my wedding we had ten tables and five bottles on each. I’ve removed my fair share of labels. Let me know how it goes for you and if you have any questions! I would be happy to help!