Remove Ink from Plastic Containers

 

Don’t you hate throwing away plastic containers, especially those that you know would work perfectly to keep something else in?! I never did that because most plastic containers would have the ink printed labels on them and to use them for something else just seemed tacky.

I found out that you can use 100% Acetone (nail polish remover) to remove the ink from plastic containers and then you have a pretty white container, voila! Non acetone polish remover will not work nearly as well, so make sure you’re using 100% acetone!  Now you have a clean container that you can do anything with. I’m so glad this worked and I’m happy that I could add this tip to my Thrifty Household Tips section of the blog!

 

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How to Remove Ink from Plastic Containers:

There are a couple of different ways that you can do this. I’ve done it both ways and either is fine. You can either use an old cleaning rag or paper towels. Just pour 100% acetone onto your rag or paper towel, hold it on the container until the ink starts to disappear and begin wiping working in one direction. Just as you would when removing finger nail polish from your fingernails. Side note: If you’re wearing nail polish, you should wear gloves unless you’re wanting to re-polish!

The other way that you can do it is to wrap an old dish towel or a couple layers of paper towels around your container, using rubber band to hold it in place. Hold the container over a trashcan or sink and soak the paper towel or dish towel with the 100% acetone. Let it sit for several minutes and then take a peek. The ink should easily rub off. Remove the rubber band and towels and rub off any left over ink.  After you’re done taking the ink off, dispose of your rags accordingly and then use hot soapy water to wash the containers.

I like to use containers for different things. Acetone can break down the plastic so it’s not recommended to use for leftover food. Mostly, I reuse them for household cleaners that I make myself at home. I also keep them in my craft room (perfect for different color glitter, sequins, small stamps, etc. Some stray mini lego’s have found a home in one too. Any size container can be reused to hold something else! It’s better than throwing away the plastic and then later needing to buy a baskets or containers to hold and organize your things.

Keep your bowls and containers, remove the ink or plastic labels and store them somewhere out of the way. Most containers can be stacked into each other to save space so you can keep them neatly out of your way until you’re ready to use one!

What sorts of things do you keep and reuse?? We’d love to hear, leave us a comment!!

Topic: How to Remove Ink from Plastic Containers