Easiest Way to Remove Labels from Bottles - Rooms For Rent blog Fill sink or large bowl with hot water. Add 1/4 c of baking soda, and 1/4 cup of dawn dish soap to hot water. Stir just enough to ensure the baking soda isn't clumped together. Add emptied bottles and submerge completely. Soak 20-30 minutes, remove and rinse off. *If any residue is still left, soak bottle a little longer.*.