Find out just how easy it is to remove those pesky labels from jars! Here are two easy ways to remove jar labels!
The holidays are just around the corner and to me that means more crafts. Glass jars are a great way to recycle for not only craft projects but are wonderfully useful for storage, rustic vases, and even for cleaning solutions.
Cleaning the labels and the sticky residue off of jars can be an intimidating and time-consuming process. I’m sure we’ve all tried peanut butter, vinegar, hot water, soap, dishwasher, oils, etc. The list goes on and on when you ask people how they remove their labels. I’ve tried a variety of methods and have narrowed it down to the two that I find most effective and efficient. You pick which one works for you!
Gather up several jars at a time to be more efficient. I like to do lots of different sizes and shapes – some of the jars even have really beautiful designs on them.
For each method, remove as much of the label as possible first. An easy way to get the adhesive to release is to fill the jar with really hot water. Be careful when handling the jar and don’t burn yourself!
Let the jar sit for a few minutes so the adhesive can turn more to a liquid and then start gently peeling off the label.
First Method: Olive Oil
Olive Oil is my favorite method because it’s eco-friendly and is super easy. Pour a couple drops of oil onto a paper towel and rub at the remaining residue from the label. Keep rubbing until all residue is gone. This should only take a minute or two. Make sure to wash your jar afterward to get the oil off. I just run mine through the dishwasher.
This method is actually a little faster than the olive oil but you have to deal with the fumes from the nail polish remover. (You can see here that I combat this issue with “cucumber melon” scented remover 🙂 ) Pour the polish remover onto a paper towel or use the applicator if yours came with one. Scrub away at that label and adhesive and it will just slide right off. Quick and easy! Again, make sure to wash the jar afterwards.
These two methods are fail-proof. I have never had a jar label that I couldn’t remove using one of these two methods. Next time you are about to throw out a glass jar think of how easy it is to re-use it and try one of these methods. Let me know what you think.
dana says
My favorite is Goo Gone. It has a nice citrus smell, so no harsh fumes. It works on everything and fast. Although I wouldn’t recommend it on fabric. It sometimes leaves an oily residue that doesn’t come out well. You can use rubbing alcohol on other items to get the oily residue off.
Stacey says
Huh, olive oil? I would’ve never known. I’ll totally give this a try the next time.
karah says
Great tips! Thank you!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog
Sheila says
Thanks for the tips. My son plastered his car window with stickers and we’ve been trying various methods to remove them. 🙂
Trish @MomOnTimeout says
@LisaYes Lisa – this should definitely work on plastic. I haven’t tried it yet but it’s the adhesive that you’re removing so it shouldn’t matter what surface the glue is on. Let me know if you give it a try.
j says
Do not use plastic cups and this method! Nail polish remover is almost pure acetone (95%ish), which eats plastic. You could dissolve some of the plastic! Take my word on this!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Absolutely – glass only for that.
Lisa says
Do either/both of these methods work on plastic?
Thanks!
Annika says
These are great tips, I sometimes really despair when I cannot get the glue off completely!
Jenn says
great tips, I love to reuse jars but labels make me nutty.
Kimberly @ The Brown Eyes Have It says
Great tips! I’m just kicking myself for not thinking to save my jars earlier in the year. 🙂
Erin says
Very timely! I have been stashing my jars all year to use at Christmas for neighbor gifts, but I haven’t managed to get all the labels off yet. Thanks!
Desiree @ The 36th Avenue says
Great Tip! I am going to try it!
marissa says
these are fantastic, those labels can be so so annoying I’d love it if you’d link it up at my party at http://raegunwear.blogspot.com
Our Delightful Home says
Great tips. Thanks for sharing!
~Mrs. Delightful
ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
Comeca Jones says
Great tips! I go with the hot water one but the other way would also get rid of the goo left behind. Love it!
lilly.put says
Thanks. Labels drive me nuts.