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.
Athena says
This is a great post – please consider linking to the Success U – Wednesday Linkup Party at http://www.thestuffofsuccess.com.
Also, my favorite method is to use a hair dryer. Simply put it on the hottest setting for about 2 minutes over the label (longer if it is a large label) and peel off as soon as it isn’t too hot to touch.
Anonymous says
I have used baby oil before, but found charcoal lighter fluid to be even easier. However, I haven’t removed all that many labels.
Laura @ Laura's Crafty Life says
I usually use goo gone, but I don’t like to use that if I am going to be using the jar for food. Thanks for the olive oil tip!
Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) says
What an amazing idea! Thanks for sharing. Love your space.
Hope to see you on my blog:)
Michelle L. says
Hi, Trish – great post, I have never tried either thing and always have a hard time w/labels. thanks!
Lori says
Ps-found you at Sunday’s Best Party
Lori says
Thanks! I usually just soak it off in how water then rub, rub, rub the gunk off with my fingers. Olive Oil sounds much easier.
BURUNDANGUITAS CS says
Hi trish, I have made a post in blog featuring this idea.
tks for sharing it.
rgds, dalys at
http://burundanguitas.blogspot.com/2011/11/wonderful-tip.html
Ragnhild says
Oh, I forgot to say: For my cold water label solution it is very important to NOT heat the jar in any way before attempting to remove the label. It won’t work on jars if you have tried to remove the label with hot water first. It seems like hot water makes the labels stick even better.
When we have emptied a jar I know I will delabel, I simply fill a deep bowl with cold water and put my jar into it, making sure the jar is fully soaked. I usually dont rince the glass first, if I do I make sure to use cold water.
Ragnhild says
A much easier way to get the labels off is cold water. Don’t peel any of the label off . Just make sure to soak the entire jar in cold water. Leave it there for several hours. The labels will come right off. Somethimes there will be a little bit of glue left on the jar – brush it away imidiately – still with cold water. This works on most jars an labels. There are some that won’t come off with this metod, but then I just recicle the hole thing as is.
Good Girl Gone Green says
I love the olive oil method. Going to need to try this!
Shiloh says
Woohoo!! Now I can use glass jars over! Take the labels off and paint the lids.:) Thanks so much:)
Jenn says
Thanks for the great solutions! I have several spice jars to try this on.
Holly says
Awesome… such needed information! Thank you for sharing! I’m a new follower!
Jenfier Harrod says
This was very useful information.
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