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.
TexNan says
Wow! Lots of comments. Another tip–and I’ve only used this once so I can’t attest to its continued efficacy–is to use a hair dryer. Do this before you try anything else. If it doesn’t work, and it did for me on a label I’ve had difficulty with in the past, then go ahead with the other steps. (Yours are the methods I normally use.)
Anonymous says
I just tired this on a glass and plastic bottle and it worked like a charm, I used the olive oil. Thanks so much now I have a sink full of jars soaking in hot water so that I can use this method on them also 🙂
Lisa Zido says
Tried it–loved it. 🙂 I was so happy to find this! I used nail polish remover for the big pieces and the little sticky patches that were left I used the olive oil. Worked perfectly. THANK YOU!
Shan says
I bet you never thought this post would be so popular? This is perfect…off to clean some jars now. Thanks a million! Found you on Pinterest. Look forward to perusing around your cute blog later. 😉 Shan from Family Brings Joy
Stacey says
Thank you so much for sharing these tips. I’m a new follower. I’ve tried white vinegar (the miracle cleaner) thinking it must certainly clean the labels right off. I usually soak the jars in hot water but never thought to just fill the inside of the jar and let it sit. I can’t wait to finish the next jar of pickles.
Anonymous says
GOO GONE!!!
Cornerstone Confessions says
Am adding this to my to-do right now. Remove labels of jars with olive oil. Yes! Thanks for the tip!
Tricia says
Great tip! I am using a big plastic pretzel container for my daughter’s valentine’s day box and used baby oil to take the label off. I’ll have to remember your tips the next time.
I’m a new follower. 🙂
Anonymous says
I’ve used lamp oil on glass items. Works great!
Anonymous says
Great tips..Thanks for sharing.
4you-withlove says
Excellent tip! Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
@Jenn Erickson Oh great! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jenn Erickson says
Your link-up caught my eye over at 504 Main. Great tutorial! I’ll definitely be trying the olive oil method!
Thanks!
Jenn/Rook No. 17
Sarah says
What great ideas…thank you!
I’d love for you to come link up with my Homemaking Link-Up Weekend! You can link any homemaking post—and as many as you want!
Have a great weekend!
Sarah
Anonymous says
I use rubbing alcohol. Works like a charm!!!