↑

Mom On Timeout

Serving up real food for real families!

Two Easy Ways To Remove Jar Labels

108 Comments

0

Find out just how easy it is to remove those pesky labels from jars! Here are two easy ways to remove jar labels!

Two Easy Ways To Remove Labels From Jars | MomOnTimeout.com

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. 

Second Method: Polish Remover

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.

Trish Signature Block

Connect with me!

Follow on Bloglovin

       

 Linking up at some of these parties.

 

0

Comments

  3. 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.

    Reply

  4. 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.

    Reply

  10. 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.

    Reply

  11. Oh wow, I needed these tips!! I have some old jars that are really cute and I knew I could use them for storing but I couldn’t get the sticky labels off!! I would love for you to come link up at our link party…junkintheirtrunk.blogspot.com/2011/11/link-it-up-wednesday-3.html

    Reply

  20. 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!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Some of my favorites…

Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans
Easy Lazy Day Lasagna
Best Key Lime Pie
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Simple Share Buttons