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.Â
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.Â
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.
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!!!
Vivienne @ the V Spot says
Interesting! I’ll have to give that a whirl.
Sam's Minions (aka parents- Angie and Brian) says
Dunking the jars in water, any temperature, for a period of time will remove the adhesive as well.
Anonymous says
“Goo Gone” removes labels and residue splendidly!
Anonymous says
Great idea, I will have to try this
Freda
Beth says
Yep, that’s how I do it. I love reusing jars and bottles. Thanks for sharing this great tip.
mary kay says
CAN ANYONE SAY ” W-D 40 ” TO REMOVE STICKY LABELS,JUST SPRAY AND LET IT SIT FOR A FEW MINS. IT’JUT GREAT. I HAVE A CAN UNDER THE KITCHEN SINK AND W-D IS ALWAYS ON MY CHRISTMAS LIST.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER MADE COMMENT ON LINE,I AM NOT VERY SAVY ON THE COMPUTER, TRYING TO LEARN. YOU KNOW WHAT IS SAID ABOUT TEACHING AN OLD ( DOG ) IN THIS CASE AN OLD LADY