Two Easy Ways To Remove Jar Labels

Two Easy Ways To Remove Jar Labels

The following article was found on Mom On Time Out

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.

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