How to remove labels from jars: 5 ways to get rid of sticky residue
Old jam and pickle jars make perfect storage jars. Only the label and the glue have to go. These household tricks do it without scratches.
1. Soak in warm soapy water
Put the jar in warm water with a little washing-up liquid for 15 to 30 minutes. Paper labels soften and usually slide off with your thumb. This is the first step for almost every jar.
2. Oil and baking soda for residue
If sticky glue is left, mix some cooking oil with baking soda into a paste. Spread it on, leave it a few minutes and rub with a sponge. The oil dissolves the glue, the soda scrubs gently. Then wash with soapy water.
3. A hair dryer for plastic labels
Plastic labels hardly soften in water. Warm them for a minute or two with a hair dryer until the glue goes soft, then peel the label slowly from one corner.
4. Alcohol or citrus cleaner
Stubborn residue comes off with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) or a citrus-based cleaner. Put some on a cloth, let it work briefly and wipe. On plastic test a hidden spot first.
5. A scraper, not a knife
Use a plastic scraper or a hob scraper. Knives and steel wool easily scratch the glass.
What about your own labels?
Labels you print yourself come off the same way. If contents change often, use removable label paper. More in the guide Which label paper?.
Design new labels
Once the jars are clean, design matching new labels in the label maker, for example with the ready-made list for pantry jars.
Open the ready-made list in the editorFree, no sign-up.