How to Easily Remove Sticky Labels from Glass Jars
Want to learn the easiest way to remove sticky labels from food jars? Our simple six-step process uses all-natural, eco-friendly ingredients like dish soap, vinegar, baking soda, and oil you already have in your home to get jars squeaky clean!
Equipment
- 1 Kitchen sink or large glass mixing bowl
- 1 Kitchen scrubbing brush
Ingredients
- 3 gallons hot water
- 2 tablespoons mild dish soap
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Fill your sink or a large bowl with hot water. You can also use cold water, but hot water will help to melt the glue adhesive used on labels.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons dish soap and 1 cup of white vinegar. The dish soap and vinegar will work with the hot water to melt the glue and allow for easy label removal.
- Submerge jars in water and let them soak for 20-30 minutes. Letting the jars soak will help labels to be removed easily.
- Remove jars from water and easily remove labels. Peel off labels and set aside any with sticky glue that won't easily rub off.
- For sticky label glue that won’t come off, mix together equal parts oil and baking soda in a small bowl, then rub onto label glue and scrub with a dish rag or scrub brush. Let the oil mixture soak onto labels for a few minutes and then use a scrub brush or rag to rub off labels and glue.
- Wash and dry jars. Then they’re ready to use!
Video
Notes
- Is this glass jar label removal method eco-friendly? Yes, the dish soap and vinegar are environmentally-friendly ingredients.
- What jars will this work on? Any empty glass or metal jars with paper labels. Etched or screen printed labels cannot be removed without damaging the jar.
- What to do with jar once clean: Fill large jars with homemade vegetable scrap food broth, take them to the grocery store to fill up in the bulk section, or organize your kitchen junk drawer with small jars.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!