Used jars are widely used as storage and craft materials. Unfortunately, there are generally labels that stick firmly and are difficult to remove on the jars. Such labels also often leave paper and glue that is difficult to remove even after scrubbing and drenching water. Luckily, removing jar labels is fairly simple to do. Plus, there's a trick to getting rid of the paper and glue residue!
Step
Method 1 of 5: Using White Vinegar
Step 1. Pour hot water into the sink or bucket
Pour in enough water to cover the jar completely. If you plan to remove the labels from several jars at once, add enough water to cover the largest jars. The hotter the water, the stronger its ability to dissolve the glue under the label.
Step 2. Add a few drops of dish soap
If dish soap is not available, you can use regular hand soap. This soap will help loosen the label so it's easier to remove.
Step 3. Pour in a few cups of white vinegar
White vinegar is an acidic compound that can help dissolve the glue that sticks to the labels on the jars, making them easier to remove and remove residue.
Step 4. Put the jar in the sink
Open the lid of the jar and place it sideways so it can be filled with water and immersed in the water.
Step 5. Wait for a few minutes
The longer you wait, the longer the vinegar solution will have to dissolve the glue under the label. About 30 minutes should be enough to remove stubborn labels. However, you can check the jar after 10 minutes.
Step 6. Remove the jar from the water and peel off the label
The label on the jar should come off easily. If there are still labels on the jars, try cleaning them with a rough sponge.
Step 7. Rinse the jars with clean water and wipe them dry
Once the labels are removed, rinse the jars and dry them with a clean towel. Your jar is now ready to use!
Method 2 of 5: Using Soda Ash (Washing Soda)
Step 1. Pour warm water into the sink
Make sure the volume of water is sufficient to completely submerge the jar sideways. If you plan to remove the labels from multiple jars at once, make sure the volume of water is sufficient to cover the largest jars.
Step 2. Add cup (90 grams) of soda ash to the water
Stir the water with your hands to help dissolve it.
Step 3. Open the jar, put it in the water, and wait for about 30 minutes
Allow the water to enter the jar so that the jar can be submerged in the water. You don't have to wait for exactly 30 minutes. However, wait until the water soaks the label and dissolves the glue.
Step 4. Take out the jar and peel off the label
If there's any left, try scraping it off with your finger. If the label is still difficult to remove, continue to the next step.
Step 5. Use soda ash to scrape off any stubborn label residue
If the label remains, apply a little soda ash to the surface of a rough sponge, and rub gently to clean it.
Step 6. Rinse the jars with clean water, then wipe them dry
Your jar is now clean, but there may still be some soda ash left. So, after peeling off the label, rinse the jar with clean water, then wipe it dry with a towel.
Method 3 of 5: Using a Nail Polish Remover
Step 1. First of all, peel off the label on the jar as much as possible
If the labels are too difficult to remove, soak the jars in warm soapy water for 10 minutes, then peel off the labels. There will still be a layer of labels left, but that's okay.
Avoid using nail polish remover or acetone if the jar is plastic, as this can change the shape and color of the jar. Alcohol liquid is quite safe and can be used as a substitute, but may not be quite as effective
Step 2. Pour a small amount of the nail polish remover solution onto the surface of a tissue, rag, or rough sponge
If you don't have much left on the label, you can use a tissue. If there's a lot of label left, use a rough sponge. Acetone can also be used in this way. Alcohol may also help, but won't be as effective as nail polish remover or acetone. Liquid alcohol should only be used to clean thin label residues.
Step 3. Rub the rest of the label in a circle
The chemicals in the nail polish remover or acetone will dissolve the adhesive glue, making it easier to peel off. You may need to add more nail polish remover or acetone.
Step 4. Wash the jars with warm soapy water
This step is especially important if you plan to use jars to store food. Once clean, wipe the jars dry with a clean towel and use them as needed.
Method 4 of 5: Using Oil and Baking Soda
Step 1. Peel off the label as much as possible
If the labels stick tightly, soak the jars in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, then peel off the labels. There may be plenty of paper and/or glue remaining, but this is not a problem.
Step 2. Mix baking soda and oil in equal proportions
You can use any cooking oil such as canola oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil. Baby oil can also be used if needed.
- For small jars, you will need about 1 tablespoon each of the ingredients.
- Olive oil may be used to remove some of the glue residue. However, you will still need the abrasive properties of the baking soda if there is some paper left.
Step 3. Rub the baking soda paste onto the surface of the jar
Prioritize a place that has a lot of leftover labels. You can use your fingers, a tissue, or even a rag to rub the baking soda paste away.
Step 4. Wait for 10 to 30 minutes
During this time, the oil will seep into the remaining glue and dissolve it. That way, the remaining glue will be easier to clean later.
Step 5. Apply the baking soda paste with a coarse sponge or steel fiber brush ball
Apply the paste in small circular motions. The baking soda will peel off any remaining glue or paper.
Step 6. Wash the jars with soap and water, then wipe them dry with a towel
If the label remains, use a tissue and a few drops of oil to peel it off.
Method 5 of 5: Using a Hair Dryer
Step 1. Turn on the hair dryer on high heat
Keep in mind that this method gives different results for each person. This method will only work if the hair dryer can be turned on at very high temperatures and the labels on the jars are not gluing too tightly.
Step 2. Point the hair dryer at the label for 45 seconds
The heat from the hairdryer will dry out the label glue and damage it. This will make the label easier to peel off.
Step 3. Try peeling off the corners of the label
If necessary, use your fingernail or a razor to help peel off the label. If the label is still difficult to remove, reheat for another 45 seconds, then try again.
Step 4. Use olive oil to clean off the label residue and then wash the jars with warm soapy water
Pour a few drops of olive oil onto a paper towel and gently wipe it off to remove any remaining labels. Wash the jar with warm soapy water to remove any excess oil, then wipe dry with a clean towel.
Tips
- If you don't have a coarse sponge, use a soft-bristled brush instead.
- In order to remove a label that is very tightly attached, you may have to combine several of the methods above.
- Is there a date stamp on the jar? You can remove it with a nail polish remover or acetone!
- Try pouring boiling water into a jar, wait a few minutes, drain the water and peel off the label. This method may work to remove the protective layer of the jar.
Warning
- Be careful if you use a hairdryer because the jar will also heat up.
- Avoid using a hairdryer on plastic jars, as they can change their shape.
- Avoid using nail polish/acetone cleaning solution in plastic jars.
