A couple of years ago as I was analyzing the amount of garbage that my five-person household set out at the curb each week, I decided to be more aware of the items that were being thrown into the trash bin. Since then, I’ve become more aware of items that can be reused and re-purposed.
One of those items was glass jars.
Glass jars are incredibly versatile around the house and can be used in a variety of ways. I’ve used them in crafting, storing leftovers and making those morning smoothies a breeze by storing everything but the wet liquids in the freezer, in a reused glass jar.
But, those sticky labels can definitely be an eye sore and the gummy adhesive that’s leftover after trying to pull off the label, well, I could live without that. So I found a way to remove sticky labels from glass jars so that I can reuse them for various reasons throughout the house.
I’m going to share the simplest way I’ve found to remove sticky labels from glass jars. There may be other ways, but this is what I’ve found to be most effective in both effort and time. If you have other ways to remove sticky labels from glass jars, I’d love for you to share them in the comments below!
I start off by soaking the glass jars in hot, soapy water for at least 20 minutes. Most times I like to remove as much of the paper as I can beforehand, but sometimes I just get lazy and throw them in there as is. I usually save mine and do a big batch all at once.
I put the lids in there to soak as well. After letting the jars and lids soak for at least 20 minutes and when I can safely put my hands in the water without burning my skin, I get down to work with a steel wool soap pad. That’s my secret, y’all. A steel wool soap pad. And it doesn’t even have to be name brand. I just saved you more money right there!
You might want to use gloves while you’re working, but most times I just wing it. I’m a rebel like that. If you are working with a really big batch though, I’d recommend gloves. After the first 10 glass jars, your arms get tired, your fingers start to cramp and you start thinking about how much easier it would have been just to throw them out. So do yourself a favor and just use gloves to at least protect those pretty fingers, m’kay.
Sometimes when working with a large batch of glass jars, you may actually need to use more than one steel wool soap pad. And don’t worry, it doesn’t scratch the glass like one would imagine.
After you have removed all the gooeyness off of the glass jars, either run them through the dishwasher or wash again with fresh, warm, soapy water.
And there you have it, y’all. So stop throwing out those glass jars and put them to use around your house, in your craft room and in your garage. I’ll be sharing an article soon on some of the different ways you can re-purpose glass jars around your home.
What are some items that you like to reuse instead of throw away?
Tammy says
I love re-using glass jars and bottles in my home! I have a food saver adapter that allows me to ‘re-seal’ them too, so they’re great for storing perishable things also around our place. I’ve never tried getting labels off that way, I actually just peel them as best I can and then apply oil (any kind will work but canola oil is cheap and baby oil smells good, LOL!) and rub it around, takes all the sticky residue off!
Donna says
The plastic containers that some lunch meats come in. They have resealable lids and I like to put things in them to take to my m-i-l’s, school, etc., and I don’t have to worry about if I don’t get them back. 🙂
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
This is an awesome way to remove those labels! I’ve always used goo gone and it works pretty well too. I like to reuse jars for cute crafts and gifts.
@KathyBirkettRDN says
Love goo gone too but I do hot water first, needs less elbow grease that way. Glass jars work wonders for so many things like crafts, storage, old grease, shaking things up too like vinaigrette!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
I’ve been saving jars too but I’ve been lazy and was just letting the labels wear off. Going to try this! Much prettier/cleaner looking!
Shell Feis says
I’ve saved & washed so many glass jars only to throw them away right away because I couldn’t get the sticky stuff off all the way. Trying this method next time!
April Decheine says
I love re-using my bottles too but hate trying to get the labels off! Same with wine bottles, great tip.
Penelope Guzman (NYC Blogger) says
Good tip, this is something I always have a problem with. Sometimes I’ll notice a jar is beautiful and I want to save it but can’t bet the label off without making a big mess, and I end up just tossing it 🙁
Barb S. says
Love the idea! I tend to use GooGone, but now I will be trying your helpful hint!
Angela says
That’s a great idea to remove the sticky labels. I was wondering if the steel wool pads would scratch the glass. Glad to learn it doesn’t!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
Thanks so much for the tip. I have always struggled to get them off.
HilLesha @To the Motherhood says
I do this, too! ~lol~ Otherwise, it would be such a pain to peel the label off. 🙂
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
I’ve always struggled with removing these.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
That looks like an awesome way to remove those annoying labels. I use my hairdryer to remove unwanted labels, and it works pretty well. But, I’ll definitely have to try this, thanks!
Mickey says
I like to sit and peel at the label for 3 hours, so your way is clearly better. 🙂
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
We try to use more reusable water bottles than using disposable one. Also, for label removal, we usually use Goo Gone to get the last bits of paper and residue off – less elbow grease.
Colleen says
What a great idea and helpful tip. I need to know how to take stickers off of shoes. They always put them right on the heel and when you peel them off your foot sticks.
Raijean says
Oh, thanks for this! I’m going to try it!
Kathleen says
Who knew it was that easy? I have struggled with a solution for this for a long time. Thanks!
Lucero @We Are Earthformed says
That was really easy! I fight with those darn labels all the time. DH always gives me a hard time and says just throw them out. If I can get at least one more use out of them I will.
Marcie W. says
This is awesome! I can think of many great ways to reuse glass jars, especially the funky shaped ones, so this is a wonderful how-to to remember.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I save some of them based on shape, but not all of them. I probably would save a heck of a lot more if I had more storage space!