Glass jars are versatile containers that can be reused for crafts, storage, and food preservation once the labels are removed. Getting labels off glass can be tricky, but there are several easy methods to help remove them quickly and easily.
How Labels Stick to Glass Jars
Before learning how to remove labels from glass jars, it’s helpful to understand why they stick so stubbornly in the first place.
Most commercial labels use a strong adhesive that is designed to hold up to wear and tear. This adhesive digs into the tiny pores and imperfections in the glass surface for a tight grip. With heat from the canning process, the adhesive softens and fuses even more tightly to the jar.
If you’ve ever soaked a labeled jar overnight only to find the paper peeling away while the adhesive remains stuck fast, you’ve experienced the tenacity of label glue!
That strong adhesive bond is difficult to break, but the right techniques can help loosen the glue’s grip. Keep reading to learn 3 easy methods for label removal success.
Method 1: Soak Jars in Hot Water
One of the simplest ways to remove labels from glass jars is by soaking them in hot water. The heat helps soften the adhesive so the labels peel off easier. Here are some tips for soaking jars:
Fill a Pot or Bowl With Hot Water
Select a pot or bowl large enough to submerge the jars fully. Fill it halfway with hot water from the tap. The hotter the water, the better it will soften the glue.
Submerge Labeled Jars Fully
Place the labeled jars into the hot water, making sure they are fully covered. Let them soak for at least 10-15 minutes. The longer the soak, the more it helps loosen the labels.
Top Off Water as Needed
If the water cools too much, drain some out and add more hot water to keep it steaming. Maintaining high heat is key for this method.
Scrub and Peel Labels
After soaking, use a plastic scrub brush or sponge to scrub the paper labels. They should begin peeling off the jars easily. If not, soak a bit longer.
Remove Adhesive Residue
Once the paper is gone, use a plastic scraper, old credit card, or your fingernail to peel off any remaining sticky adhesive residue. Re-soak as needed to soften it up.
Soaking in hot water is an inexpensive, non-toxic method. The main downsides are that it takes more time and can use a lot of hot water. But it’s gentle on glass jars and works well for most standard labels.
Method 2: Use a Hairdryer or Heat Gun
Applying concentrated heat from a hairdryer or heat gun is a quick way to loosen jar labels for removal. The hot air softens and melts the glue. Follow these guidelines:
Select a Heat Source
You can use a hairdryer on a low or medium setting. Or for faster results, use a heat gun on low. Avoid extremely high settings that could potentially crack the glass.
Heat Jar Labels
Hold the heat source about 2-4 inches from the jar and aim the hot air directly at the label. Slowly move it around to evenly heat the whole thing.
Check Glue Consistency
Heat until the label feels slightly melted and gooey. Try gently lifting up an edge–the glue should feel soft and release easily.
Peel Label Away
Once heated, slowly peel the label off the jar while applying heat to any stubborn spots. The entire label should come off cleanly.
Wipe Away Residue
Use a dry cloth to immediately wipe any remaining sticky residue left on the jar while it is still warm. This prevents it from resetting.
The concentrated heat from a hairdryer makes label removal fast compared to soaking. It can save time and water. Just take care not to overheat and crack the glass.
Method 3: Use Label Remover Sprays or Gels
Specialty label remover products available at many stores can help dissolve the adhesive for easy removal. Look for them near canning supplies or cleaning products. Here are some tips for using them:
Select a Remover Product
Options include gels, sprays, and wipes. Goo Gone is a popular brand. Choose a formula designed for glass and jars. Stay away from harsh chemical removers.
Apply Remover Generously
Follow directions to apply remover liberally over entire label and edges. Let it sit for the recommended time, usually around 5 minutes.
Scrub Labels
Use a plastic scrubber or sponge to scrub labels. The remover will dissolve the glue so they slide off easily.
Remove Residue
Once labels are removed, spray or wipe on more remover to dissolve any leftover sticky spots. Wipe clean with a dry cloth or paper towel.
Rinse Jars
Give jars a thorough rinse under warm water to remove all traces of remover. Check that no stickiness remains before drying.
Remover sprays are convenient for tackle labels without the time investment of soaking. But they can be more costly than other methods. Use them in a well-ventilated area.
Tips for Removing Tough Labels
Some labels put up a real fight. Here are handy tips for conquering them:
- For baked-on labels, re-soak in hot water or reapply heat after scraping off the top layer. Remove it slowly layer-by-layer.
- Try freezing jars overnight before peeling labels, which can make glue brittle.
- Use oil to saturate the label, letting it soak in 10-15 minutes before scrubbing.
- If glue won’t budge, scrape with a razor blade then scrub spot with remover.
- Avoid scratching the glass surface when scraping off adhesive residue.
- WD-40 also helps dissolve glue residue. Spray and let sit before wiping.
With some trial and error, you’ll find the right method for tackling those stubborn labels!
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Jar Labels
Getting those pesky labels off glass jars can seem daunting. Here are answers to some common questions on making it easier:
What is the easiest way to get labels off jars?
Soaking jars in hot water is the simplest, most hands-off method. Just submerge them and let the heat work its magic softening the glue. After a good long soak, labels should scrub off easily.
What removes glass jar labels fast?
For speedy removal, using a handheld heat source like a hairdryer or heat gun is fastest. Aiming concentrated heat directly at the label melts the glue quickly so the label peels right off.
What household product removes labels from glass?
Many household products can break down label glue. Hot vinegar or lemon juice soak works. Rubbing alcohol, coconut oil, or WD-40 also help dissolve residue. Goo Gone and other removers work too.
What removes the sticky residue from jars?
Once paper is removed, any remaining gummy adhesive can be scrubbed off with remover sprays. You can also scrape then wipe it away while still warm after heating. Peanut butter is an odd-but-handy residue remover – just coat, let sit, then wipe!
Can you use baking soda to remove labels from jars?
Baking soda doesn’t directly remove labels, but it works great for cleaning off residue. Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to sticky spots, let sit briefly, then scrub away. The abrasiveness helps scrub off remaining glue.
How do you remove etched labels from glass jars?
Etched or baked-on labels require extra effort. Try soaking in hot water to rehydrate and loosen the etched layer. Apply heat or label remover frequently as you slowly peel and scrape off the etching. It takes patience, but it is possible.
What removes glue residue from glass?
Many products dissolve sticky glue, including Goo Gone, WD-40, vinegar, coconut oil, baking soda paste, and label remover sprays. Apply generously, let soak in, then wipe away. Repeated applications may be needed for tough residue.
Get Creative Reusing Your Clean Jars
Once you’ve conquered how to get those pesky labels off glass jars, the fun part comes next – finding creative ways to reuse them! Here are some ideas:
- Store cotton balls, Q-tips, makeup brushes and other bathroom items
- Use for holding utensils and cooking tools like spoons and spatulas
- Craft beautiful candles, flowers or decorative lights inside
- Tidy up clutter like paper clips, push pins, nuts and bolts
- Create fun pencil holders, vases, or organizers out of colored glass
- Upcycle into drinking glasses, vases, or other household items
- Give as crafty gifts filled with baked goods, granola, bath salts or other homemade goodies
The possibilities are endless once you remove labels and reclaim these versatile glass jars. Get the glue off and let your imagination run wild giving them a second life!
Conclusion
Removing labels from glass jars may seem tedious, but it just takes the right techniques. A good hot water soak, heat from a hairdryer, or label remover sprays all help dissolve the adhesive so labels slide right off. For stubborn residue, products like Goo Gone or a baking soda scrub get the job done.
With labels removed, glass jars are blank canvases ready for all kinds of reuse and crafting possibilities. From bathroom storage to drinking glasses to candle holders, they are handy items to repurpose around the home.
Next time you come across some stubborn labeled jars destined for the recycling bin, give them new life! With a little time and elbow grease removing labels, you can transform unwanted jars into useful and decorative items.