Cleaning
The Laziest Way to Get a Sticker Off a Jar Is Also the Most Effective
A true effort-hater's guide to label removal.
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93 Comments
SAS
March 28, 2021
All of that work with the oil to remove a label is not necessary. Simply put the bottle in a bath of water and baking soda overnight or for a few hours. In the morning the label will usually be floating and off of the jar. Any sticky residue can be quickly scraped with a knife or anything with a hard/sharp edge.
tastysweet
March 28, 2021
Sabrina, all I do is spray a little goo be gone. Let it sit for about 2 min. then scrape it off then wash
anne
March 28, 2021
That is as much trouble as anything else. Alcohol. Comes right off. Don't use goo gone. It is a petroleum product and terrible for heath and the environment. It isn't necessary. Pure alcohol is the secret.
tastysweet
March 28, 2021
I understand your concern Anne. Will try the alcohol next time. I keep a spray bottle of it in the bathroom. Will see how it fares.
tastysweet
March 28, 2021
Anne, ok tried the alcohol and didn't work on the plastic lid for my glass container. Put the goo be gone on it, waited for about 10 secs, wiped off clean. Then rinsed it off. No trouble at all.
Seaqueen07
March 16, 2020
Or, run some warm to hot water over the label, and get the first layer off..there will be some leftover, and its ok..then get some "go gone" from any hard ware store, its very inexpensive and very effective, get some old rag and have a little bit of the " go gone" on the corner, rub the label, or what left of, and that's it..all gone..then wash it with soap and warm water, and you are all set.. easy peasy!!!
Martha539
March 15, 2020
Try a hair dryer, a retail trick. Works on virtually any glued label on any surface. Just heat the corner, lift the edge, and slowly keep the hair dryer warming the next section as you pull up gently. Most of the time the entire label with all its adhesive comes off in one piece if you keep warming as you go!
anne
March 14, 2020
Why do people write articles claiming to be The Authority of anything? This is NOT the best way to get a label or sticker off of anything. Rubbing alcohol takes it right off without all the ridiculous soaking and drama. Please.
Snow
March 14, 2020
It's not about label removal, it's about the industrial strength adhesive they use to hold the label to the jar.
I rinse out the jar n lid, crisscross score the label with a paring knife, rub full-strength dish soap on the label and put it in timeout at least overnight. Dawn dish soap seems to pull the goo off too.
Otherwise it's oil on hand, green scrubbies which I also cut into strips and begrudging elbow grease. Then off to the dishwasher.
Yes there are solvents out there but you have to be careful how you dispose of the rags. And at some point, in the garbage truck or at the dump, they coming and poof! fire.
I rinse out the jar n lid, crisscross score the label with a paring knife, rub full-strength dish soap on the label and put it in timeout at least overnight. Dawn dish soap seems to pull the goo off too.
Otherwise it's oil on hand, green scrubbies which I also cut into strips and begrudging elbow grease. Then off to the dishwasher.
Yes there are solvents out there but you have to be careful how you dispose of the rags. And at some point, in the garbage truck or at the dump, they coming and poof! fire.
Frances S.
March 14, 2020
Sounds good as i am also a lazybones and appreciate certain jars or bottles for reuse of various foods or things. Thank you!!
cook34q
March 13, 2020
Instead of oil, and waiting overnight then scrubbing. I have an even easier way.
1st buy or get if you have on hand. A can of regular lighter fluid. Be careful with this stuff - it is very flammable. 1. Get an old rag or a paper towel, pour a small amount of lighter fluid on the rag or paper towel. Next dab the rag/paper towel on the sticker. Let it sit for a short time 1 to2 minutes. The sticker will be easily removed now. Use gloves or wash your hands throughly. Then properly dispose of the rag or paper towel. Steve
1st buy or get if you have on hand. A can of regular lighter fluid. Be careful with this stuff - it is very flammable. 1. Get an old rag or a paper towel, pour a small amount of lighter fluid on the rag or paper towel. Next dab the rag/paper towel on the sticker. Let it sit for a short time 1 to2 minutes. The sticker will be easily removed now. Use gloves or wash your hands throughly. Then properly dispose of the rag or paper towel. Steve
AntoniaJames
March 13, 2020
If this process assumes that one is eventually going to be using a scrubber to get the label off, may I respectfully suggest simply soaking the jar in very hot soapy water overnight, and using a few drops of acetone (nail polish remover for those of you who don't always have a can of acetone on a shelf in your garage) on a Grove Collaborative walnut scrubbing pad or a scruffy bar mop in the morning. That will take any goo right off. (Often after a good soak, the label rubs right off, with no residue.) I do think the oil step is unnecessary. ;o)
mdelgatty
March 12, 2020
Labels are attached with different kinds of glues; I haven't found any one method that works for all of them. For a lot of really sticky glues - not the paper layer so much - peanut butter overnight is the closest I've come...
Glass B.
November 26, 2017
I got better idea! The Laziest Way to Get a Sticker Off a Jar is Also the Most Effective. I'll give a try!
thanks,
Visit this site http://www.elevatedglass.com to get more colorful bottles.
thanks,
Visit this site http://www.elevatedglass.com to get more colorful bottles.
Josh B.
July 29, 2017
Make an alkaline solution using water and the baked baking soda in Food 52's article here: https://food52.com/blog/17934-to-supercharge-the-power-of-your-baking-soda-bake-it
Let the jars soak in the alkaline solution for 30 minutes. Labels slip right off without being damaged (good for saving your favorite wine labels). This way is helpful for if you have hundreds of bottles to clean!
Let the jars soak in the alkaline solution for 30 minutes. Labels slip right off without being damaged (good for saving your favorite wine labels). This way is helpful for if you have hundreds of bottles to clean!
Ignacio T.
April 30, 2017
EUREKA¡ Put a paper napkin over the `impossible´ glue. Give it a few shots of Lighter fluid [Ronsonol, Zippo, etc.]. Rub quickly; lighter fluid is quite volatile. Can use some more. Glue gone for ever!
Urbane T.
March 29, 2017
I make terrariums and sometimes have 40-50 glass vessels to prep at once. My fast and easy method involves hot water, white vinegar, baking soda, and a natural dishwashing liquid (any will do). Supplies most of us have on hand. Simply combine ingredients on one side of the sink. Labels and thrift store price markings usually come right off and a soft cloth and baking soda does the trick *if* there are any stubborn labels. Clean, disinfect, and remove pesky labels all at once. Now, that's my idea of simple.
Fatima A.
March 20, 2017
All u need to do is put water in a large pot and put in the jars with labels , boil for a bit and in no time u will actually see before ur eyes yes, yes the label is sliding off the jar.It's magicical no it's reality when boiling in scalding hot water! PRESTO,FINITO!
By:Fatima Azam
By:Fatima Azam
Noreen K.
March 7, 2017
I just put hot water in the jar and let it sit for about a minute. Then the sticker peels off very easily, no tools or scrubbing needed.
Pat B.
March 3, 2017
The suggested method sounds complicated and long. Goo be Gone is fine for glass, metal and other non-reactive surfaces, but 'eats' into plastic. Best product and method for me: Lighter Fluid (Zippo,Ronsonal or other brand). Squeeze a small amount on label; wait a minute or two, then remove with fingers and rub surface with paper towel. Repeat, if necessary; glue residue, if any, can be removed with a bit of paper towel soaked with lighter fluid. Works on plastic, glass, metal, and paper (book covers, greeting cards, gift boxes, etc.)
Anne
March 3, 2017
Very best way is to fill the glass bottle with boiling water, wait a couple of minutes then the label will peel off in one piece, no residue. Works for wine bottle labels, anyway.
Sara
March 1, 2017
The easiest way I've found is to use a heat gun that is made for rubber stamping projects. Slowly heat the label until it is warm & the label will peel right off. Try to heat all around the label evenly.
Gary
March 1, 2017
I'm with Craig. WD-40 works amazingly well. I spray a bit on a paper towel to limit the collateral damage (don't want WD-40 all over the counter) and zip zop zooey, the label and all the goo is gone! A little bit of soap to get rid of the smell and you are all set
Anne-Marie
March 1, 2017
As much as I hate the smell, Skin-so-Soft works exceptionally well - no soaking necessary. Goo Gone is another awesome product with an oddly pleasant industrial orange scent. TSP does work, but can leave the glass cloudy. I've actually left out the oil and just soaked a jar and been as successful in removal.
Joe
March 1, 2017
I haven't seen glass discoloration with TSP but the majority of my experience was removing labels from colored glass. We would also use a solution of citric acid to neutralize the TSP although white vinegar would yield the same result.
Anne-Marie
March 2, 2017
Great suggestion, thanks! I have a big house painting project coming up and usually have issues with the TSP on windows (just HAD to have an old house with painted sashes and fancy junk, ha, ha). We normally use a bucket of clear water, but that doesn't always rinse well enough.
Joe
March 1, 2017
I probably have more experience removing labels than anyone on the planet...although, Trump would argue that no one removes labels better than he does. I worked for a winery that was clueless about custom label projects. For 2 years straight I peeled more labels off of bottles than I applied. 10's of thousands of cases worth. You can buy a product called TSP (tri sodium phosphate) at any department store or on amazon. It has dozens of household uses and even works better than other products for clearing your drains. It's inexpensive and safe. It will remove any paper label cleanly with a quick soak in solution.
daisybrain
March 1, 2017
Why are we removing labels from jars? Can't you reuse it with the label on? I do.
Carmen D.
March 1, 2017
Well sure, you can leave the labels on if you want to. But, if you're using them for some craft project or whatever and you don't like the label, it's nice to have a fast way of getting rid of it.
Valerie T.
March 1, 2017
If you use a dishwasher, the labels come off in there and gum up the works.
Annette
March 1, 2017
If you like to save plastic produce containers (I do for giving the neighbor cookies, etc...) place the plastic side opposite of the label under hot water and peel the label off. (Not the side with the label)
Bonnie
March 1, 2017
Thanks, I'll try that. I'd like an equally easy way to remove stickers from books.
Smith J.
February 28, 2017
All you need to remove any label from a glass jar is a Stainless Steel Scourer
and hot water - takes 30 seconds to remove !!!
and hot water - takes 30 seconds to remove !!!
Ignacio T.
February 28, 2017
Billions of ways to do it.
¿What about the plastic labels on hard liquor bottles? I use them for Limoncello, Mandarinello and a few more I make at home. Thanks in advance. If your method works easy I might send you the Limoncello recipe . I´m a bit lazy too.
¿What about the plastic labels on hard liquor bottles? I use them for Limoncello, Mandarinello and a few more I make at home. Thanks in advance. If your method works easy I might send you the Limoncello recipe . I´m a bit lazy too.
Karen G.
February 28, 2017
I use rubbing alcohol or citrisol solvent which makes taking off labels so easy and it's a plant based product.
Carmen D.
February 28, 2017
I'm with ya sister! We lazybones gotta stick together, right? This sounds like a great idea. Anything that includes steps I get to sleep through is A-ok by me! Will have to try it out the next time I have a jar worth saving.
R
February 28, 2017
Try a little "Nose Grease" to remove label residue. Great for book price stickers, doesn't damage the cover. And it's free.
carol
February 28, 2017
LOVE the label removing process! Oil, soak, scrubby off! Perfect. Totally non-toxic! Thanks
Susan
February 28, 2017
Jeff is right - using a hair dryer is the easiest way to have the label literally peel itself off!
quinn
February 28, 2017
I use to re-sterilize used wine bottles for Industry. Trick is find a dish soap with "Surfactants" this dives under the label/dirt and lifts it. Soak overnight and done....
stlheadake
March 4, 2017
I home brew beer, and reuse commercial bottles. The hands down easiest way to remove labels is to soak the bottles overnight in hot water with dish washer detergent in it.
Labels fall off and the little gum residue scrubs off easily with my plate scrubber.
Labels fall off and the little gum residue scrubs off easily with my plate scrubber.
yvette
February 28, 2017
I always rub a little Dawn dishwashing liquid on it, let it sit for a few minutes and it comes right off. Good luck all!
Valerie T.
February 28, 2017
I discovered that those orange oil based sprays for bathroom deodorizing have the same ingredients as the stuff you can buy to take labels off. So if you already use the bathroom spray, just spray the label, kind of rub it in, wait a bit, and the label and glue come right off.
Rob
February 28, 2017
You can also try a hair dryer. I set one to high and run it over the lables. Use your finger nail to start and then just carefully pull it off. Works on most lables.
Momoko
February 28, 2017
Any good way to remove wine labels from the bottle that I want to keep? Those commercial label lifters simply don't work too well.
Khoi B.
February 28, 2017
I've removed countless labels from wine bottles. Put the label under running (or dripping to save water) hot water for a few minutes. The water should wet, permeate and get between the label and the glass. Use your fingernail (or a sharp knife) to lift one corner and peel it off. All this while under the dripping hot water.
Christine
February 27, 2017
Now if only there was a lazy bones method for getting stubborn stickers off books (and other items that aren't soak-able...). Tips, anyone?
Anastasia L.
February 27, 2017
Lighter fluid, a scraper, and a paper towel or rag. Seriously. Soak the sticker in lighter fluid, wait a moment, then scrape and remove the rest of the residue with a cloth. The lighter fluid disbonds the glue, and the oily looking stain evaporates. It also takes off surface dirt.
My first job in college was cleaning books. Try not to get high while cleaning, and any truly damaged areas can be covered with a sticker that says "this is a quality used book."
My first job in college was cleaning books. Try not to get high while cleaning, and any truly damaged areas can be covered with a sticker that says "this is a quality used book."
Carol M.
February 25, 2017
Once the outer layer comes off wit a little warm water, just use the sticky side of tape. Painters tape works great. Just press the tape to the adhesive and pull it off. It make take a couple of tries, but there is no chemical or oily mess.
amysarah
February 25, 2017
If soaking doesn’t do the trick, I use acetone (rubber/paper cement solvent, aka nail polish remover, but not the non-acetone variety.) Also, ‘Pik-ups’ – made to remove rubber cement and spray mount from paper, but usually work on hard surfaces too. Good for removing the rubbery residue even acetone leaves. I’d guess most people don’t have one lying around - sold at any decent art/drafting supply shop: https://www.amazon.com/Darice-10304-Pik-Up-Rubber-Cement/dp/B0028D8FGI/ref=sr_1_2?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1488027122&sr=1-2&keywords=rubber+cement+pickup
isw
February 25, 2017
Fill jar with water to somewhat over the area of the label. Nuke (no lid!) to get water up to about 150 F. Wait two minutes, and peel label off.
Sally W.
February 25, 2017
THAT IS NOT HOW I SAID THIS: The only way you can get the bottle out of the microwave is to put the lid back on before you try to take the jar out.
Alan S.
February 24, 2017
Back when I bottled my own beer, and overnight soak in ammonia and water took the labels with no problem. Well no problems except the ammonia aroma.
AntoniaJames
February 24, 2017
Or, soak for an hour or two in very hot water (or overnight), peel the paper off, and rub gently -- if necessary, because many will come off with just a bit of time in hot water and perhaps a touch of dishwashing soap -- with acetone, which many people own either for home improvement projects / maintenance, or in a bottle labeled "nail polish remover". Works like a charm, every time, at least in my experience. Have you tried that, Amanda? ;o)
Smaug
February 24, 2017
There are various glues used, but the water soluble varieties are mostly out of favor. If you do a lot of this it might be worth experimenting with things like alcohol, lacquer thinner, xylene- maybe mineral spirits, though that could be more difficult to remove.
Lucie B.
February 24, 2017
My trick might not be perfectly green...But it was used by my grand mother and then my mother and it is the more efficient I have ever tried in my 50 years of life: lighter fluid in a paper towel, and a little bit on the label all the glue will come off pretty quick.As I said not the "greenest" but the most efficient.
Smaug
February 24, 2017
All labels don't use the same glue, but easily water soluble glues are mostly out of favor. I haven't really experimented much, but alternative solvents are available; alcohol, lacquer thinner and xylene are good possibilities; maybe mineral spirits, but that would be more difficult to remove. If you do a lot of this, I would think it would be worth looking into.
dyanne
February 24, 2017
The adorable little Bonne Maman jelly jars don't even need oil to remove the labels. A 15m soak in hot water does the trick. I feel so cute and French when I make vinaigrette in them!
Jeanelle
February 24, 2017
I've done something similarly lazy, with familiar (basically free) ingredients. Soak in warm water overnight, peel off label, sprinkle baking soda on the remaining sticky bits, use the scrubby part of a sponge to wipe off the sticky bits. The end, all done! I am mega lazy and this tactic always brings me joy.
dyanne
February 24, 2017
my 20yo daughter calls it "strategic laziness" and marvels that I find effortless ways of doing previously labor-intensive tasks. I call it "efficiency" and have always maintained that if I can grow kids that are efficient and effective -- after, of course, ensuring they know they are loved -- they'll have better adulthood than kids whose parents stressed "happiness." I hope you're passing your top-notch strategies down to the younger people in your life :)
Sally W.
February 24, 2017
THIS IS WHAT I DO, AND IT IS GREAT WITH THE LITTLE MEDICINE BOTTLES!! Fill the jar with hot water just above the label. Put the jar in the microwave but********NO LID ON IT!!!>>>>>>>Set for 45 sec to 60 sec. and it will boil. Open microwave and put the lid on. Take out and let it sit for 5 minutes or so. (test an edge to see if the label is ready to peel off) Always use 2 hand to slowly pull the label off. IT WILL PEEL OFF LIKE MAGIC AND LEAVE NO GLUE THE LITTLE GOLD MEDICINE BOTTLES WORK GREAT WITH THIS.
bklyncook
February 24, 2017
I like your style Lazybones ! Will give this a go on some new jars and old ones that still have glue attached...
bellw67
February 24, 2017
Empty jars are our friends, labels are not! I'm trying this after I pick the label pickins' out of my dishwasher.
Sally W.
February 24, 2017
I don't know if it will take off old glue alone. Never tried that. But this in the microwave works great. Just remember no lid on it..until you take it out. It's usually so hot you can't take it our without the lid on it. The first time I did it on the plastic medicine bottle and no glue left on it..I WAS AMAZED. HOPE YOU GUYS HAVE LUCK. DON'T PULL THE LABEL OFF BY ONE CORNER!! JUST PULL A TINY TINY BIT TO SEE IF IT IS READY. Then two hands pulling...not one cause it'll rip. let me know if you do this.
zelda
February 28, 2017
If you are artistic, save those little medicine bottles for leftover paint or watercolors.
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