Tip: Removing Labels from Jars
Archived on 10/01/2009
Reusing jars from commercial foods is a great way to save money. There are products on the market, like Goo Gone, that are advertised to remove labels. Don't use these (often expensive) products to remove the labels from jars that you are going to reuse for food purposes. The products are highly toxic and hard to wash off. Instead, soak the jars in hot water for a while (half an hour is usually sufficient), and then use regular vegetable oil to break up the glue that is holding on the commercial label. Then wash with good, soapy water. Yay! Safe, label-free jars for reusing!
By countessj from Anchorage, AK
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RE: Removing Labels from Jars
Good reminder, have been using vegetable oil for years to remove jar labels. (08/07/2009)
By MCW
RE: Removing Labels from Jars
I read somewhere that you can use mayonnaise. (08/09/2009)
By GryphonLady
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Request: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Archived on 08/04/2009
We're trying to remove some labels from bottles in order to start a collection, but it seems the glue and the labels are not made like they used to be. I've soaked them for an hour submerged in hot water, but it's not working. Would anyone have any solutions that maybe I could put in the water to loosen the glue?
Laura
Feedback:
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Soaking in water might remove the paper (you can scrape with a butter knife) and leave the glue behind. Not all glues are water soluble. Nail polish remover works on most glues that aren't touched by water.
Sometimes, we will use baking soda to scrub off the last of the glue.
These tips are for glass only. (12/19/2004)
By beanygurl
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Try using lighter fuel. Use on a dry cloth, or some kitchen paper. (12/19/2004)
By Veronica
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
I remove labels from bottles and jars quite frequently. What I do is fill the container you want to remove a label from, with very hot water put the cap on it and let it soak in very hot water for an hour or so. This works for me every time. (12/19/2004)
By Clara
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Cooking oil works on some but as a last resort, try "Goof Off". It`s great for all kinds of labels plus other uses. Most Walmart stores sell it. (12/19/2004)
By Marian.
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
WD-40 is the easiest way to remove any sticky stickers or residue! Any oil, spray cooking oil, baby oil, etc. will work but WD-40 works the best. This comes in small cans in the hardware section of a store. I keep one handy under the kitchen sink. (12/19/2004)
By Carol
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
There is a product called Goo Gone which removes sticky labels. I've seen it in both craft stores and supermarkets.
LI Roe (12/19/2004)
By LI Roe
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
I soak them in hot water until I can peel off the label. Then, put them back in hot water and let them soak for awhile. Use the back edge of a regular knife and scrape off the glue. Rinse and you're done. (12/19/2004)
By Judy
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Oh, honey my grandmother gave me the secret to removing labels years ago, it's plain old rubbing alcohol, just put some on a cotton ball or rag and start rubbing. Now some labels are harder than others but if rubbing alcohol won't do it, I don't think anything will . Good luck. (12/19/2004)
By Petey1
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Use a blow dryer to get the labels off and the glue should come off with the label. If not, try Goo Gone. (12/19/2004)
By bettybop
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
I do this thousands of times each year (home wine maker). The safest way is to soak in hot water for a few hours. Ideally use a 10gal + container that you can boil water in on a propane burner, fill bottles & kettle with hot water & bring to boil, let boil 30+ minutes (this all but destroys the paper + near disolves the glue). Take out bottles by hand wearing heavy leather gloves. Use a green plastic abrasive cloth (Scotch Brite) to wipe off glue residue. Have friend with a towel dry each bottle immediately. Never put room temp bottles into boiling water!!! They can explode. Sometimes the label is the key part of a bottle for rareaty & value (I also collect rare / unique bottles) so you might not want to take the labels off of old ones. (12/19/2004)
By Eric
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
"Goo Be Gone" found in any hardware or even large grocery store. (12/19/2004)
By Cavelady
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Goo Gone and De-Solv- it , both work.You can call 800-877-7771 Orange-Sol to see where it can be obtained close to you. Before our daughter gave my husband a huge container of Goo Gone, I used De-Solv- it all the time, I hope they still make it.100% organic,citrus based, biodegradable,no harsh chemicals or solvents.It came in a spray bottle.I bought it at the grocery store.Good on all sorts of surfaces. Works on tree sap,clothing,paints & lacqures, tar,adhesive residue,crayon marks,bumper stickers,many,many others. Good Luck, Great Granny Vi (12/19/2004)
By Great Granny Vi
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Fill with boiling water and let sit for a few minutes until the bottle or jar is cool enough to touch and peel off the label. (12/20/2004)
By jlxian
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Thanks so much for the ideas. What I want to do is to save the labels, not the bottles, LOL! Will Goo Gone disintegrate them? It's sure is nice to know that I have things right here that will do the job, though....nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, lighter fluid. If you wished to save the labels, what would be the best way to go about it? Sorry I didn't make myself more clear. (12/20/2004)
By missyclare
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
With todays cleaning solutions, I have found the Mr. Clean erasers work get and take no time to use. this works great on the bathtub, and picture frames. My house is never without one. (12/20/2004)
By Kelli Partin
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
I use Goo Gone. It takes off glue instantly. When I take a price tag off something from the store, there is that black, smeary, gooey gunk...this works like magic. It also works on crayon marks and is great for pre-washing on your clothes such as lipstick. It's from Magic American Corporation (1-800-255-3924) It runs around $2.00 a bottlle. It will last the rest of your lifetime. (12/21/2004)
By Maryanne
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
The boiling water trick I mentioned in my previous post loosens the glue and this should allow you to peel the label off intact. (12/22/2004)
By jlxian
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
coconut oil (Palmer's makes a spray), PAM, have both worked for me w/out messing up the surface.
Orange Oil works well and actual orange peels, too, use the outside of the peel, rub seriously and it should clean up whatever's stuck. (12/22/2004)
By tangledupinblue
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
After I submerged my bottle in very hot water, the paper label came off, but the stubborn glue was left behind. I tried nail polish remover and a brillo pad, but nothing was taking it off. After the bottle (and glue) dried, I took a piece of clear packing tape, (not scotch tape) placed it on top of the glue, and very slowly lifted the tape off. To my surprise, the glue came off. When most of the glue was lifted, all I had to do, was use a little more tape, to clean up some of the little spots of glue. Duck tape may also do well . Hope this helps. (02/17/2005)
By msmarple1960
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Rubbing alcohol works on most residues. If that fails try white spirit brush cleaner, but make sure you wash the jars thoroughly afterwards if for storing preserves. (01/15/2006)
By Alan (Guest post)
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
I'm not sure if anyone suggested this above but WD-40 will take all glues off of most surfaces. Make sure you use paper towel for this and wipe the bottle with windex after to get the greasy residue off. (02/01/2006)
By Kerrie
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Commercial peanut butter has much oil in it and always removes labels for me. And its usually around the house. (03/09/2006)
By Joan in CT.
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Thank you, thank you for all these tips. I just bought a plastic storage case for beads that had a huge label on it. When I started peeling I knew I was in trouble. The old glue wasn't even sticky anymore, just hard. I knew alcohol, nail polish, & warm water would not work, cause I've tried those before. So I tried your other tips. WD40 softened the glue and made it sticky. With a paper towel it swirled around and much of it came off. Then I tried the packing tape. Got more of it off. Then I tried warm water and soap. Removed a bit more and the WD40. Peanut oil did the rest. Took me 10 minutes, where the alcohol routine would have taken 1/2 hr and much scraping and swearing. Thanks again. (11/10/2006)
By Susette
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Thanks for all your help. As a new home brewer I tried most things. Someone here offered the suggestion of Cloudy Ammonia, soaked old beer stubbies in 50/50 solution and bingo , clean as a new borns bottom.
Thanks again (05/01/2007)
By Soma
RE: How do you remove stuck-on labels from clothes?
I bought a blouse and it has a "size" label stuck on the front and I have tried putting in the freezer, but I just can't get it off without leaving the glue on the shirt. HELP!!!! (05/27/2007)
By shirley smith
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Thank you very much. The wd40 worked like a charm! (06/27/2007)
By
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Hot water will remove the label. To remove the glue, freeze the bottle, this will harden the glue, then while the bottle is cold remove glue with an abrasive, i use steel wool. this works well on tough glue and is quick and easy. I've tried most of the things above and they don't work well. (07/08/2007)
By Mr Magoo
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Goo Gone!!! You'll find it's just what you're looking for! (07/14/2007)
By Hannah H.
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
This link might be helpful:
http://www.americanbreweriana.org/labels/soaking.htm (10/28/2007)
By Alli
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
For liquor rebates, using clear tape, cover the UPC code area. Then hold the UPC code area close to a steaming teakettle for a couple minutes, then peel from the top using a sharp paring knife. The whole code will peel right off. (11/15/2007)
By Beverly
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Saliva. I know it sounds nasty, but if you lick your finger and put it over the glue on a bottle, the enzymes and acids in your saliva will break down the glue. I knew biology class in highschool would come in handy one day. (12/25/2007)
By ToXiK
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
It sounds like the original point here was to preserve the label, not the bottle. There is a product specifically for removing and preserving wine labels. I have not tried it myself but intend to. Here is a link to one source- there may be many others:
http://thewineestablishment.com/a.py/shop_results?keyPhrase=Accessories&Search=search
This link did not work directly from my preview, so you willhave to paste it together in you browser, or just start from the home page- sorry. It's a long page, so just keep scrolling. or do a find on 'Label Lifter' (03/15/2008)
By guest
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Didn't read all the entries, so maybe it's been mentioned, but I just had to remove label glue from 25 bottles for a project and mineral turpentine was the quickest, easiest thing I tried. Came straight off. (04/06/2008)
By Malinda
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
I did a search and came up with this thread because I was having trouble removing the residue left from trying to remove a label from a bottle. I tried the saliva trick and it worked like magic! (07/18/2008)
By Samantha
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
The saliva thing worked instantly to remove labels from glass bottles (09/23/2008)
By it worked
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Use TSP power found at your hardware store. Mix with cool water and soak your bottle for 10 minutes and the label will slip off. Sooo easy! (12/23/2008)
By Mr Moose
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Nail Polisher Remover! (01/10/2009)
By B
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
My friend just gave me the secret to label removal! Fill the glass bottle with the hottest tap water possible. While the glass warms up, boil some water in a kettle. After its boiled, empty the hot tap water from the bottle and fill it with the even hotter, freshly boiled water. (Heating up the glass gradually like this prevents breakage). Then, just carefully peel off the label. It works like a charm - I tried soaking the label, saliva, oil, rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover before this, and they all left a film of sticky, stubborn glue behind and destroyed the label. Using this method, the label just peeled off whole and easily, without leaving any glue behind. Enjoy! (01/22/2009)
By Aimee
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
Use a hair dryer. This removes labels from everything. Direct hairdryer heat to label and slowly pull from a corner. Fingers get a little warm so you have to pull the hairdryer away from label for a few seconds and then resume. Works like a charm every time. (02/01/2009)
By Marcia
RE: How do you remove labels from bottles?
I have used Wall Paper remover solution mixed and put into an all purpose household spray bottle. Spray the solution all over the label area and allow to soak for about 10 minutes. Label will peel right off effortlessly! (02/08/2009)
By DebbiMom53
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Request: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Archived on 08/04/2009
I need a cheap, inexpensive way to remove labels and the glue from baby food jars. Thanks in advance.
kmcl59 from Pensacola, FL
Feedback:
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and CansSoak in hot water, scrape with dull side of butter knife, then use nail polish remover on any residue. Use caution with plastic as the scraping and nail polish remover may damage it.
Good luck!
By beanygurl
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and CansW-D 40 or peanut butter will usually work once you get the label off, either one will usually remove the leftover gunk!&
By (Guest Post)
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
I usually peel labels under hot running water. Hot as I can stand. Then if any residue is left I use rubbing alcohol to remove it. Works every time.
By klr2080
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
I've always used Goo Gone. If it's a tough cookie, I let the label soak with Goo Gone on it. Never had a problem getting a label off.
By Meari (Guest Post)
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Lighter fluid, works every time!
P>By sashya1982
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
I always just soak the jars in the dishwater after doing the dishes, leave them for about 1/2 hour and I come back to find most of it off. Warmer water helps loosen the glue. I'm not one to try toxic anything. I have had great luck with this.
By Diamondee
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
I recently heard that mineral oil works to remove labels, but I haven't tried it yet.
By Peggy (Guest Post)
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
I always use peanut butter. Spread peanut butter on the spot, leave it for an hour, then wipe it off with a napkin. The oil from the peanut butter makes the gooey stuff come off! I use it on the glass of picture frames all the time.
By Michelle (Guest Post)
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and CansLighter fluid works well with really hot water, and if that doesn't take it off, then throw the bugger AWAY! Life is too short to struggle over hard to remove labels! There will be many more cans and jars coming into your life for which the label will practically slide right off, save your valuable time and energy for those. :)
By DarWeen in Ga, USA (Guest Post)
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and CansI've removed them WD-40.
By Beth (Guest Post)
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and CansWe use regular cooking oil. After soaking in dishwater and use knife to get as much off as possible. Then after it dries use the cooking oil and paper towels. Works great. Just put oil on the paper towel and wipe.
By Dgrams
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and CansSometimes finger nail polish remover works.
By MB in WY (Guest Post) RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
You need to score the surface of the label to allow water to penetrate - a knife or similar will do the job - then soak in hot water to remove the paper component. Then apply label remover to the residue AND LEAVE TO WORK for 15 minutes. Repeat the scoring and scraping and label remover if it doesn't all come off first time. Regards
By Jo
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
I keep a seam ripper right by my kitchen sink so when I use canned goods I just slip the seam ripper under the label and slice it off.
By Diane
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
I soak jars in hot vinegar water and then scrap off label. Then tried veg oil on paper towel to remove residue. Works well on glass jars but, not so well on plastic.
By Linda (Guest Post)
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Today, 3/09/06 I read this helpful post on how to remove the sticky stuff from labels, from a surface. My label sticky stuff was on a new outside polly/fiberglass door and I had tried paint thinner, alcohol, nail polish remover, orange cleaner and others with not much luck.
After reading these posts I tried WD40 and it worked like a champ! End of story. Thanks!
By Bill in FL (Guest Post)
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
My husband makes homemade wine, and everyone saves their wine bottles for him to recycle. He fills the kitchen sink with HOT water and dish washing liquid (like Dawn), lets them soak overnight, and then scrubs them with a plastic net scrubby. Occasionally, there is a glue residue which he sprays with Pam, lets sit about 15 minutes, and then removes with the scrubby.
By jean (Guest Post)
By ThriftyFun
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Have you tried peanut butter ? (04/27/2006)
By Kim, TX
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Look in the phone book for a Shaklee sales person. Shaklee Basic H works wonders on EVERYTHING! (04/27/2006)
By glowgirl
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
I don't have too much problem removing labels from glass jars. I just fill the jar with water and then set down inside of another container filled with hot water....just let it set that way over night and many times doesn't even take that long. Usually the label just comes right off. For any glue residue I use Goo be Gone. (04/27/2006)
By Debbie52
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Two words: hair dryer. I use it all the time to remove labels. Just heat the label with the hair dryer and it will peel right off unless it is a water based glue, in which case soaking works well. (04/29/2006)
By Pat
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
For glass jars, I find putting them through the dishwasher is a very simple, effective and non-messy way to remove all traces of the label, and it avoids having to wash the jar out as well! It helps to pull off the outer shiny surface of the label first, leaving the white papery layer for the dishwasher to remove.
Editor's Note: This works well but make sure to check the filters at the bottom of the dishwasher after the load to remove any labels that may be stuck to the filters. (12/08/2006)
By Tim in the UK!
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Try Cloudy Ammonia. Worked wonders for me (05/01/2007)
By Soma
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Thanks for all the great tips here! I have a ton of old prescription bottles I'm trying to recycle/reuse, and some had really stubborn glue underneath the label that hot soap and water wasn't touching. I tried 3 of the suggestions here:
1) Rubbing Alcohol (did absolutely nothing for me)
2) WD-40 (may have done something but was so stinky and toxic I didn't want to have to handle it afterward and ended up discarding the bottle entirely) ...., and
3) Peanut Butter - WINNER, Hands Down - TY!! (07/15/2007)
By Jayna
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Hi, I just soak them overnight in a basin of soapy water. Works fine.
(07/15/2007)
By Ann S
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Soak overnight in warm water, with or without soap. If you're in a rush, just let it sit there in very hot water for a few minutes to soften the glue. Either way, the next step is to use a butter knife to scrape off the label and glue. remove any leftover glue on the jar with a steel wool pad, like brillo or s.o.s. - or even with "un-soaped" plain ol' steel wool from the hardware store. Happy label removing from Brooklyn! (07/20/2007)
By Dana
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
I have worked for about an hour and a half trying to get a left over candle out of a jar and it is hard. Now I have the labels to try to get off. The jar is very large and pretty but the hot water is not working and in the bottom I find a lump of very hardened glue that I can't get out. What do I do next? I would be afraid to put this in the dish washer.
Editor's Note: You could try using some dishwasher detergent, a tablespoon or two and then fill your sink with hot water. Soak the jar in that. Hopefully it will loosen the glue and the labels. (11/17/2007)
By Leigha
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Hi, I tried all the other things and ended up in a mess on this one. My daughter said said throw that jar away and go to the Dollar store. Determined not to give up I found some Desolve_It citrus solution in my laundry room and it worked in seconds, Perfectly. Hope this helps everyone! God Bless! (11/17/2007)
By Leigha
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
The best way to get rid of glue on jars is to use acetone (nail polish remover). You have to use enough to get the glue wet and it will completely dissolve and can be wiped off or else scrubbed off with steel wool.
If you don't like using chemicals, you can use steel wool with soap and hot water to scrub the glue off the jar. Just be careful not to let the glass slip out of your hands. I recently cut my finger really badly (tendons and nerves) while hand-washing a glass that fell and broke. I'm not sure if my pinkie will fully recover after the surgery and physiotherapy. (12/11/2007)
By spikehead
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
The peanut butter and steel wool was the best! Thanks so much!
(12/20/2007)
By Liz
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Eucalyptus Oil and Steel Wool (curly girl), then rinse with soapy water and rinse with clean water. (01/13/2008)
By Wendy
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Haha, I was trying to get some really stubborn stuff off my jars. Usually they come off easily after a soak in boiling water. Then I decided to search for ideas and found this page. Tried the peanut butter and steel wool. It works! Who would have thought, lol. (01/13/2008)
By
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
I've found that apple cider vinegar is one of the greatest natural and inexpensive glue removers. I've not only used it to remove labels, but also when refinishing furniture, it helps dissolve the old glue in the joints of each piece. Check out a vinegar Book, it has many uses. (07/01/2008)
By Granny in Arkansas
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Simple Green works! (08/04/2008)
By Jaime
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Go the peanut butter! Works a treat but can be a wee bit stinky. Suggest you use gloves - on both hands! :-) (09/24/2008)
By Mrs Riley
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Pour very hot water in the jar. The label will come off within minutes. (09/25/2008)
By Liz
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
I have just tried apple cider vinegar and it worked for most. On one jar, the glue did not come off. I will try peanut butter. Thanks for all your tips. (12/01/2008)
By Colin in Oz
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
I soaked a jar in soapy water all day. Nada. Just now tried vinegar and water and it came right off! Fantastic and I didn't have to waste any precious peanut butter. (12/18/2008)
By lt in ut
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Peel label off dry, then off with water, put in freezer, remove after 10 minutes, scrape off glue with butter knife. (12/26/2008)
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
For the really sticky, not water soluble glue. Fill jar or bottle with hot tap water, heat in the microwave for 10 seconds for one to two ounces, increase time accordingly for larger containers, just long enough to bring water to approx 200 degrees. The label should peel right off, leaving the glue on the container. Use Gasoline to remove the glue easily. Got a lawn mower but no gas in the gas can? Dip a paper towel into the mower gas tank, maybe there is a little left over. (01/01/2009)
By George
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
After removing the paper element of the label by soaking in hot water the gooey residue can be easily removed by wiping with a cloth dampened with paraffin be sure to avoid any paraffin coming into contact with the inside of the jar. Wsh the jar thoroughly with washing up liquid after. This method probably best used where future use of container is not connected with food or drink. (01/09/2009)
By Rob
RE: Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Well I tried 4 of these methods. 1. Peanut butter 2.Vinegar 3. hot water in the microwave and 4. the freezer. The winner is the PEANUT BUTTER! All the others were far less effective for me. I just used an old scubby sponge and let the jar sit in hot water for a minute, then applied the PB and scrubbed off. I hope it works as easily for the next person. (02/26/2009)
By Jennifer
Removing Labels from Jars and Cans
Removing Sticky Label residue glue.
1. Remove paper part of label by soaking jar in warm water for a few minutes.
2. Then peel or scrape off the paper part of the label.
3. Apply some a dab of peanut butter onto a napkin and smear a thin coat over the residual glue. Let stand for ten minutes or so.
4. Remove glue with a wet piece of steel wool. (06/27/2009)
By cycle3man
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