How to Remove Labels from Glass Jars and Plastic Containers

My friend Jami has another tip to share with us. Thanks, Jami!

I like to save and ‘use for my own purposes’ jars and containers. Some of my favorite saves are:

• Spice shaker jars to refill with bulk spices. And large plastic spice shaker containers for homemade cleaners.
• Glass syrup jars. These are wide and narrow, fitting into spaces nicely.
• Glass condiment jars with pour and/or shake lids.
• Glass bottles, wine bottles or whatever I find just for fun and decorating.

To remove the labels, use water for the paper and oil for the gum/adhesive.

With thin paper labels you can simple rub any ‘safe’ oil (I use grapeseed oil) on the label and allow it to soak in. I put my finger over the oil bottle and flip, then rub the label, repeat until the label is covered. Come back later that day and using a knife (butter will do) scrape the label and goo off. For any residue use a non-stick green kitchen scrub pad with soap and scrub/wash off the oil and stubborn adhesive residue at the same time.

With most labels the paper will be thicker, so before the oil treatment use water to remove the bulk of paper as the oil needs to reach the adhesive to start breaking it down. You may stick your container into the dish washer to remove the paper or fill it with water to hold it down into a sink or bowl of water to soak for a good while, at least an hour. The paper part of the label will come off easy with your fingers or knife – then you may continue with the oil process to remove the adhesive.

Any stubborn labels will come off, just repeat the process allowing more time for the water/oil to do it’s magic. I just leave mine for most of the day insuring they will give me no troubles when the time for scrapping comes.

I wish I would have gotten a Mrs. Butterworth’s bottle before they went plastic. Oh, well… Have fun collecting and re-using your favorite bottles – jars – containers today!

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