How to Remove a Jar Label

Co-authored by April Jordan

Last Updated: November 14, 2024 Approved

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Many people like to reuse glass jars for storage and craft projects. Unfortunately, many of these jars come with stubborn, pesky labels that are difficult to remove. They often leave behind bits of paper and glue residue that no amount of water and scrubbing can remove. Fortunately, removing jar labels is simple, but there's a trick to removing the residue as well!

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Using White Vinegar

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The water needs to be deep enough to completely submerge your jar. If you remove the label from more than one jar, the water needs to be deep enough to cover the largest jar. The hotter the water, the better it will dissolve the glue under the label.^{[1]
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If you can't find any dish soap, you can also use ordinary hand soap. This will help loosen the label and make it easier to remove.

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White vinegar is somewhat acidic, which will help dissolve the glue holding the label to the jar. It will make removing the label and residue easier.^{[2]
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Take the lids off the jars, and lay them down on their sides so that they fill with water and sink to the bottom.
The longer you wait, the more time the vinegar will have to dissolve the glue under the label. About 30 minutes should be plenty for stubborn labels, but you can check your jars after 10 minutes.
It should slide off easily. If you get any residue, try to scrape it off using a scrubby sponge.
Once the label is off, rinse the jar off, and dry it using a clean towel. Your jar is now ready to use!

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Using Nail Polish Remover

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1
Remove as much of the label as possible first. If the label is too difficult to peel off, soak the jar in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes, then peel the label off. You will have some residue, but that is fine.^{[3]
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- Avoid using nail polish remover or acetone if your jar is made from plastic. They may distort or discolor the jar. Rubbing alcohol may be safely substituted but it may not be very effective.
^{[4]
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Research source} If the residue is only minimal, you can use a paper towel. If there is a lot of residues, stick with a scrubby sponge. Acetone will also work for this method. Rubbing alcohol may work, but it will not be as effective as nail polish remover or acetone; it is best reserved for light residue.
The chemicals in the nail polish remover or acetone will dissolve any glue and make it easier to scrub off. You may have to reapply the nail polish remover or acetone.
This is especially necessary if you plan on using your jar for food storage. Once the jar is clean, pat it dry with a clean towel and use it for your project.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Using Oil and Baking Soda

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If the label is stuck firmly to the jar, soak the jar in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, then peel the label off. You will likely have lots of paper and/or glue residue left over, which is fine.^{[5]
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Mix equal parts of baking soda and oil. You can use any cooking oil, such as canola oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil.^{[6]
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Research source} Baby oil will also work in a pinch.
- For a small-sized jar, you will need about 1 tablespoon of each.^{[7]
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- Plain olive oil may work for light, glue reside.^{[8]
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  Research source} You will need the abrasive baking soda if there is paper, however.
Focus on the areas that have the most residue. You can rub it on using your fingers, a paper towel, or even a cloth.
^{[9]
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Research source} During this time, the oil will penetrate any glue residue and dissolve it. It will make it easier to remove later on.
^{[11]
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Research source} Rub the paste using small, circular motions. This will allow the baking soda to scrub off any glue or paper residue.
If you see any residue, you can wipe it off using a paper towel and a few drops of oil.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Using a Hairdryer

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Keep in mind that some people have had mixed results with this method. It only works if your hairdryer can get very hot and if the label is not that stubborn to remove.^{[12]
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The heat of the hair dryer will make the glue dry out and turn brittle. This will make the label easier to peel off.
If needed, use your fingernail or a razor blade to help peel the label off. If it doesn't peel off easily, heat the label for another 45 seconds, then try it again.^{[13]
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Put a few drops of olive oil into a paper towel, and gently rub any residue spots away.^{[14]
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Research source} Wash the jar using warm, soapy water to get rid of the oil, then pat it dry with a clean towel.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Using Washing Soda

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Make sure that the water is deep enough to completely submerge your jar on its side. If you are removing the label from multiple jars, make sure that the water is deep enough to completely submerge the largest jar.
Swish the water with your hand to help it dissolve.^{[15]
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Let the water get inside the jar so that it weighs it down.^{[16]
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Research source} You don't have to wait exactly 30 minutes, but you have to wait long enough for the water to soak the label and dissolve the glue.
The label should slide off easily. If you see any residue, try to rub it off with your finger first. If it doesn't come off easily, move on to the next step.
If there is any residue, put some washing soda onto a scrubby sponge, and gently buff the residue.
Your jar will be clean, but there might be some washing soda residue on it. Once you have the label off, rinse the jar using clean water, and then pat it dry with a towel.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I use a recycled glass jar?

April Jordan
Sustainability Specialist
April Jordan is a Sustainability Specialist and the Founder of The Ethical Edit, a blog dedicated to making ethical fashion and lifestyle changes accessible by sharing easy-to-digest sustainability information and ethical and sustainable brand reviews. With over five years of experience in sustainability and over five years in the marketing and communications field, April is passionate about using her skills to make the world a better place.

April Jordan

Sustainability Specialist

Expert Answer

I like to use them for holding things like cosmetics, cotton swabs, and sticky notes. You can also take them with you to a zero-waste store if you have them nearby, and you can fill them up with the food you're buying, like oatmeal, nuts, or dates.

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Question

What if I already took the label off of a Starbucks bottle?

Community Answer

If you already took the label off, but residue is left behind, you may skip steps involving peeling the label off, and get straight to residue removal. These work for both removing residue and labels.

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Question

Can I use malt vinegar instead of white vinegar?

Community Answer

Yes. The only difference between white vinegar and malt vinegar is that white vinegar is made of purely of water and acid, while malt vinegar has malting barley in addition.

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Tips

Once you get your jar clean, you can use it for almost anything—you can drink out of it, for instance, or you could use it to store things like cosmetics, cotton pads, or office supplies.^{[17]
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Expert Source

April Jordan
Sustainability Specialist

Expert Interview. 22 September 2020.}

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If using extremely hot water near boiling, make sure to heat the jar a bit first to help prevent it from shattering due to a sudden temperature change.

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Save time and effort by first scoring the label with a utility knife, razor blade or sharp paring knife. Apply “Goo Gone” or a similar product liberally and let it sit 20 minutes or so, then remove with a paper towel. You can then wash the bottle or jar with warm soapy water.

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Warnings

Be careful when using the hairdryer method. The jar will heat up.

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Avoid using the hairdryer method on plastic jars; the heat may distort the plastic.

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Avoid using nail polish remover/acetone on plastic jars.

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Metal scrubbers can leave fine scratches on glass, which can cause glass to break under stress. Especially if you are using the jars for home canning, use a gentler abrasive such as baking soda or a nylon scrubber instead.

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