Many people like to reuse glass jars for storing food and doing manual work. Unfortunately, in most cases these containers are equipped with hard-to-remove labels that leave paper and glue residues impossible to remove even if you immerse them in water and scratch them vigorously. Thankfully, you can peel them off easily, but there's a trick to getting rid of the residue too!
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Using White Vinegar
Step 1. Fill the sink or bucket with hot water
The water must be deep enough for you to submerge the entire jar. If you have to remove several labels, it will need to cover the larger container. The hotter it is, the more the adhesive glue will melt.
Step 2. Add a few splashes of dish soap
Alternatively, you can also use hand soap. It will help you soften the label, making it easier to remove.
Step 3. Add the white vinegar
It is a slightly acidic substance, so it will allow you to dissolve the glue that holds the paper to the jar. This will make it easier for you to remove the label and debris.
Step 4. Place the jars inside the sink
Remove the lids and arrange the containers side by side so that they fill with water and sink.
Step 5. Wait a few minutes
The longer you wait, the longer the vinegar will have to dissolve the glue under the label. If the adhesive is stubborn, it will take about 30 minutes, but try to check after 10.
Step 6. Remove the jar from the water and peel off the label
It should slide off easily. If it leaves any residue, try scraping it using a net.
Step 7. Rinse the jar using more water and dry it
Once the label is removed, rinse the container and dry it with a clean cloth. It is ready to use!
Method 2 of 5: Using Sodium Carbonate
Step 1. Fill the sink with hot water
The water needs to be deep enough to allow you to soak the entire side of the jar that the label is in. If you have to remove several labels, it will need to cover the larger container.
Step 2. Pour 90 g of soda ash
Shake with your hand to melt it.
Step 3. Open the jar, put it in the water and wait about half an hour
Let the water get inside the container so that it sinks. You don't have to wait exactly 30 minutes, but the time it takes for the water to wet the label and dissolve the glue.
Step 4. Remove the jar and peel off the label
It should slide off easily. If you see any residue, try scrubbing with your fingers first. If it doesn't remove easily, go to the next step.
Step 5. Use more soda ash to remove stubborn traces of glue
If there is any residue, put some soda ash on a screen and gently scrape it off.
Step 6. Rinse the jar with more water and dry it
It will be clean at this point, but there may be some soda ash left. Once the label has been removed, rinse the container with more water, then dry it with a cloth.
Method 3 of 5: Using Nail Polish Remover
Step 1. Delete as much of the label as possible
If it's too hard to remove, soak the jar in hot soapy water for 10 minutes, then peel off the label. You will see some residue, but that's not a problem.
If the jar is plastic, don't use nail polish remover or acetone. There is a risk that these substances deform or discolour the container. To be on the safe side, try replacing them with denatured alcohol, although it won't be as effective
Step 2. Pour the nail polish remover onto some paper towels, cloth or mesh
If there is little residue, you can use blotting paper. If, on the other hand, there are several, opt for the retina. Acetone and denatured alcohol are also fine, but be aware that alcohol is not as effective as solvent and acetone. It is best to use it on smaller residues.
Step 3. I scrapped off the debris by making small circular motions
The chemicals in the nail polish remover and acetone will dissolve any traces of glue, making it easier to clean the jar. You will probably have to apply the product you have decided to use more than once.
Step 4. Wash the jar using hot water and detergent
It is especially necessary if you plan to use it to store food. Once washed, dry it with a clean cloth and use it for your purpose.
Method 4 of 5: Use Oil and Sodium Bicarbonate
Step 1. Peel off as much of the label as possible
If it is firmly glued to the jar, soak the jar in hot water and detergent for a few minutes, then remove it. It will likely leave a lot of paper and / or glue residue, but that's not a problem.
Step 2. Mix the baking soda and oil in equal parts
You can use any cooking oil, such as canola, olive or seed oil. If necessary, baby oil will also work.
- If the jar is small, you will need 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Olive oil can work for lighter traces of glue. However, if any paper remains, you will need the abrasive action of baking soda.
Step 3. Rub the paste on the jar
Focus on the areas that have the most residue. You can scrub using your fingers, paper towels, or even a cloth.
Step 4. Wait between 10 and 30 minutes
Meanwhile the oil will penetrate into the glue residues, dissolving it. You will be able to remove them more easily later.
Step 5. Apply the paste using a mesh or steel wool
Rub the paste in small circular motions. This will allow the baking soda to remove any glue or paper residue.
Step 6. Wash the jar using water and detergent, then dry it with a cloth
If you see any residue, you can remove it with paper towels and a few drops of oil.
Method 5 of 5: Using the Hair Dryer
Step 1. Turn on the hair dryer to the highest temperature
Keep in mind that people get different results with this method. It only works if the hair dryer can produce very hot air and if the label is not too stubborn.
Step 2. Hold the hair dryer over the sticker for 45 seconds
The heat will dry the glue, weakening it. This way, you will have less difficulty in detaching it.
Step 3. Try peeling off one corner of the label
If necessary, use your fingernails or razor blade to peel off the adhesive. If it doesn't come off easily, warm it up for another 45 seconds, then try again.
Step 4. Use olive oil to remove any residue, then wash with hot water and detergent
Pour a few drops of olive oil onto a paper towel and gently rub any traces of glue. Rinse the jar with hot water and detergent to get rid of the oil, then dry it with a clean cloth.
Advice
- If you can't find a net, use a soft bristle brush.
- For more stubborn labels, you will likely need to combine different methods.
- If the jar has an expiration date sticker, remove it using nail polish remover or acetone!
- If you accidentally discovered a sticker, pour boiling water into the jar, wait a few minutes, throw the water away and peel off the label. This method also works on the lid.
Warnings
- Be careful when using the hair dryer. The jar may overheat.
- Do not use the hair dryer on plastic jars. The heat could deform them.
- Avoid using nail polish remover or acetone on plastic containers.
