How to Remove a Jar Label

Glass jars are amongst the most versatile of all recyclable materials, useful for craft projects, storage and more. However, sticky jar labels can be a nuisance as they tend to leave sticky residue and paper remnants behind. Luckily, with a few simple tricks you can easily remove your jar labels for clean, beautiful jars.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Jars with labels
• Bath towel
• Blow dryer
• Peanut butter
• Steel wool
• Dish soap

1. Wash your jar and allow it to dry until there is no moisture left in the label. Do not attempt to pull away the label until it is dry, as it can be harder to remove the paper once pieces have been torn off.

2. Fold a bath towel and place it in your lap. Place the jar label up between your knees on the towel. The towel will help you to hold the jar in place, even once it begins to get hot. Use a blow dryer directed at the label and carefully begin lifting up the edges, lifting slowly as the glue begins to warm.

3. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over any remaining label and glue. Allow the oils of the peanut butter to penetrate the glue and paper for about 30 minutes.

4. Scrub the peanut butter off with a piece of steel wool and watch your recycled jars come clean. Wash again with hot soapy water to remove any peanut butter and glue residues.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when applying heat to plastic jars with the blow dryer as the material can become soft and pliable at about 150 degrees. If the jar begins to soften, set it aside for a minute or two to cool.