Easily Remove Stickers From Glass Jars Using A Kitchen Essential

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Empty jars from pasta sauces or pickles can be useful around the kitchen and home, so don't be too quick to toss or recycle them. They can store food like dried legumes or pasta, organize odds and ends, such as buttons or spools of thread, or even become mini lanterns filled with fairy lights to brighten your spaces after dark. There are plenty of amazing ways to upcycle glass jars into unique home decor. The tricky part is peeling off the labels — your jars will be nicer without them and their sticky remains. However, the adhesive might not budge, even after scrubbing, soaking the jar in hot water, or washing it in the dishwasher. So, what can you do? Turn to one common household item instead.

While commercial products can remove it, they may contain solvents that may irritate your skin or eyes. Additionally, there may be times when you want a clean jar but don't have glue remover. Fortunately, there's a natural alternative you might already have on hand: olive oil. This cooking staple, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, can loosen stubborn adhesive with minimal effort. Just apply a bit with a cloth or paper towel, and soon, you'll have a glue-free jar that's perfect either for storing leftovers or using for a crafty project. Removing sticky residues from jars is just one of olive oil's many talents — if you haven't already, you'll soon discover there are plenty of surprising ways to use olive oil in your home.

To remove stubborn labels, generously coat the label and jar with olive oil and let it sit overnight. This project is a perfect way to put any spoiled or inexpensive olive oil to use. After all, it's best to save your quality extra virgin olive oil for salads or other dishes. If the label still doesn't come off, repeat the process overnight. For any stubborn bits, gently scrape them away with a craft knife or steel-wool pad. Sprinkle on some baking soda and give the jar another scrub to tackle any lingering glue.

Then, before using, be sure to wash the jar in hot, soapy water. Keep in mind, even the best dish soaps might not remove all lingering odors, especially if the jar previously held something particularly pungent, like pickles, kimchi, or spicy condiments. Instead, try this trick to get rid of the odor. Sprinkle baking soda into the jar, ensuring it coats the entire interior. This simple ingredient can neutralize odors by altering the pH of any lingering acids, making their smell less potent. Once your jar is clean and odor-free, it's ready to use in your kitchen or next project.

If you'd like to create a new label to clearly identify the contents, purchase a roll of decorative ones like these Monest Floral Pantry Labels or make your own using kraft paper or printable sticker sheets, such as these 4" x 2" Kraft Label Stickers. To make DIY labels stick securely, attach them with a small amount of glue, double-sided tape, or clear packing tape to ensure they stay in place. Once you've learned how to quickly and easily wipe off jar labels, you'll no doubt find numerous ways to repurpose them around the house.