Remove Sticky Labels From Glass Jars With A Bit Of A Kitchen Essential

There are all kinds of clever ways to reuse old glass jars around the house. You can preserve your garden's bounty in them, and some make darling drinking glasses. With some flowers, votive candles, and a little creativity, you can create a table centerpiece for any occasion. The best part is, there are just as many places to find them. You can, for example, pick up boxes of old jars at flea markets or yard sales — though, truthfully, you rarely have to buy them. Chances are you have several in your kitchen cabinets right now. The problem is that you need to remove the label to repurpose a jar, and sometimes those things are stubborn! Believe it or not, you can use peanut butter to remove them.

Many labels, like those on pickle or jelly jars, are fixed with acrylic-based permanent adhesive to protect them from movement and exposure to a wide range of temperatures during shipping. Many times the adhesives are water resistant, so they don't break down even when you soak them. For manufacturers, that means the label will withstand temperature changes and spills as they are shipped. But that's also why they don't just wash off with soap and water. Oily substances, like peanut butter, can neutralize the adhesive. Because of its solid texture, peanut butter also stays in place and holds the oil against the glue while it works.

The process is simple. You can start by peeling away as much of the label as you can, but you don't have to for this trick to work. Spread a little creamy peanut butter on the area. Let the peanut butter sit for about 30 minutes to let the oils soak in and loosen the glue. Using a paper towel or soft cloth, wipe away the peanut butter and glue. Wash the jar in warm soapy water to remove any adhesive that might be left.

There are so many things this pantry staple can do besides clean glue (and make delicious peanut butter cookies). There are a few unexpected uses for peanut butter around your house. You can also wash your windows with it. The same principle that cleans the jar applies to other glass surfaces. Peanut butter also works great for removing sticky substances from your car's interior. Don't use it on cloth or leather seats, as the oil in the peanut butter could stain them, but for vinyl seats, use the same method to remove sticky substances. You also can remove tree sap from your car's paint. Dab some peanut butter on the spot and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Wipe away with a microfiber cloth and clean with soap and water. And when you've used all the peanut butter and cleaned the label off, turn the jar into a budget-friendly, DIY hummingbird feeder!