Many people like to reuse jars and other glass containers to store products other than the ones they previously contained. Unfortunately, many of them come with hard-to-remove labels that often leave scraps of paper and glue residue - which don't just come off with water and a little friction. On the other hand, the process is simple as long as you use the right tools and strategies!
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Using White Vinegar
Step 1. Fill a bucket or sink with hot water
The water should cover the entire container. If you have more than one, cover the biggest one with the liquid. The hotter, the better the glue will dissolve.
Step 2. Squirt some dishwashing detergent into the water
If you don't have detergent, use a regular hand soap. The product will help loosen the label, making it easier to remove.
Step 3. Add a few cups of white vinegar to the water
This product is relatively acidic, which helps to dissolve the glue that holds the label to the bottle and makes it easier to remove.
Step 4. Put the containers into the sink
Uncover them and lay them flat so that the water fills them and makes them heavier.
Step 5. Wait a while
The longer you wait, the better the effect on the vinegar in dissolving the glue. About 30 minutes should be enough for the toughest labels, but you can check the process every ten minutes.
Step 6. Take the container out of the water and remove the label
At that point, it's going to be pretty easy. If residues remain, try to scrape them off with a sponge.
Step 7. After removing the label from the container, rinse it with clean water and dry it with a cloth
Ready! You can now reuse it.
Method 2 of 5: Using Sodium Carbonate
Step 1. Fill a sink with hot water
The liquid should cover the entire container lying on its side. If you have more than one vial, submerge the largest one in the spot.
Step 2. Add ½ cup (90 grams) of soda ash to the water
Stir the water by hand to help dissolve the glue.
Step 3. Open the bottle, put it in the sink and wait about 30 minutes
Let the water fill them all until they sink. You don't have to wait exactly half an hour, but you should allow enough time for the label to be submerged (and the glue dissolved).
Step 4. Take the container out of the water and remove the label
At that point, it's going to be pretty easy. If residues remain, try to remove them with your finger. If you can't, read the Step below.
Step 5. Use more soda ash to remove any remaining residue
If this is the case, wipe a little of the product on a sponge and apply it to the container.
Step 6. After removing the label, rinse the container with clean water and dry it with a cloth or towel
This is important - even though it is clean, there may still be some carbonate residue left.
Method 3 of 5: Using Nail Polish Remover
Step 1. Before starting, remove what you can from the label by hand
If it's stuck together, soak the bottle in warm, soapy water for ten minutes. Then try again. Don't worry in case about any residue.
Avoid using enamel or acetone remover if the container is plastic. These products can distort or discolor the bottle. Isopropyl alcohol can be a good alternative, although it is not as effective
Step 2. Apply some nail polish remover to a sheet of paper towel, a cloth or sponge
If the residues are very small, you can use paper towels. If they are big, use the sponge. As for the products, you can use acetone or isopropyl alcohol - the latter may work, but it is not as effective as the alternatives (and is more suitable for small residues).
Step 3. Scrub the debris in small, circular motions
Chemicals from the remover or acetone will dissolve the glue, making it easier to remove. If necessary, reapply them to continue.
Step 4. Wash the bottle in warm, soapy water
This Step is even more important if you want to store food in the jar. When it's done, dry it with a clean towel and use it for the desired purpose.
Method 4 of 5: Using Oil and Baking Soda
Step 1. Before starting, remove what you can from the label by hand
If it's stuck together, soak the bottle in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. Then try again. There will probably be plenty of paper or glue left over, but no problem.
Step 2. Mix baking soda and oil in equal proportions
Any cooking oil will do: canola, vegetable, olive oil, etc. Even baby oil can break the branch.
- If the jar is small, you will need about a tablespoon of each product.
- Simple olive oil can work with little glue residue. You'll also need baking soda, which is abrasive if you have paper scraps.
Step 3. Rub the product mixture into the bottle
Focus on the most affected areas and use your fingers, a sheet of paper towel or even a cloth.
Step 4. Wait 10-30 minutes
During this period, the oil will penetrate and dissolve the glue residue. It will be easier to remove the product later.
Step 5. Scrub the mixture with a sponge or steel wool
Make small, circular movements. Thus, baking soda will help to remove glue and paper residues.
Step 6. Wash the bottle using soap and water; then dry it with a towel
If there is more residue, wipe it off with a sheet of paper towel and a few more drops of oil.
Method 5 of 5: Using a Hair Dryer
Step 1. Turn the dryer on in hot setting
This method does not always produce accurate results, and it only works if the dryer can get very hot and the label is not so firmly attached to the container.
Step 2. Aim the hair dryer tip against the label for 45 seconds
The heat will dry out the glue, leaving it fragile and making the process easier.
Step 3. Try to start peeling the label from one of the corners
If necessary, use a fingernail or a blade. If you don't get a good result, warm it up for another 45 seconds and try again.
Step 4. Use olive oil to remove residue; then wash the bottle with warm, soapy water
Apply a few drops of the product to a sheet of paper towels and rub the residue carefully. Wash everything in warm soapy water to remove the oil itself and dry the container with a clean towel.
Tips
- If you can't find a sponge, use a soft-bristled brush.
- If the label is too tight, you can use more than one Method.
- If the bottle also has an expiration date sticker, remove it with nail polish or acetone remover.
Notices
- Avoid using the dryer method if the bottle is plastic; heat can distort the material.
- Avoid using enamel/acetone remover on plastic bottles.
- Be very careful if using the dryer method. The container will be very hot.