How to Remove Jar Labels With This Simple Hack

Ahna Fulmer
by Ahna Fulmer
3 Materials
$10
15 Minutes
Easy

Re-purpose any glass jar into beautiful home decor by learning how to remove jar labels with this simple hack!


How to Remove Jar Labels With This Simple Hack


I have a deep and abiding love for pretty glass jars.

Maybe “obsession” is a better word.

Hi, my name is Ahna and I am a jaraholic.

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I kept most of the glass jars that my kids’ baby food came in and currently have them stored in a massive Costco diaper box. They are just the cutest size and the lids could be spray painted and a pretty ribbon tied around them.


I digress, but I KNOW I will use them one day and cannot bear to get rid of them.


I also have a massive box of antique blue tinted Mason jars that I collected from garage sales over the years.


I have a wooden crate overflowing with beautiful pressed glass whiskey bottles.


I have 5 shelves in our garage lined with . . . well, you get the point.

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Glass Jars as Storage Solutions

My obsession is not related to hoarding tendencies, but my love for re-purposing glass jars into beautiful home decor (organizers, votives, drinking glasses, centerpieces).


The key to re-purposing any glass jar, however, is having a simple technique to remove labels. I have reporposed hundreds and hundreds of glass jars, and I am going to show you how to remove jar labels with this simple hack.

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HOW TO REMOVE JAR LABELS WITH THIS SIMPLE HACK

This is my favorite candle company. This very day I am about to order another pack of Antique Candle Co. “apple cider” candles because it’s my favorite fall scent.


But their candles also come in these amazing glass jars!!


You can imagine if I kept baby food jars that I keep these!


Be sure to read How to Remove Candle Wax From a Jar!


HOW TO REMOVE JAR LABELS WITH THIS SIMPLE HACK

#1. Pull off the label slowly.

This may seem like a silly first step, but having removed hundreds and hundreds of labels from jars I have learned that taking my time as I pull it off does leave less sticky residue on the jar.


HOW TO REMOVE JAR LABELS WITH THIS SIMPLE HACK

#2. Rub dish soap over the sticky residue.

Place dish soap directly over the residue and rub it in with your fingers.


HOW TO REMOVE JAR LABELS WITH THIS SIMPLE HACK

#3. (The hack—>) Scour the residue with a wire brush.

This is simple. I mean maybe too simple to have written an entire post about, but this wire brush makes re-purposing glass jars SO EASY. I keep this wire brush under my sink in a basket strictly for this purpose.


A couple notes – you will want to repeat this step several times as needed while running hot water over the residue occasionally.


I also clean the brush of the sticky residue before putting it back.


If the jar is especially sticky you can let the jar soak in hot water with dish soap prior to this step.


HOW TO REMOVE JAR LABELS WITH THIS SIMPLE HACK

After

Voila!

So simple.

And so pretty.

Pin any of the images below for later!



Resources for this project:
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Ahna Fulmer
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 4 questions
  • Christine Christine on May 07, 2021

    Why not just use goo-be-gone! I always keep some under my kitchen sink.

  • Patricia Harrington Patricia Harrington on Sep 02, 2021

    Does the wire brush scratch the glass?

  • Carole Atson Carole Atson on Jun 29, 2022

    I have new windows in this new house. Every window has a large sticker on it. I’ve tried goo gone to remove them, it doesn’t work. Also tried a hair dryer, no luck. Any suggestions???? Thanks

Comments
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2 of 39 comments
  • Mar19103837 Mar19103837 on May 05, 2022

    You also could use rubbing alcohol after you soak the jar in dish soap.♥️

  • Diane Bell Diane Bell on Feb 25, 2024

    I just use mayonnaise. Cover the area with the mayo, let it sit overnight, and wash it off in the morning. No smell, no scrubbing.

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