Taking off the label and removing that sticky mess beneath is one of the endless bothers of reusing jars and bottles. Sometimes it will peel off effortlessly, yet other times it is so frustrating that it will make you reconsider every life decision.

Through my own research and a lot of trial and error, here are four pain-free techniques to make your task easier! Depending on the type of glue and label, a mixture of these techniques may work best for stubborn cases.

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To Remove Labels

1. Heat Method (while making a cuppa)

This is my preferred first method to try for paper labels since soaking them just leaves you with a sodden mess. It works really well for plastic labels too and will either allow the label and glue to come off freely together, or the label will come off cleanly to expose the glue beneath.

What you need:

• Kettle
• Tea towel

Method:

1. Make sure bottle/jar is clean and dry on the outside. Boil the kettle and make a cuppa, if you so wish.
2. Fill the jar with boiled water until the water level is above the label.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes until the glass or plastic is hot. Don’t wait too long – the next step won’t work as well if it cools down again. And don’t touch!
4. For safety, carefully put on the lid if you have one, using a tea towel to hold the bottle/jar steady. If you don’t have a lid, you may wish to carefully tip out the hot water.
5. Use a tea towel to hold the bottle and evenly peel away the label. If the label comes off smoothly, yay! But if it is stiff and stuck fast, don’t persevere and move on to another method.

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2. Soak Method (while doing the dishes)

Always try to peel a label off evenly first. Otherwise, a soak may help soften the glue. This will destroy paper labels but, depending on the type of glue, sometimes it is the only way.

What you need:

• Sink or bucket/container large enough to hold the bottle or jar
• Soap or detergent
• Warm water
• Optional: white vinegar, bicarb soda or washing soda

Method:

• Throw the jar or bottle in your hot washing up water when doing the dishes, while the water is still clean-ish. Alternatively, add a squirt of soap or detergent to a smaller container (to save water and space), place the jar or bottle inside and fill with warm water until the label is covered.
• Leave to soak for a few minutes.
• Test the corner of the label. If it comes off easily, evenly peel off the rest the label. If it is still being stubborn, let it soak for longer.
• If it still doesn’t come off cleanly, or if the glue doesn’t come off with the label, take off as much of the label as you have the patience for then use one of the methods below.

To Remove Stubborn Glue

3. Double Scrub a Dub (for the impatient)

This works particularly well for just glue residue straight after using the heat method, but if you have done the soak method make sure the bottle or jar is dry first.

What you need:

• Cooking oil
• Scrubber
• Detergent

Method:

1. Remove label as per above methods.
2. Coat the remaining glue in a little oil. I like using solid coconut oil which will melt with the heat of your hand.
3. Scrub the surface to irritate both substances. The oil will break the glue’s bond with the bottle or jar, but it isn’t an instant reaction so scrubbing will speed up the process. I prefer to use a dry scratchy scrubber, but you could use a brush.
4. Coat the surface in detergent. A small amount will do, rubbed all over. Again use your scrubber to agitate all the substances together. The detergent will help to lift the glue and oil mixture from the surface.
5. Rinse thoroughly in hot water.
6. Dry and repeat if needed.

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4. Homemade ‘Goo Gone’ (for the prepared)

Apparently this product is a ‘thing’ but I’ve never seen it. The homemade version is very easy and can be made in bulk to store. It also works well if there’s a bit (or a lot) of paper label still stuck to the jar or bottle. I now keep a small jar of it next to the sink and it makes label removal a synch!

What you need:

• Small container
• Spoon
• Cooking oil
• Bicarb soda
• Detergent

Method:

1. Start by mixing roughly equal parts (perhaps about a teaspoon) of oil and bicarb soda in a small container, then add extra bicarb soda until it forms a paste of usable consistency. The oil is the workhorse here, but I like mine to be a little more abrasive so it ends up being about a 1:3 ratio of oil to bicarb. This can be stored indefinitely.
2. Use one of the above methods to peel off the label as much as possible.
3. Coat the glue and any remaining paper label in the goo gone. Use enough goo gone that the oil soaks through the remaining paper to reach the glue below. Leave to sit for at least half an hour to let the oil work its magic. I usually leave and forget until my next load of washing up.
4. Depending on how long you left it, the label may just slip off. Otherwise, scrub off the mixture and the glue, taking advantage of the abrasive action of the bicarb soda, then rinse with a little detergent and hot water (or put it in the sink with your dishes). Use a scrubber to encourage more off if needed.
5. Homemade goo gone will separate so mix it up before using again.

Other Methods

Other heating methods can work to dissolve some glues such as baking, steaming, boiling, or even a hair dryer!

Products you might already have lying around that can apparently help include nail polish remover, WD-40, wood polish and eucalyptus or lemon essential oil.

White vinegar can help to eliminate any smells and odours inside the jar as well as sanitising. Just soak in diluted vinegar and rinse.

Have you tried any other methods? Let me know!