Glass jars are versatile items that can be reused for a whole host of different jobs around the house. You can wash them out and use them to store homemade pasta sauces, make your own pickles ready for Christmas, or even repurpose them for holding craft supplies like beads and sequins.
You can buy empty jars for these purposes, but it’s often much cheaper just to use the jars that our food already comes in. Once you’ve used whatever was inside, simply rinse the jar so it’s clean and store whatever you need inside.
There’s just one problem with reusing old jars: trying to get the original labels off.
If you’ve ever tried to peel a paper label off a glass jar, you’ll know it’s almost impossible to do without ripping the paper. If you somehow do manage to get it off in one motion, you’re often still left with the sticky residue glue leaves behind.
But according to one woman on Instagram, there is an easy way to get this residue off. All you need is two common kitchen items that most of us already have on hand – and it takes mere minutes to do.
The woman, named Teresa, said you should start by softening the glue and removing the label itself. She does this by placing her jars in a pot, lining the bottom with a glug of white vinegar, and then filling the rest with water until the jars are covered.
She brings the pot to a boil and lets the jars sit for about 15 minutes. This should allow the labels to peel off, and in some instances, may take a lot of the residue with it.
If residue remains, Teresa mixes one part baking soda with one part olive oil to make a paste. She then scrubs the residue with the mixture and rinses it off, leaving behind nothing but a shiny glass jar.
Commenters on the post thanked Teresa for her trick. Many also shared their own nuggets of wisdom, including using a hair dryer to heat up the glue, which allows the labels to peel off easily.
One person said: “Thanks! I reuse glass jars and have just given up on the goo that won’t come off.”
Another added: “Love a good big jar! Thanks for this tip.”
How to remove labels from jars
1. Soaking method (most common)
- Fill a sink or bowl: Use warm or hot water and add a few drops of dish soap.
- Submerge the jars: Let them soak for 10–30 minutes (or longer for stubborn labels).
- Peel off the label: The label should peel off easily. Use your fingers or a plastic scraper.
- Remove residue: If sticky glue remains, scrub with a sponge or try one of the methods below.
2. Baking soda & oil paste
- Make a paste: Mix equal parts baking soda and any cooking oil (vegetable, coconut, olive).
- Apply to residue: Rub the paste onto the sticky area and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub off: Wipe away with a sponge or cloth, then wash with dish soap.
3. Use rubbing alcohol or vinegar
- Soak a cloth: Use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) or white vinegar.
- Rub the sticky area: The glue should dissolve and wipe away.
- Wash the jar: Clean with soap and water afterwards.
