For the longest time I had a love/hate relationship with repurposing and reusing empty containers. While I loved being able to give empty bottles and jars new life by finding some other way to use them, I also hated how hard it was to remove those impossibly stubborn labels attached to them!
Over the past decade of my blogging career, I’m sure I’ve tried nearly every method under the sun for removing labels from glass jars and containers. I’ve mixed up dozens of potions and concoctions in my attempts to remove that sticky combination of paper and glue, but as is often the case, it turned out that the best solution was also the simplest one!
And I’ll be sharing my super simple method for how to remove labels from jars, bottles, and other glass containers here in today’s post. Hopefully this quick and easy method will make us all more likely to repurpose our glass instead of throwing it out! :-)
My Secret Weapon for Removing Labels From Glass
It turned out that the solution to my problem of how to easily remove labels was already in my laundry room cupboard: OxiClean! Just one scoop of OxiClean and some warm water is all you need remove the labels from a whole batch of jars, bottles, or other glass containers.
Not only is it among the most effective methods I’ve tried, but it’s by far the easiest one! The OxiClean does all of the hard work for you, and you just sit back and watch those stubborn and sticky labels slide right off!
To learn about other useful things you can do with OxiClean around the house, check out this post!
How to Remove Labels From Glass
You’ll need:
- Sink stopper
- Gloves
- OxiClean
Directions:
Start by gathering the glass items whose labels you want to remove. Place a sink stopper in your sink’s drain, add a scoop of OxiClean, then start filling your sink with warm water.
Turn off the water when the water level in the sink is high enough to cover your bottles. Place the glass into the Oxiclean solution, and allow it to soak there for about 30 minutes.
After half an hour, come back and check on the labels. (Put your gloves on first though—OxiClean can really dry out your skin!)
The labels may have fallen off the glass at this point, or you may only have to peel them off. Either way, you shouldn’t have any trouble washing away the remaining residue!
Then just give your glass items a quick rinse, dry them off, and they’ll be ready to reuse in whatever way you see fit! :-)
What About Other Types of Containers?
While this is by far the best method I’ve used for removing labels from glass containers, other methods may work better on other types of containers. Get all my best tips and tricks for removing labels and other types of stickers from all sorts of surfaces, check out this blog post.
More Ideas You'll Love
What sort of containers do you like to reuse or repurpose?
I love this tip. I am a campground host and currently collecting Bud Platinum bottles to half-bury around my garden edges. The labels are clear plastic and require a razor to start the label, and then pliers to grab the corner and pull it off. But the glue on them is BRUTAL. It’s almost camping season again and I’m looking forward to making more progress with my beautiful blue beer bottles. There are also plenty of liquor bottles to be had around here, too…I sure love using glass bottles and will love the process of reclaiming them so much more if this makes it easier!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How did this work for you? I’m collecting those blue bud light bottles for my wedding and am dreading removing the labels…
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jill
I have a question, my daughter lives in a dorm at college, she always seems sick with cold or allergy signs. I know there germed filled, and was wondering what natural things she could do to make her better. She has a very full schedule and I know she is worn down, you always have such great advice, looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you
Koni Dannaman
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Koni!
First and foremost I would say a healthy diet, enough sleep, exercise and getting the right vitamins is super important when living in a dorm. I know college kids don’t tend to eat well or get much sleep so that can definitely contribute to getting sick a lot.
And from there just keeping her dorm clean and possibly using essential oils. Here are all of my cleaning posts:
https://onegoodthingbyjillee.com/category/homemade-solution/cleaning-solutions
And here are my essential oil posts:
https://onegoodthingbyjillee.com/?s=Essential+Oils&Submit=GO
I hope that helps!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This worked great on some jars I had in the sink. I was just about to weaken & use some nasty adhesive removal chemical stuff (YUCK) and now I have clean jars to fill with bath salts & herbal remedies of all sorts. I have my last batch of baby food jars soaking now. I am going to miss having access to those.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I used hot water and dawn dishing liquor and let it said over night and the label comes right off, if any stick stuff on it I scub it with baking soda
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you think this would work on mirrors? My son put stickers all over a mirror in his room as a teenager and now that he’s moved out I want to clean it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you can soak the mirror it probably would or WD40 should work!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My husband began home brewing and he soaks his bottles (old beer bottles so he can bottle the new beer he makes) in water and oxyclean (I had the “Sun” version on hand so he used that). Works like a charm! Most of the time the labels are floating in the water. A little scrub and the bottle is like new! Highly recommended :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I just cleaned one of my vinegar bottles that had paper and glue stuck to it that I couldn’t get off, so I gave up for months. The washing soda worked perfectly. I even put a couple of teaspoons inside the bottle and filled it with hot water and shoot it up. Then I soaked it 30 minutes. Worked like a champ.
Thanks, Jillee!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use lemon oil. Couple of drops, a couple of rubs with the finger and off it comes.
I was able to get dried latex paint off my husband’s work pants by using a couple of drops of lemon oil, letting it set for a few minutes, and washing as usual.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.WOW – who knew you could remove them so easily… I’ve been fighting with labels for years and losing many fingernails!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.WD-40! just used it – complete success
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This worked great on the wine bottles I needed for my daughter’s wedding decorations. I just used a scrubby to take off the glue residue and was done in an hour! THANK YOU!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have always had success with filling up the bottle with hot water to warm the glue from the inside before peeling off the label. Once the label is off use oil (any oil) to wipe off the glue residue.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My pantry is all filled with a set of coffee jars and all sorts of repurposed containers. Sometimes I put personalized labels or decals on them.
Love your website!
I love repurposing containers. I was using Goo Gone I bought at the dollar tree. I don’t like the smell and the oily residue it leaves behind. Going to definitely try it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I just did and wow!!!!!! It was soo easy
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I compulsively save bottles to repurpose, so I appreciate all your label removing tips. I imagine there are many different glues that are used to glue labels on, so we need a whole arsenal of cleaners to get them off. I like washing soda because it seems cheaper than other cleaners (and I, too, make my own detergent so I always have it on hand). I immediately thought of a permanent label removing set up–maybe a set of graduated containers for different sized bottles and jars, and a shaker of washing soda (in a repurposed shaker, of course). I’m thinking if I can match a bottle with a slightly larger soaking container, I don’t have to use much soaking liquid. I’m thinking, also, a waterproof weight to put inside the jar, or rest on top of a bottle (around the neck), to hold it down. If I could get it down to a science, I wouldn’t hate the job so much. Also, a reminder that you can write easily on glass with a Sharpie, and clean it off with a paste of cleanser and water. I label containers of leftovers in the fridge that way so I know what they are and how old.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Also, filling the bottle or jar with water helps hold it down.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks! As always, you are the best!!! Love your email visit everyday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I also use Washing soda for homemade laundry detergent.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I needed to clean my oven racks. I tossed in about 1/4 cup of washing soda and let it soak. The grunge was floating off by itself. A little scrubber some got almost everything else of. Easiest, most effective method I have tried yet.
That’s awesome. I’ve used olive oil or lemon EO, but never washing soda. I’m giving it a try. I’m sure I can use the water that’s left to clean something else with before letting it go down the drain.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee – this is just another one of your great ideas that I will be using. Thanks for your ingenious thinking and simple, easy ways to save both time and money!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is a good one! I always use (with great results) baking soda and coconut oil then scrub.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If I have a label thats tough to remove I’ve used some vegetable
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oil on a paper towel or also can use baby oil. That usually
Does it for me.
I just emptied a Bragg’s vineger bottle. What’s a good use for this bottle??
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use them to drink from. I prefer not to drink from plastic bottles, even if they are BPA free. Things just taste better from glass. So, I have 3 that I rotate. I use the lid when I take it with me in the car.
I used to use an old whiskey bottle but when I took tea in it, it looked like I was swigging alcohol in the car!! LOL!!! So, I changed bottles.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for the laugh that it is funny!
My reply disappeared!
I use mine to drink water/juice/tea from. I think it tastes better than from a plastic bottle.
I was using an old whiskey bottle but with tea in it, it looked like I was swigging alcohol in my car!! LOL! So, I changed bottles.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Now my posts are back and are kind of duplicates! Go figure!
I swap out the plastic spray bottle for the glass bottle vinegar. This way I can use it for my DIY cleaners with essential oils & not have to worry about the cleaner being compromised. I haven’t had one not fit yet.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great idea! I knew my DIY cleaners would be compromised in a plastic bottle, but couldn’t think of what to use as a spray that wasn’t plastic. Duh! Thanks!
Washing Soda…who’d a thunk it? I’ll be trying this today. I save all sorts of jars and am constantly removing labels. Some are easy while others prove really stubborn. I bought some citrus air freshener for my car that I found out works wonders on sticky label residue. It’s called Citrus Splash, made by California Scents, comes in a yellow aerosol can, and I purchased it in the automotive section of Walmart. Since it is made from pure citrus extracts, I’m thinking it’s possible to achieve similar results from a citrus essential oil, like lemon, orange or grapefruit, but I’ve not tried these yet. However, since washing soda is cheaper than essential oil or fragrance spray, I’m excited to have this option.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is timely! I have some bottles that I got the labels off of but they’re still very sticky. I’m going to use the bottles as water globes for plants, a tip I got from your blog!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Perfect timing! I’m collecting my wine and olive oil bottles to make incense burners. I was just discussing how to get the label off some of the bottles! Thank you jillee!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have used with success as well rubbing alcohol and just soaking the glass jar and even tin cans or plastic containers in my dish water. I live the container submerged in the super super hot third degree burn water(I am not kidding, our hot water tank temperature is turned up that high) dish water while I pre-soak my dishes, wash, and then at the very end I clean the recyclables and the labels come right off. Those would be two ideas for those peoples who do not have washing soda on hand. I do have the washing soda on hand for when I make my homemade laundry detergent and I will give your method a try. Thanks!
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