Last Updated on August 27, 2024

Learn how to remove stickers from glass with a few simple steps! Reusing glass jars is a great step for going zero waste.

I have a few glass jars. Ok, I have more than a few…. It’s more like hundreds of glass jars.

One side effect of going zero waste is that your accumulation of glass jars increases exponentially!

Taking the labels off of used jars is important to prevent clogs in your dishwasher, resolve any confusion as to what is in the jar, and it gives the jar a cleaner and more inviting look. The question of how to remove stickers from glass can be easy answered by using any of the methods below whether that’s a paste made from dish soap, olive oil, or baking soda.

I want to share my full-proof tips on how to remove sticker residue so your jars are clean and sparkly. Keep reading to learn how to get sticker residue off glass, why you should reuse jars, and how to reuse glass jars.

If you’d prefer a video demonstration, I’ve got you covered below!

why should I reuse jars and remove labels?

As part of a Going Zero Waste lifestyle, it’s important to reduce waste. We all end up with a bunch of glass jars when we begin cutting back on waste.

It’s just a fact of life. And, to be honest, a great way to reduce the emissions produced by glass transport is to reuse your jars!

You can read more about that in my post Which is Better for the Environment: Glass or Plastic?

But, when it comes to reusing jars, I personally prefer to remove sticker residue before using them. While it’s not required to remove the label, it gives the jar a much cleaner look which means I’m way more likely to reuse it.

how to remove stickers from glass

Things You Need

• jars with labels on them
• hot water
• dish soap
• baking soda
• cooking oil (olive, avocado, canola etc.)

other jar label removal methods?

There are several other methods I use to remove labels. I’ve used a combination of baking soda and dish soap to create a paste and used in the same way as the baking soda and oil method above. It’s really effective, but not as effective on the really, REALLY stubborn adhesives.

I’ve also just skipped straight to using dish soap and steel wool for the light jobs, and for the laminated plastic labels, well, those just peel off and leave behind basically nothing! I wish all labels would come off so cleanly for easy upcycling.

jar label removal methods to avoid

I have seen a lot of different methods for removing labels from glass jars. Using hair dryers and even peanut butter? I found the hair dryer to be 100% ineffective, and the peanut butter works because of the oil in the mixture. Instead using the oil above is less messy, and I can save the peanut butter for the good stuff – EATING!

what should I reuse glass jars for?

I could go on about all the ways you can reuse glass jars! After you learn how to get the sticker residue off glass and clean them you’re ready to start using them.

Here are some common uses:

• Store herbs and spices
• Serve cocktails and other drinks
• Use for storing leftovers
• Turn into a candle
• Transform it into a soap dispenser by adding a pump
• Keep cosmetics inside
• Collect small items or loose change
• Use them as a vase
• Add homemade jam and give as gifts
• Store kitchen utensils
• Turn into a centerpiece
• Take with you when you bulk shop

is it environmentally friendly when you remove sticker residue with baking soda and olive oil?

Yes, baking soda is a staple in my eco friendly cleaning caddy, and it’s a great option for cleaning all sorts of things. Be sure to check out my cleaning archives for how to naturally tackle everything from my magic tub scrub recipe to my two favorite all purpose cleaners.

If DIY isn’t your thing, check out my favorite eco friendly and low waste cleaning products which considers the packaging, ingredients, and ethics of the brand before purchasing.

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