I use glass jars and bottles to store so many things. They come in all sizes and shapes and they’re fantastic for holding DIY seasoning blends or homemade salad dressings and sauces. They’re great for sorting old buttons, too. (You save all those, before you throw out a shirt, right?) I often use glass jars when making gifts, too. You might say I have a tiny obsession with saving jars. But, in my defense, jars are expensive. Why buy new ones when I can save the ones already in my pantry, without spending an extra penny? I keep them all, because you never know what you may be able to use them for.
The only difficult thing about getting to use them is getting rid of the original labels. I can soak the jars and scratch or peel the paper part of the label off, fairly easily. Just scratching it with my fingernail is often enough. The problem is the glue that the label leaves behind. That pesky glue is a pain to scrape or wash off, most times. Don’t go to the store and spend money on gloppy, goopy chemical stuff. You have everything you need, right in your own pantry. The simple tip I’m about to share will have you starting your own beautiful bottle and jar collection.
HOW TO EASILY REMOVE LABEL GLUE FROM GLASS JARS
LABEL GLUE REMOVER PASTE RECIPE
- In a small bowl mix equal parts baking soda and cooking oil.
- Apply the paste in a thin layer over the glue area on your jar.
- Use a dry paper towel to “scrub” and wipe away the glue remover paste from the jar. The glue will come with it.
- Rinse the jars under hot water. Dry and utilize for all your projects and storage needs.
It doesn’t get any simpler than that, right? I used about 2 Tablespoons of oil and soda to do four jars. If you’re only doing one, I’d start with a couple teaspoons.
Now, don’t go to the pantry and get your good, healthy cooking oils. Avocado oil, coconut oil and olive oil are for eating and cooking. Go to the store and get one of those cheap vegetable oils that you would never put in your or your family’s food. (If you’re curious about why I won’t cook with them, this post has a good explanation.) Keep it under the sink with your cleaning supplies. Corn, canola, vegetable…they will all work equally well.
My jars are left sparkling clean and ready for whatever I may be planning to store in them. Go ahead, buy that slightly more expensive, organic and healthy food, packaged in glass jars. You’re not just getting the food! Easily remove label glue from glass jars with the recipe above and you’ll be ready for some projects and recipes of your own, like this…my Homemade Pasta Sauce!
DO YOU SAVE ALL YOUR JARS AND BOTTLES? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE USES FOR THEM?
I hope you’re inspired to save a little money, do some quick and easy clean-up without costly chemical cleaners and get saving your own glass bottle and jar collection. Be sure to stop by and tell me how you’re using them!