Re-using jam jars - removing sticky labels

[pipscariad]

Thought I'd just share this tip with you, as I've just discovered it and am impressed! I'm in the middle of a chutney/marmalade/jam making fest, and using all the jam jars that I've collected, but cursing at the wretched labels that leave sticky gunk behind (apart from Bon Maman jars, which soak off completely in water, top marks to them!).

I did a trawl on t'internet (and this site of course!) to see what I could use to remove the said sticky mess, and after trying several things, discovered that boiling vinegar does the job really well, without noxious chemicals and vile fumes - well, boiling vinegar ain't the nicest smell, but at least it's not doing you too much damage! Some of them required a bit of a scrub with a metal scourer as well, but most came off really easily. I'm well chuffed, and thought it was a tip worth passing on. And as a bonus, I discovered that great idea from Waffler about the labels.

[lainey lou]

thanks pipscariad!

[lynda66]

i was wondering how to get that off, i tried the dishwasher, but i just had clean glue ... thanks xx

[Alison]

I've always used nail varnish remover but like the vinegar tip.

[lynda66]

I've always used nail varnish remover but like the vinegar tip.

i usually just leave nail varnish on till it all falls off ..... and keep thinking i really must get some nail varnish remover

[jackie j]

I just soak mine in really hot water never had any problems.

[lynda66]

I just soak mine in really hot water never had any problems.

you must buy posh jars then, cos it doesn't work for me

[Dobby]

I soak um ih really hot water and if that dont work use a but of wd40 works on most things

[Seahorse]

Lakeland's Sticky Stuff Remover is good as well

Sticky Stuff Remover- Lakeland, the home of creative kitchenware

[lettucegrow!]

but fairly dear Seahorse.Always good to keep cleaning process as cheap as poss.

[pipscariad]

but fairly dear Seahorse.Always good to keep cleaning process as cheap as poss.

That was why I was so pleased that the boiling vinegar worked, plus the absence of 'nasties'. Also, I found that it didn't smear the glue about, like the sticky stuff remover tends to just before it all dissolves.

I dabbed the vinegar on with cotton wool at first, before deciding to use a pan scubber, as it was bigger and easier. Wear rubber gloves though, as it's obviously hot!

[rana]

White spirit (thinners) will remove stubborn glue and labels very effectively.

[Hilary B]

Anyone tried meths? If white spirit works meths might, and I think it is cheaper (but it smells rather nastier, so maybe a job to do outside?)

[lynda66]

i love the smell of meths

[quark1]

(Can't resist this reply to Lynda.....so that'll be you under the pile of newspapers and cardboard boxes ehh with the slurred speech and sozzled expression lol!)

Nail varnish remover, white spirits etc are good solvents for this kind of thing.

I ususally find that after washing and removing label that a knife scraped across the gluey bit works quite well. This has normally come from cold water as we use washingup water for finishing off recycling stuff soaking overnight. Perhaps the cold makes it easier?