How to Remove Labels From Jars (and Use Them Creatively)

You don’t have to throw away empty glass pots, jars, or containers. Some of them are very practical and actually beautiful, and you can keep using them to store products, turn them into vases, pencil holders, candle holders, and much more. To give these containers a second life, it’s a good idea to start by removing the label. However, in some cases, it’s easier said than done.

5-Minute Crafts will show you the most effective methods to remove labels from jars.

1. Using a knife or scissors

What you’ll need

• 1 container of adequate size to place the jar inside
• Liquid soap and warm water
• 1 sharp tool, such as a knife or scissors

Instructions

1. Place the glass container in hot soapy water for 5-10 minutes.
2. After soaking, align the blade on the surface of the container so as not to cut the notches.
3. Scrape with a little pressure to remove the label from the glass surface.
4. You don’t have to throw away the jar. You can now use it to store pencils, markers, and pens, for example.

2. Using an old credit card

What you’ll need

• 1 container of adequate size to place the container inside
• Liquid soap and warm water
• An old credit card

Instructions

1. Place the container in hot soapy water for 5-10 minutes.
2. After soaking, place the credit card on the surface of the jar or glass container.
3. Scrape with a little pressure to remove the label from the glass surface.
4. You can use your jar or container as a piggy bank, for example.

3. Using a sponge and nail polish remover

What you’ll need

• 1 container of adequate size to place the jar inside
• Liquid soap and warm water
• 1 kitchen sponge
• Nail polish remover

Instructions

1. Place the container in hot soapy water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Apply the nail polish remover to the rough side of the sponge.
3. Rub the rough side of the sponge against the label to remove it.
4. Dry the surface of the container using a napkin or kitchen towel.

4. Using masking tape

What you’ll need

• 1 container of adequate size to place the jar inside
• Liquid soap and hot water
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Place the container in hot soapy water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Wrap your fingers with masking tape, leaving the sticky surface on the outside.
3. Squeeze the sticky part of the tape repeatedly against the glass container’s surface to gradually remove the label.
4. Use the cleaned container creatively, for example, as a vase.

5. Using your fingers

Instructions

1. Place the container in hot soapy water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Rub your fingers against the surface of the container, removing the label little by little.
3. Dry the surface of the container using a napkin or kitchen towel.
4. You can continue to use the container as a vase to store fresh kitchen herbs, for example.