[GraciesGran]

Does anyone have any hints for removing the labels on jars?

In anticipation of the jam/chutney season I have acquired a number of jars, unfortunately they all have their original labels on.

[mumofstig]

A good long soak in hot water works for most of them. A few are a right nuisance, you have to literally scrape the labels off  If I find any like this, being short on patience in my old age, they go in the bin 

[snowdrops]

As mum says a good long soak in hot water & washing up liquid, works, sometimes a scrape then with a knife, to remove the residue, fill the jar with very hot water & use a Brillo pad, good wash & then I put through the dishwasher, before sterilising just before use in the oven. I now do them as I get them as it’s a big job on the day of jam making otherwise.

[jaydig]

I did read somewhere that a squirt of WD40 and a brillo pad works (or any other brand that does the same job), but I wish that manufacturers would all use low-tack adhesives for their labels.  I'm sure many thousands more bottles and jars would be re-used if it didn't take such an age to remove the labels.

[Yorkie]

I have never found Lakeland's Sticky Stuff remover any good ... 

[JacsH]

I sympathise. Others have suggested hot soapy water and a Brillo pad - metal pan scourer and non-stick kitchen cream (you know, the stuff in generally yellow bottles) works well on most. Hellman's Mayo are the worst (other mayos may be available!) and I'm afraid I often resort to that horrible solvent Sticky Stuff Remover to get the last off. I once had lovely labels that had water soluble glue but now use the plain white Avery printer labels - they have their moments for removal too. Sadly the mayo, and honey, are about all we buy in jars as jam/chutney is 99% home-made. The labels that come with Kilner jars are brilliant - stick well and wash off easily. Can only use them once though!!

[snowdrops]

Once removed I now use chalk pens to label

[GraciesGran]

Once removed I now use chalk pens to label

Looks like a long soak, scrape with a knife and a chalk pen.

Thank you

[lettice]

Soak the jars in water (I just use cold water) with a dash of washing up liquid and a teaspoon of vinegar.
Mix the mixture well and leave the jar in there for at least 30 minutes.

If any remaining glue is still very sticky on the jar, mix baking soda and veg oil together in a small dish and use it with a Scourer to scrub off the glue.
Never fails for me.

[Lardman]

Keep the label dry and pour hot water inside the jar. Give it a while for for the glass to heat up and melt the glue then remove the label whole. Life is far too short to scrub jars.

[Growster...]

One of our chums here recommended a squirt of furniture polish - Pledge or similar...

It does work too, by loosening the rest of the glue after you've got the paper off, so it can all be wiped off after a while, but don't let it dry!!

[Kleftiwallah]

Good morning evryone,   I have found that nothing less than a repeated wipe over with Triclorothane will shift the glue.  I find the clear plastic labels are the 'very worst'.

Is that a tautology or an oxymoron?

Cheers,  Tony