What's the easiest, cleanest, cheapest way to remove labels and adhesive stains from glass jars?

Question

I am going to paint some glass jars but I'm having some trouble with removing the adhesive used for the labels.

Answer 1

Go to the hardware store and buy some acetone. Soak the label in water until the paper comes off easy. Wipe the adhesive with a paper towel soaked in acetone. Acetone is one of the best off the shelf adhesive removers that I have found, it is also the active ingredient in nail polish remover.

Answer 2

Adhesive stain can easily remove using fuel based solution - i.e. lighter fuel, car fuel, cooking oil, bolt looser solution, etc

Answer 3

a product called WD40 will do the trick. It is usually used as a lubricant but it really works. Other things you can try (especially on glass) is metholated spirit or any other alcohol. Eucalyptus oil also removes stickers but with any oil based products you will need to wash the glass in hot soapy water afterwards.

Answer 4

I have used cooking oil to get the labels off then washed in dish liquid and they come out great for painting.

Answer 5

use a blow dryer and they will come right off, leaving no adhesive on the jar good luck chilli

Answer 6

You can try soaking them in warm vinegar/water.

If that does not work, Goo - Be - Gone works good or Goo-Off. You can buy products like this at just about any store like Walmart. :)

Answer 7

Maybe try some nail polish remover that has acetone in it. Good luck! :)

Answer 8

hot water with dawn dish soap
or
rubbing alcohol
or
"Glue Gone" merchandisers use this product with a box cutter

Answer 9

fill the sink with water and let them sit in it for about half an hour. That should do it

Answer 10

soak them for an hour or so in very hot sudsy water. use dish soap...it works best.