With a simple, homemade solution, you can learn how to remove sticky labels from glass jars quickly and easily. You won’t even need to soak the jars in hot water at all!

If you’ve ever tried to repurpose a glass jar, you know the struggle—those sticky labels that just won’t peel off cleanly.

In this post, I’ll walk you through an easy and effective way to make your own DIY “Goo Gone” using everyday ingredients you probably already have at home.

If you love making homemade cleaning products, check out this post on how to make a Homemade Kitchen Degreaser Spray or this post about Homemade Pine Sol.

Why you’ll love this homemade Goo Gone

If you’ve ever struggled to remove sticky labels, this homemade Goo Gone is about to become your new favorite cleaning hack.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

Inexpensive – This DIY solution is super cheap to make. It uses common household ingredients, so you won’t even need to go out and buy anything.
Non-toxic – Unlike store bought stuff that often contains harsh chemicals, this homemade version is made with safe ingredients—perfect for homes with kids and pets.
Effective – This Goo Gone alternative works just as well as the store-bought kind, easily breaking down sticky messes without damaging glass surfaces.

Label remover ingredients and some notes

This simple homemade label remover uses just two pantry staples. This DIY label remover is gentle, non-toxic, and effective at breaking down stubborn adhesives.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Vegetable oil – Oil helps loosen the adhesive by breaking it down, making it easier to wipe away.
Baking soda – This adds gentle abrasion to help scrub off any leftover residue without scratching the glass.

How to make and use diy Goo Gone

Here’s a quick rundown on how to remove jar labels using this homemade Goo Gone.

Gather. You’ll need vegetable oil, baking soda, a small airtight container, and one of those green scouring pads or a rag.
Mix. In the container, combine the vegetable oil and baking soda. Stir well until you get a thick, paste-like consistency.
Apply. Spread the mixture generously over the sticky label on your glass bottle or jar, ensuring the entire label is covered.
Let it sit. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will help break down the adhesive, making it easier to remove.
Scrub. Using the scouring pad, scrub the label off using circular motions. The combination of oil and baking soda helps lift the adhesive while providing gentle abrasion.
Wash. Once the label is fully removed, wash the jar with soap and water to remove any greasiness.

And that’s it! You now have a clean, label-free glass jar ready for reuse—perfect for pantry storage, DIY projects, or homemade gifts.

Remove sticky Labels with Homemade Goo Gone

Helpful Tips

Making your own label remover is a great way to save money and avoid harsh chemicals, but a few tricks can make it even more effective.

Here are some helpful tips for using and storing your homemade label remover:

Let it sit for best results – After applying the label remover, give it some time to work its magic. Let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes before scrubbing to loosen stubborn adhesives.
Use a scraper – An old credit or gift card can be a helpful tool when scraping off the label.
Store in an airtight container – Keep your homemade label remover in an airtight container and it can stay good for months. Give it a good mix before each use.
Keep it cool– To extend the shelf life, store your remover somewhere cool and dark, away from direct sunlight.

With these simple tips, removing stubborn labels will be quick, easy, and hassle-free!

Conclusion

So now you see, removing sticky labels from glass jars doesn’t have to be frustrating!

With this homemade goo gone, you can easily get those jars clean and ready to reuse.

Whether you’re saving them for storing food in your pantry, DIY projects, or home organization, giving glass jars a second life is super easy.

How to Remove Sticky Labels from Glass Jars

With a simple, homemade solution, you can easily remove labels and leave your glass jars looking spotless and ready to reuse. You won’t even need to soak the jars in hot water for a long length of time!

Learn hot to make your own DIY “goo gone” using everyday ingredients you probably already have at home.

Prep Time5

Active Time10

Total Time15

Course: how-to

Cuisine: diy

Keyword: DIY, how to

Equipment

Small airtight container
Scouring pad or rag

Materials

3 TBS baking soda
2 TBS vegetable oil

Instructions

In a small container or bowl, combine the vegetable oil and baking soda. Stir well until you get a thick, paste-like consistency.
3 TBS baking soda, 2 TBS vegetable oil
Spread the mixture generously over the sticky label on your glass bottle or jar, ensuring the entire label is covered.
Let the mixture sit on the label or sticker for about 5 – 10 minutes. This will help break down the adhesive, making it easier to remove.
Using a scouring pad or rag, scrub the label off using circular motions. About halfway through the process, the adhesive and paper from the label may build up. When that happens, stop scrubbing, wash off the jar and rag or scouring pad, dry the jar and start with a fresh layer of diy goo gone. Make sure to ring out the rag or scouring pad of excess water so it doesn't dilute the mixture.
Once all of the label and adhesive has been removed, wash the jar with warm soapy water and dry with a clean towel.
Keep your homemade label remover in an airtight container and it can stay good for months. Give it a good mix before each use.
To extend the shelf life, store your remover somewhere cool and dark, away from direct sunlight.
Enjoy your sparkling clean glass jar! If love this hack, check out these other cleaning hacks: How to Deep Clean Your Composite Kitchen Sink , Homemade Quartz Countertop Cleaner , Homemade Pine Sol , Homemade Kitchen Degreaser