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How to Get Glue Off of Glass

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Get Glue Off of Glass

How to Get Glue Off of Glass

Ever wanted to re-use a jar, but couldn't get that pesky glue off? Learn how here!

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Step 1 of 9
From left to right, the supplies you'll need are pretty simple. I'm using a cheaper version of WD-40 that works just as well for this project. You'll also need a cotton towel, or an old T-shirt.

From left to right, the supplies you'll need are pretty simple. I'm using a cheaper version of WD-40 that works just as well for this project. You'll also need a cotton towel, or an old T-shirt.

Step 2 of 9
Today I'm upcycling baby food jars. You'll want to soak off the label in hot soapy water first. I usually do a big batch at a time, and dry them off completely before getting the glue off.

Today I'm upcycling baby food jars. You'll want to soak off the label in hot soapy water first. I usually do a big batch at a time, and dry them off completely before getting the glue off.

Step 3 of 9
Keep in mind that this method works well for most jars, and even works on plastic! Different labels soak off differently too- and I will use a scrubby to get the label off the pickle jar(middle).

Keep in mind that this method works well for most jars, and even works on plastic! Different labels soak off differently too- and I will use a scrubby to get the label off the pickle jar(middle).

Step 4 of 9
This is how the jar looks when it's clean and ready to go. When you start, it may feel like it takes forever to remove the glue. With practice, you'll be able to do it effortlessly.

This is how the jar looks when it's clean and ready to go. When you start, it may feel like it takes forever to remove the glue. With practice, you'll be able to do it effortlessly.

Step 5 of 9
I start with the corner end of the towel, & spray about the size of a quarter or half dollar. You also want to spray the jar- but be quick because the WD-40 will run off the sides!

I start with the corner end of the towel, & spray about the size of a quarter or half dollar. You also want to spray the jar- but be quick because the WD-40 will run off the sides!

Step 6 of 9
Simply rub the glue off with the towel, making sure to move to a new spot on the towel as you remove the glue. If you apply firm steady pressure, this helps tremendously.

Simply rub the glue off with the towel, making sure to move to a new spot on the towel as you remove the glue. If you apply firm steady pressure, this helps tremendously.

Step 7 of 9
You can see here how the glue begins to come off. Just keep at it until all the glue is completely gone, and remember to wash your jar again afterwards.

You can see here how the glue begins to come off. Just keep at it until all the glue is completely gone, and remember to wash your jar again afterwards.

Step 8 of 9
Here's what your jar will look like when it's done! Clean, shiny & ready to use for whatever you like!

Here's what your jar will look like when it's done! Clean, shiny & ready to use for whatever you like!

Step 9 of 9
As an alternative, rubbing alcohol can be used in a pinch,but this method takes forever on this type of glue.Rubbing alcohol is very helpful with duct tape residue &price label sticker residue though.

As an alternative, rubbing alcohol can be used in a pinch,but this method takes forever on this type of glue.Rubbing alcohol is very helpful with duct tape residue &price label sticker residue though.

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14 Comments
Supplies
Embed

Jar or any glass product

WD-40

Stainless steel scrubby(optional)

100% cotton towel or old T-shirt

Soap

Hot water

Adrian Rodriguez

The guide is pointless (No offense! lol) Just use Goo Gone!

Adrian Rodriguez 4 months ago

Twitch Stitch

I found that just washing it in hot water with vinegar and dish soap works quicker and less messy. Vinegar wins.

Twitch Stitch 5 months ago

Cherie Grant

Truly any type of oil can be used in place of goo gone and WD40. Don't create more waste buying the chemical removers that you can't upcycle. After initial label removal just rub o good amount of vegetable oil (or similar--baby oil works, too) rub in good to dissolve as much glue as possible then either do this tutorial's towel rubbing method or use razor blade scraper for cleaning windows. Very good tutorial though.

Cherie Grant 6 months ago

Leslie Galloway

Yes it's very easy to get labels off jars with wet paper towels susan! Amanda, goo gone does work wonders- WD40 is an alternative :) I've used goo gone before and the whole point of using WD40 was because I had run out of goo gone! :D

(author) 9 months ago

Susan Boyd

Wet a paper towel, place over label & let set for a few hours- most labels will slide right off!!!

Susan Boyd 9 months ago

Amanda Greensworth

I use goo gone as well. Works wonders for multiple around-the-house cleaning jobs.

Amanda Greensworth 9 months ago

Linda Zorn

That's awesome. Who knew it could be so simple. Thanks!

Linda Zorn 9 months ago

Aaron Bryant

Goo gone.

Aaron Bryant 9 months ago

Leslie Galloway

Thanks everyone!

(author) 9 months ago

M Morgan

Great tip! I have tried alcohol but will be giving the WD 40 a try. Thanks

M Morgan 9 months ago

Jane From KY

Good tip!

Jane From KY 9 months ago

Zig Zag

Great guide! Also try: nail polish remover (non oily), try regular vegetable oil instead of WD40, I've also had good luck using the dishwasher (use the scrubber mentioned in the guide to pre-scratch the label)

Zig Zag 9 months ago

Leslie Galloway

Thanks so much! :)

(author) 9 months ago

Tonya @The Dieter's Academy

A much needed guide!! I believe in the "reuse" principle and hate throwing away "good jars" but get annoyed with sticky label residue. Great tips!!!!!

Tonya @The Dieter's Academy 9 months ago

Leslie Galloway

Thank you!

(author) 9 months ago

Steven Ramkumar

Nice!

Steven Ramkumar 9 months ago

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