I’ve tried lots of different methods for removing labels from glass jars and other surfaces and most of the time ended up with sticky stuff smeared all over the place! I have found the best eco-friendly way to remove the sticky residue left from labels, making it a simple and straight forward affair that doesn’t require a single chemical!

Just One Tool – A Microfibre Cloth

All you need is a strong damp cloth (preferably a microfibre cloth) and plenty of elbow grease. I find wrapping the cloth around 1 of my fingers and pushing the cloth across the glue the most effective method. This works as the cloth grabs the first bit of glue, and then the glue on the cloth grabs the rest. If you have a large amount to remove try using a new clean part of the cloth to every now and again. This is the greenest method I know as it requires no chemicals what so ever, just one reusable cloth, and also is the lowest risk as you don’t need to risk scratching the surface with a scourer.

Not green enough? – Rather then using a microfibre cloth you could try using a cloth made from bamboo instead. I haven’t tested this myself and the bamboo cloth I was kindly given didn’t stay with me long so can’t guarantee it’ll work but perhaps worth a try.

If you find that a cloth alone isn’t enough to remove the glue, try using pure Eucalyptus oil. Soaking the glue in some Eucalyptus oil for 10-15 minutes and then using a microfibre cloth can remove almost all sticky residue, leaving nothing but a clear surface ready for the next label.

Alternative Methods to Remove Sticky Label Residue

If you’ve got the time and if the glue is on a surface small enough, the least energy-consuming alternative method for loosening up label residue is to simply soak it overnight in hot water and eco friendly washing up soap. After a nights soaking you should find that all sticky residue is easily wiped off with a microfibre cloth.

Label Residue Remover for Non-Water Soluble Glue

You may find you have some non-water soluble glue or perhaps have some glue left on something that can’t be soaked in water so the method above wont work, instead try using a hair dryer. After 30 to 60 seconds of being heated up with a hair dryer, the glue should soften and be wiped away easily. Remember to take care not to burn yourself as the surface may be hot.

Over the years cleaning I have discovered many other ways to remove label glue. If none of the methods above work for you leave a comment below and I can post other methods. The ones listed above are my favourite and work almost every time.