Easy way to remove a printed label from a glass jar

INSIDE : Learn the easy way to remove a printed label from a glass jar! You don’t have to discard those old glasses, jars and vases just because they have an inked on label.

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I went out thrifting and came up with the cutest little thrift craft project, but first I needed to remove the printed “Bottoms Up” design off these Dollar Store tall shot glasses. Be sure to check back in a few days to see what I make with them!

And until then… let’s talk about how annoying ink labels are on glassware – sad siiiigh. I loved the dollar price on these and knew I could find a way to remove the design and logo from them. Keep reading below to see how I did it.

What do I need to remove a label from glass jars?

• Glass with printed label
• Lime
• Cutting Board + knife
• Razor Blade
• Paper Towel

How do you remove print from glass at home?

I have heard of many types of pastes with baking soda and vinegar that you soak your glassware in for 24 hours, but I didn’t want to wait 24 hours. Call me impatient, but I was looking for a quick win on removing this teal “Bottoms Up” graphic from my glass.

Start the label removal process by slicing a fresh lime or lemon from your kitchen.

Next begin to vigorously rub the lime slice over your printed label for about a minute. The key part here is the citric acid. Lemon juice and lime juice are rich sources of citric acid and that begins to breakdown the ink of your label.

What is the difference between Acetic Acid and Citric Acid?

These two acids are fairly similar in that they are both found in common kitchen ingredients.

Acetic acid can be found in vinegar (both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar) and citric acid can be found in lime and lemon juice. The main difference between acetic acid and citric acid is that acetic acid is a monobasic acid whereas citric acid is a tribasic acid.

Removing a printed label

After you have rubbed the glass with your lime slice, without wiping away the juice begin on one edge and slowly scrape away the label with a strong flat surface. I used the BACK side of a razor blade, but I think the backside of a spoon or fork might even work here.

I could not believe how easily this worked.

After you have scraped away the ink, use a clean paper towel or cloth and wipe it clean.

You might notice a few small spots remaining here and there, but another quick swipe of your lime and the backside of the knife will do the job.

Can you remove a decal from glass?

It was shocking to see how easily you could remove a decal from glass. See below for the incredible results of about 15 minutes of effort. One has been removed and the other is as I bought it!

I was so thrilled with how this turned out. I feel like it opens all kinds of doors for lovely glassware I see when out thrifting, but pass by because there is a logo or text printed on the side.

I had no idea how easy it was to remove them!

What removes sticky labels from glass?

And if you are looking to remove a sticky paper label from glass the process is even more simple!

Using products like hot water and a scrub brush or nail polish remover, lighter fluid, vodka, rubbing alcohol or goo be gone are perfect.

Start by soaking a rag, paper towel, or cotton ball in your fluid. Let it sit on top of the label for at least 15 minutes for an easy way to remove labels. Done and done!

Check out the most BEAUTIFUL Thrifted Candles I made these shot glasses into!