• Amber bottles as vases
• Jars for pantry organization
• Containers to buy items in bulk (e.g. hand soap, detergent, mason jars for grains + flours, etc.)

 
But I also find myself having to remove labels for other purposes such as…

• Removing ugly packaging from daily products (it gives them a more minimalist look)
• Annoying price tags that leave sticky residue on your new products

Once you find the perfect ones, here are two convenient options to remove those sticky labels with supplies you probably already have at home…

Trust me – it might be a simple trick but it makes your life so much easier!

1. Soak the containers in warm soapy water for about 15 min or until the labels have been softened.

2. Remove as much as the label as you can using your fingers or a plastic scraper.

3. To remove the remaining sticky residue, you can use one of these two methods:
 
A combination of oil + baking soda
Mix 1 tbsp of oil (olive or vegetable) with 1.5 tbsp of baking soda.
 
OR
 
Hand sanitizer gel
After the COVID-19 outbreak, I think we all have some hand sanitizer around the house. Just make sure it’s at least 70% alcohol so that it actually gets the job done.
 
Simply apply it on the sticky residue, leave it to rest for about five minutes and then scrub it off until the goo is gone (you can use a brush, a stainless steel scouring pad or the abrasive side of your sponge). You might need to use some elbow grease until the sticky residue is completely gone depending on the type of adhesive you’re dealing with.
 
4. Once the sticky residue has been scrubbed off, wash your bottle or jar with warm water + soap and you’re good to go!

Notes

• If you’re trying to get rid of sticky labels on plastic containers, I recommend the oil + baking soda mixture as alcohol may sometimes cloud the plastic. Also, I suggest using the soft side of the sponge or a cloth to rub it off to avoid scratching the material.

 

• If the sticky residue doesn’t come off after the first try, repeat this process until it’s all gone. I’ve been using these techniques for a few years and they have never failed me.

 

• To my Canadian friends: If you ever get tree sap on your car, the alcohol gel method will work wonders for you! No need to scrub it off with a brush – a cloth will do.

These recycled jars and bottles will be super useful around the house without ruining your aesthetic…

If you want to create a dry reeds arrangement like the one above, peep our tutorial on how to incorporate phragmites into your home decor.

I hope you’re able to get rid of those sticky labels in no time!

xx

Marcie