homemade adhesive remover
if you are a jar-lover like myself and you prefer to keep and repurpose your used jars rather than throw them in the recycle bin, no doubt you will have come across jars with persistently stubborn labels. this is a recipe for an adhesive remover which works a treat.
You will need
jar coated with sticky label adhesive (for removal)
bicarbonate of soda
essential oil of your choice (optional)
oil (any kind will do, coconut, vegetable, olive oil)
amber jar for storage (you can buy a variety of sizes and types here)
How to mix your paste
simply mix one part of your chosen oil and one part bicarbonate of soda. for the label photographed only one teaspoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of bicarbonate was required, but you can store larger batches of paste (ready to use) by mixing large quantities in an amber glass jar.
i have coconut oil, bicarb and lavender and tea tree oil in my pot.
What to do
start by pouring boiling water inside your bottle or jar, leave it to cool slightly and then using a flannel or towel to hold the top (which should be cooler) most of your label and adhesive should peel off.
try scrubbing the outside next with a scourer such as the ‘safix coconut scourer’ and some washing up liquid.
if you still have some persistent adhesive which is refusing to lift, apply your adhesive paste and leave it to work on the glue for five to ten minutes.
then simply scrub it off under the tap using some hot water and a scourer or sponge.
pictured above: a re-purposed ‘plum and ashby’ amber glass jar.