How to remove sticker glue and smells from jars

Before you reuse a jar for your pantry, it’s worth spending a little time getting rid of sticker glue and any lingering smells—especially if the jar came from pickles, tomato sauce, or something oily. A clean, neutral-smelling jar makes your pantry feel calm and fresh.

Here’s how to do remove sticker glue and smells from jars with easy methods using things you probably already have at home.

Here’s the quick summary in video form:

Step 1: Remove the Label

Most labels come off easily with a warm soak.

• • Fill your sink or a bowl with warm water
• • Let the jar soak for 10–20 minutes
• • Peel off what you can

To get rid of any glue that’s left behind:

• • Rub with a paste of baking soda + cooking oil
• • Or use a drop of essential oil (eucalyptus or lemon work well)

Scrub gently with a sponge, rinse, and repeat if needed.

Step 2: Get Rid of Smells (Especially in Lids)

Sometimes the glass is fine—but the lid still smells like pickles or tomato. Here are a few natural ways to fix that:

1.  Vinegar Soak

• • Place the lid in a bowl of warm water
• • Add  1-2 tbsp vinegar
• • Let sit 1–2 hours
• • Rinse well and let dry overnight

2.  Mustard Powder Trick

• • Sprinkle a little dry mustard powder into the lid
• • Leave it open in a dry place overnight
• • Wipe clean the next day

Old kitchen wisdom: mustard neutralizes odors naturally.

3.  Coffee Grounds Method

• • Fill the lid with spent coffee grounds
• • Optional but helpful: seal it in a small jar or container for 24–48 hours
• • This works best for lighter, lingering smells

Bonus: How to Remove Tomato Stains from Lids

Tomato-based sauces often leave red or orange stains in the lid. Here’s how to fade them naturally:

1.  Sunlight Bleach

• • Place the lid (especially the inside) in direct sunlight for a few hours
• • UV light naturally breaks down pigment—just like it does with plastic containers

2.  Lemon + Baking Soda Paste

• • Cut a lemon in half
• • Dip into baking soda and scrub the lid
• • Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then rinse and dry

3.  Oxygen Bleach Soak (optional)

• • Use a natural oxygen-based bleach (like sodium percarbonate)
• • Soak the lid for 30–60 minutes
• • Rinse thoroughly and let air dry

When to Replace the Lid?

Sometimes a lid just isn’t worth saving. Replace it if:

• • The seal is warped, cracked, or loose
• • It still smells strongly after multiple cleanings
• • There’s rust or peeling inside the lid

Remember: the jar is the star. If the lid isn’t usable, you can often find a new one that fits—or repurpose the jar for fridge storage, dry goods with a cloth cover, or even as a scoop.

Pick your worst jar—the smelliest or stickiest—and give it a second chance. ???
One clean lid = one more jar you can feel good about using.

Coming Next: How I never forget my jars anymore (A simple trick)