Goo-Be-Gone, Naturally

On any given day the space next to my sink looks like this:

Multiple jars with leftover label adhesive, just waiting to be cleaned and reused. I had hoped to collect enough used jars for my pantry overhaul, but just because that didn't happen doesn't mean I won't continue saving and reusing glass jars as they come in. But why oh why do product labels have to be SO dang sticky!? Here's my method (perfected when we repurposed Frappuccino bottles I solicited off of Craigslist for Little J's birthday) for getting rid of that annoying goo naturally:

1) The tools: peanut butter and an old toothbrush (I keep a separate little dish of peanut butter labeled "Don't Eat" with the stuff I use for goo removal).

2) Apply a thin layer of peanut butter over the goo residue on your jar. Let it sit overnight or at least for a few hours.

3) After you've let it sit, run it under hot water, and scrub off the peanut butter with the toothbrush. The peanut butter takes the goo right with it.

4) Sometimes peanut butter alone will do the trick, but if it doesn't, add a couple drops of Dr. Bronner's to the toothbrush and scrub a second time. If the goo is particularly stubborn, try scrubbing with Dr. Bronner's using something more abrasive (I use the rough side of a natural fiber sponge).

That's it, 1-2-3-4, and you have a clean, pretty jar ready to reuse!

01/03/11 - I'm linking this post up with "Your Green Resource"
on Live Renewed, Sorta Crunchy, A Delightful Home, and the Greenbacks Gal