Not sure where to post this, but has anyone got a quick easy method of ...

[askyourgran]

removing the glue from jam jars? My friend is making jam and needs some jars, I've washed them and tried to take the labels off but the glue is still stuck to the jars, they've been soaking all afternoon.

[EvianBaby]

I agree with WD40. It was the only thing that worked to remove the stickers on the inside of some tin cat bowls I bought. (I obviously washed them well afterwards).

[Ann]

Thanks for the tip of using hair spray - I will try that too as I use jars for pickle, I know WD40 works - I've even heard of a old chap who sprayed it on his dodgy knees !!! Not to be recommended though - Health & Safety wouldn't like!

[Clanad]

When using hair spray, don't use the non-alcohol type...

[KARL]

Isopropyl alchohol will do it every time. The only trouble is that in the UK this stuff is not readily available - but you can try places that supply car painting workshops (or the workshops themselves). If you or anyone you know is going abroad then arrange to get it there - it is available at such places as petrol stations in some foreign countries (that's how I bought a litre years ago and still have some left). The stuff is very useful for all sorts of cleaning, including removing ink (including marker pen) from where it is not meant to be. Some synthetic materials may react to it so test first.

[askyourgran]

Thanks for the suggestions, I tried not to use the smelly type of stuff that would taint the jars. However I suppose it would be OK if I left the lids on while using WD40 or something. Since posting I've got two more jars from my neighbour. It's a fiddly job, but some of the jars come clean straight away after soaking. In future I think I'll leave the labels on.