How do I label jars that have been in the refrigerator?.

June 10, 2007 7:16 PM

Are there any labelers (preferably electronic) where the labels will stick to refrigerated glass but be possible to remove later?

I have a Dymo LetraTag labeler. The labels don't stick to much that's room temperature, and they certainly don't stick to glass jars that have been in the refrigerator. Are there any labelers that have labels that do? It must be reasonably easy to remove the labels when done, so the jar can be reused for something else later. The labels must also stick to plastic bags that will be kept in the freezer, but it seems like anything that will fulfill the previous should also do that with no problems.

I would prefer an electronic model to the kind where you have to spin the wheel and press through each letter, if possible, but if that's the only kind that will satisfy the above, that's fine too. Other suggestions that do not involve writing on the jars with some sort of pen or pencil are welcomed.

posted by Caviar to home & garden (8 comments total)

I've used labels from a Brother P-Touch in the fridge (they actually stay on through dishwashing, text intact, as well) and haven't had any trouble peeling them off afterwards. There's a ton of p-touch models at various price points, I linked the one I have and have been happy with it.
posted by jamaro at 7:34 PM on June 10, 2007

I know I've seen labels that print onto the same sticky vinyl that's often used (removably) on windows and walls. Sorry I don't know the brand, but maybe that leads you in a direction.
posted by Kickstart70 at 7:37 PM on June 10, 2007

jamaro, it sounds like you've stuck labels to things, and then put them in the fridge. Do they also stick to a jar that's been in the fridge, removed, labeled, and returned to the fridge?
posted by Caviar at 7:42 PM on June 10, 2007

There is a product made specifically for your dilemma. The DaysAgo digital timers use magnets or suction cups to stick onto your containers and keep track of how many days your products have been open/in your fridge.
posted by laskagirl at 8:28 PM on June 10, 2007

Oops, I kind of assumed that your purpose is to keep tabs on freshness. Oh well. You might still find the timers useful. :o)

For labeling: Medical tape (the kind used to make your own bandages) sticks to just about anything. And, of course, it comes off again. Write on it with a fine-point Sharpie.
posted by laskagirl at 8:31 PM on June 10, 2007

Caviar, I haven't tried that before but I'll try it now...[pause for experiment]...OK. I have taken a jar of jalapeño peppers from my fridge and allowed it to sit upon the counter until the exterior glass surface collected some moisture from condensation. Label was applied w/o wiping or otherwise preparing the surface of the jar. Photo here. The label is adhering to the glass: I'm not able to slide it around but I can slip my fingernail under a corner, lift the label (note: more easily than I normally can, when adhering to a dry surface) and reposition it.

I've put the labeled jar back into my fridge and I'll report back on the state of its label tomorrow.
posted by jamaro at 11:08 PM on June 10, 2007

Put masking tape on the jar, and attach the dymotape to that.
posted by Wolfdog at 2:31 AM on June 11, 2007

Update: the labeled jar of jalapeños has been in the fridge for nearly 24 hours. Here's the sticker, still attached. The corners where I handled the glue side of the sticker are lifting slightly, but reattach when smoothed down. Removal takes the same level of effort as last night. Here's the sticker removed and reapplied. I'm not convinced the label could stand too many more removals and reattachments but it's survived four thus far: two last night and two today and there's no glue residue left behind on the glass.

I'll stick it back into the fridge and see if any of my nosier guests comment on my approach to general health care.
posted by jamaro at 10:27 PM on June 11, 2007