31 Days of MOO – Day 22 MOO Goo Gone Recipe (Easy DIY Sticky Residue Remover That Actually Works)

If you’ve ever tried to remove a sticky label from a jar, you’ll know exactly how frustrating it can be.

You peel the label off… and you’re left with that stubborn, sticky residue that just won’t budge.

That’s where products like Goo Gone come in.

They work beautifully—but here in Australia, they can be quite expensive for what is essentially a citrus-based cleaner.

So of course… we MOO it.

This homemade version is simple, effective, and made from ingredients you probably already have at home.

Why Make Your Own Goo Gone?
This is one of those everyday products that quietly costs more than it should.

A Simple Swap That Saves Money
Instead of buying a specialised cleaner, you can make your own for a fraction of the cost and it works just as well.

MOO Goo Gone:
*Costs very little to make
*Uses simple pantry ingredients
*Is effective on a wide range of surfaces
*Doubles as a gentle cleaner
It’s a small swap—but like all MOO habits, it adds up over time.

What Is MOO Goo Gone?
The original Goo Gone is a citrus-based liquid designed to dissolve sticky residues.

This MOO version is:
*Citrus-based
*A soft paste
*Gentle but effective
It lifts sticky residue without scratching surfaces—so you can use it with confidence.

What Can You Use It On?
This is where it really shines.
Use it on:
*Glass jars (perfect for pantry storage)
*Bottles and containers
*Tumblers
*Plates and hard surfaces
*Sticky price labels
*Even tar spots on cars
It’s incredibly versatile—and once you have a jar of it, you’ll reach for it often.

MOO Goo Gone
Ingredients
You only need three simple ingredients:
• ½ cup bicarbonate soda 
• ¼ cup oil* 
• 20 drops orange essential oil 
*Use whatever oil you have on hand—vegetable oil works perfectly.

How to Make MOO Goo Gone
This couldn’t be easier.
Step-by-Step Method
1. Place bicarbonate soda in a small jar. 
2. Add oil and orange essential oil. 
3. Mix well until a smooth paste forms. 
That’s it—you’re done.

How to Use MOO Goo Gone
Simple and effective:
1. Dab a soft cloth into the paste 
2. Gently rub onto the sticky residue 
3. Use a circular motion. Depending on how stubborn the residue is, it may take a few seconds—but it will work.
4. Wash the item in warm, soapy water 
And just like that… the goo is gone.

This makes a small batch. If you want a bigger batch, or have lots of sticky stuff to remove, simply make more following the ratio of 2 parts bicarb to 1 part oil, adjusting the essential oil accordingly (and you can leave this out, you'll just need to gently scrub a little longer).

Why This Works So Well
This little combination is surprisingly powerful:
• Bicarb soda = gentle scrubbing action 
• Oil = breaks down sticky residue 
• Citrus oil = helps dissolve adhesive 
Together, they lift and remove residue without damaging the surface.

Tips for Best Results
• Use a soft cloth (not abrasive) 
• Don’t rush—gentle rubbing works best 
• Test on a small area if unsure 
• Always wash after use to remove oil residue 

How This Recipe Saves You Money
This is classic Cheapskates thinking.
Instead of:
❌ Buying expensive specialty cleaners
❌ Replacing jars because they look messy

You:
✔ Make your own cleaner for cents
✔ Reuse jars and containers
✔ Reduce waste

And suddenly, something small becomes a meaningful saving.