Amazing tip! I've seen them at my co-op for labeling, but never thought about doing it at home!

does it come off in the dishwasher?

It is, but I don't find that it wipes off very easily. Is it because it is a sub-standard (ie cheap) grease pencil I got from the dollar store? Or do other people have this problem?

that's genius! I'll have to get one of those

I have a bunch of china markers laying around. When I was in photo school I used them a lot for contact sheets. I never considered using them in the kitchen but will try it out. Thanks!

genius! I've been trying to think of a better labeling system for freezer/fridge food. Chalk rubs off a little too easily.

I can see how useful this would be. I used to label jars with permanent marker on clear packing tape, but in the bustle of the kitchen, sometimes that two-step process was just one step too many. Then I realized that the marker would write just fine on the glass itself. It's easy to scrub off with the rough side of a sponge or a quick swipe with steel wool.

This is similarly simple and easy, which means it's a winner.

I usually just use a Sharpie on glass jars, which erases fairly easily with a little vinegar on a paper towel. But this might be an interesting alternative.

We used to use these in elementary school to do math worksheets - just slip the paper in a plastic protector, write on it, and it rubs right off. We called them "china graph pencils," does anyone else call them that?

I will buy one,..:)

I have one! Mine doesn't wash off easily at all, I actually have to use a magic eraser before putting it in the dishwasher otherwise the containers will come out still marked.

I like using painter's tape. Whips off easy and clean. Picked that up in a cooking class.

i agree with painter's tape. a grease pencil on its own is too hard to wash off. especially for the dishwasher-less like me.

I use one all the time! I freeze and refrigerate in glass jars and it's helpful to put mark the jar with the contents and date. It's also useful for when I'm putting non-edibles in the fridge (like soap-nut liquid) so I can label the jar "DO NOT DRINK".

I use them all the time: to mark leftovers, create identifiers for cups at a party, put my name on items lent out, mark the expiry dates on food, etc.

I actually like that it doesn't come off easy when washing. I just use a regular eraser to remove the pencil marks. Works like a charm!

Finally! Every time I see a post about chalkboard paint in the kitchen I start screaming irrately about wax pencils. All you need is a scrubber and 3 seconds to remove the wax when you do the dishes.

I was very excited about using a grease pencil to mark on canning jars and lids (I have very vague memories of using them in science lab in school), but I can't seem to get them to write a dark line - the words are BARELY legible - nothing like your label in the photo above. I have to press very hard to get even the lightest mark.

Do you think I bought an old one or a bad brand on accident? Or is there a trick to this?

OK, I answered my own question (above). If you want a grease pencil, I would suggest tracking down the "sharpie" brand from a store where grease pencils circulate...I purchased one from an art store rather than the off-brand at my hardware store, and it writes quite well.