Getting out of a sticky situation... how to remove sticky label residue

There is nothing more annoying when buying a new pan or utensil to find it covered in sticky labels. Whatever the labels advertise, they need to be removed before the product is first used. We are often asked what is the best way to remove these labels and more importantly how to remove sticky label residue that is often left behind, without damaging the surface it is stuck to? Read on to find out just how easy it is to remove without the need for expensive chemicals.

Firstly don't be tempted to attack the label with a knife or metallic scourer as this is guaranteed to damage the surface. Depending on what material the label is made from will determine the best way of removing it. Paper-based labels can be removed by soaking in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes or so. After this time the label should be easy to peel away.

Any remaining residue should be fairly easy to remove with a further rinse in the soapy water and a gentle rub with a cloth or sponge. If the label is made from plastic or polypropylene it can usually be peeled off. Carefully lift a corner with a fingernail and slowly peel away from the surface.

Depending on the type of adhesive that has been used, you could still be left with an annoying sticky residue which no amount of soaking in water can get rid of. If left it can quickly attract dirt, which is both unsightly and unhygienic.

We have found that this is the most effective method to remove sticky label residue from stainless steel pans and utensils. Begin by rubbing either mineral oil, baby oil or olive oil onto the residue with a cloth. 

Allow the oil to soak into the label - between five and 10 minutes should do the trick. Then, using the cloth, wipe across the residue to start removing it. Repeat this process for a second time.

Next, using a cloth soaked in white vinegar, wipe the oil and remaining residue away. Finally, wash the surface in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.

The above method of how to remove sticky label residue can be put to good use on other surfaces such as glass. Just bear in mind how certain surfaces react to each product.

For example, to avoid staining, don't use oily substances on porous surfaces such as wood. Likewise, the acidic properties of vinegar can affect certain metals and stone.

Having researched this topic on the internet, there are some common household products that could be worth trying. Believe it or not these include mayonnaise and peanut butter! It sounds crazy but, if you think about it, mayonnaise contains both oil and vinegar and peanut butter contains oil - all of which are used in the method described above.

Surgical spirit and acetone nail polish remover are two other products to try on particularly stubborn sticky residues. For the mayonnaise, surgical spirit and acetone nail polish remover moisten a cloth and rub the residue repeatedly, continuing until the residue has gone.

With the peanut butter cover the residue liberally for approximately 15 minutes then wipe clean.

Again be aware of what surface you are using these on to avoid potential damage or staining. If in doubt always test on an inconspicuous area first.

Do you know of a different way of how to remove sticky label residue? Or do you have any surefire cleaning tips/hacks that always do the business? 

If so we'd love to hear about them. Please feel free to share them in the comments section at the bottom of the page.