Getting permanent pen off plant labels

[WillyNelson]

As per the title really, I've a lot of white plastic plant labels that've been written on with permanent pen. I've used both sides but I'd quite like to clean them up properly for reuse. Any ideas or suggestions what would get them clean? The more household item & less chemical the better.

[hellybore]

I have been wondering the same thing! Have been squirting mine with washing up liquid and rubbing hard with a stainless steel scourer. It does work eventually, but takes a bit of elbow grease. Hopefully someone else will come up with something easier!

[bearded bloke]

WD40 or a similar product will get most of it off fairly quickly

[Martin H]

I'm afraid I'm also a washing-up-liquid-and-scourer person. What we need is a scientist who can devise something made of everyday household chemicals that we can dip them in for instant renovation?

[Martin H]

And while I was posting, in steps BB. Nice work sir.

[darcyvuqua]

An easy step is to colour over with normal felt tip pen there's something about the chemicals that remove the permanent pen then an easy wipe clean

[Moopmoop]

I use an eraser, it removes biro and permanent markers too, and pencil obviously.

[Indigo23]

I would use WD40.

[Two_Sheds]

... and in future, don't use pen use pencil, which can be removed with a normal plastic eraser

[arpoet]

I just soak the old labels in domestos (other brands are available) then scrub off with washing up liquid and a scourer and washed well in warm water.
It works for me.

[Mr Bones]

Make plant labels out of empty plastic milk bottles then recycle them after use.

[WillyNelson]

Ah, the old faithful WD40 :-) I'll give that a go tonight.

And yes, pencil next time.

Thanks folks

[WillyNelson]

Oops, double post. Was using the newfangled app on the train & went through a tunnel.

[Jonthefish]

In work we use acetone to remove the ink from the labels we write on, however we are moving away from that using dyno printing labels instead. However i was told nail polish remover works the same way.

[salome2001]

try surgical spirit/ alcohol

and next time use pencil, like TS says