Cleaning labels

[piskieinboots]

I use a permanent marker for writing on labels for seed trays - I use both sides. But then what? Throw them away? Or is there something that would remove the premanent ink, but I guess if there were then it wouldn't be permanent would it!

Am I being tight?

[Jeanied]

I find that the permanent marker gets a bit less permanent after a couple of seasons outside, Piskie - so it may give in to cream cleaner and a scouring pad.

[Two_Sheds]

sandpaper? Brillo pad? Tippex?

[Flummery]

I use a soft pencil - it's good for the whole season. Then I brillo the label and use it again. Nowt wrong with being tight lass!

[Torreya]

Brillo works fine on my labels, even with the best permanent markers. The only problem is that the labels will get brittle with constant outside use, so you'll be halfway through scrubbing one and 'PING' it breaks in half!! Other than that..... as for being stingy?? No way, you're just sensible!!

[chris]

I was just about to post a thread asking what you lot use, currently I have a bit of masking tape stuck to each pot, but it's not ideal really, espeically when I plant them out - unless I can find rocks and mask them up

Plastic plant labels are they?

[lottie dolly]

i often cut up ice cream containers,works well,especially the lids,when you have different varieties of tomatoes ext,when you pot them up individualy means you can use and it not matter how many,like loo rolls collect through the year,chop and store ready for when you need,and for outside i cut up wood,or like the brassicas,write on a bigger bit and just lay on the soil,but remember to keep an eye out for the sluggs hidding underneath,also use cut up plastic milk cartons

[Jeanied]

I was given a load of Burgon and Ball wooden labels -painted in pastel colours - needless to say the paint is coming off now so I may just spend a happy (and frugal) hour or two repainting them with whatever emulsion comes to hand in the shed!

[Madasafish]

I use a brillo pad. Mean! Some of my white plastic labels are 15 years old - or more..(bit yellow now and crack easily)

[Bren In Pots]

Last year I used cut up plastic bottles for labels but the writing soon wore off so this year I'm using store bought labels.

[piskieinboots]

Plastic plant labels are they?

They are

I have this 'thing' that the MiL gave me which she called a magic sponge, no idea where she got it. Anyway, I have just tried it on them and guess what - the permanent ink has gone, totally - without the need to resort to scratchy stuff

Amazing - must ask her what it is and where she got it from

[Two_Sheds]

I have this 'thing' that the MiL gave me which she called a magic sponge,

Oh cool, I've got one of those in the cupboard somewhere. Never thought to use it on plant labels.

My sis bought it, so it would've come from Asda or the pound shop

[sweetiepea]

I scrub mine with a scouring pad. It does the job. Nothing wrong with being thrifty.

[sweetiepea]

I have this 'thing' that the MiL gave me which she called a magic sponge, no idea where she got it.

They're great for removing 'writing' from walls (DS not so long ago).

[reetnproper]

I soak mine in a mild bleach solution for a couple of hours, then give them a gentle scour with hot soapy water. Not pristine but gets most of the ink off .

Reet
xx