cw (03/20/83)
One of the most aggravating problems around the kitchen is the sticky labels manufacturers and stores slap on all manner of cooking equipment. Sometimes the labels come off easily with soap and water, but not uncommonly even long scrubbing with steel wool or pot scrubbers won't remove the labels. The glue just gums up and gets dirtier and dirtier. Furthermore, scrubbing won't even work on plastic, at least not steel wool scrubbing. Today, in desperation, I tried using turpentine on a new spatula I had just bought. Wonder of wonders, a little dab'll do ya'. The glue just vanished. I rinsed with water and had a clean tool. Now, I don't guarantee this and I haven't yet tried it on plastic, but it sure worked in a hurry. I'd be interested in other experiences or suggestions for this sticky problem. Charles
dfz (03/22/83)
Many labels are stuck on with carbon-based substances, not only on kitchen utensils but also in other irritating places (e.g. car windows). The best stuff for removing such glues used to be carbon tetrachloride (which was sold in hardware stores under the brand name "Carbona", if I remember correctly). Carbon Tet has been determined to be very dangerous to humans and so was removed from the market. However, safer substitutes are still sold. I think your best bet for removing sticky labels is to go to your hardware store and ask for a carbon-tetrachloride substitute (I've tried the stuff and it works well). I have not had good experience removing glue/tape with petroleum based solvents. Dave Ziffer
shp (03/23/83)
Vegetable oil works well on most glues. - sam praul ...decvax!ittvax!shp