Label Residue on Terracotta

This is driving me mad. I've peeled the labels off a couple of pots and there is a ton of the glue still left behind. I've tried soapy water and got nowhere. It won't pick off either. I've had a look online and I've seen white vinegar suggested. I just wondered it anyone's tried that method, and will it stain the terracotta? Or, if anyone's got another tried and tested method that will just remove the glue and leave the pot clean.

Thank you

Jo

 

That glue is usually soluble in white spirit or meths

 

This is not an instant remedy but will work over time.
I presume pots are unglazed.
Pot up your plants and use pots.
When you water them pot will absorb some of water which will then evaporate to outside.
As it evaporates residue will lift off.

 

I've found white spirit works but it will eventually soak off. I agree, very annoying!!

Val

 

I usually find rubbing with fingers removes any residual glue

 

Gawd luv ya all. I knew you'd know a way.

I've really tried picking and rubbing it off, merleworld. This stuff is evil. It's like a sticky waterproof layer that just stretches but doesn't shift. That De-Solv-It stuff looks good, fat controller. I could at least use that on other things afterwards. White spirit is probably the cheapest option, apart from waiting for it to eventually evaporate off. But, as my constant rooting around in pots to find out what's happening with my veg seeds will tell you, I'm not a very patient person.

Thanks, everyone.

Jo

 

I find label glue very annoying on all kinds of things, even apples.
I found, (not for apples), that often they need different solvents for different glues.
Acetone usually works on most, I find.
Also cellulose thinners.

ie, you could try nail varnish remover if you have any.

 

Nail varnish remover no longer contains acetone, health and safety!!!!!!!!

Val

 

Oh well, its worth a go, it might still work.
Cellulose thinners, or Polyurethane thinners.

 

I'm sure that I read somewhere that if an unglazed terracotta pot is wetted prior to using solvent to removing stuff on the exterior surface it will inhibit the dissolved gloop being absorbed into the porous clay, which could possibly cause a difficult to remove stain.

 

Maybe we should start a campaign to stop these plonkers sticking the labels on in the first place.

 

exactly right Pete.

 

It would be better if they stuck the labels on the inside.