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Buying new utensils for the kitchen during the festive season is considered auspicious in Hindu culture. In fact, on Dhanteras, many people purchase cookware for home (not iron) along with gold and silver coins or jewellery.
It is believed that metal utensils are a sign of prosperity. However, these cookware come with small to large stickers that often leave paper or gum residue when you tear them apart. This article mentions a few kitchen tips and tricks to help you remove these labels easily and without any residue left behind.
Use Oil
No matter what kind of oil you have at home, just apply it on the sticker and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a sharp tool to scrape the edges and scrub the surface with soap and warm water. The sticker will come off without hassle. If any adhesive remains on the surface of the utensil, apply some more oil and scrub it with a soft sponge to remove it.
Use Lemon Juice Or Vinegar
Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic, hence, they can loosen the adhesive making it easier for the labels to come off. Dip a cotton ball in either lemon juice or vinegar. Dab it on the sticker a few times. Once the label softens or the paper starts to tear apart, you can easily remove it without any residue left behind.
Warm Soapy Water
The easiest and most effective trick from grandma’s kitchen book to remove stickers and adhesive from utensils is the use of warm soapy water. Either add dishwashing liquid or detergent to warm water and submerge the utensil in it. Leave it soaked for 15-20 minutes before pulling off the label. You can rinse off the cookware and keep it aside to dry.
Heat The Adhesive
The adhesive hardens when it cools off. Therefore, exposing it to heat can loosen the stickiness. Instead of jumping to the conclusion and subjecting the vessel to a direct heat source (or worst fire), use a hair dryer. You can use it at the highest setting and soon the adhesive will loosen up. Peel off the sticker slowly with fingers or using a plastic scraper.
Rub Alcohol
Damp a piece of cloth or cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and tap it on the label for a few minutes. You can also use nail polish remover because it contains acetone. Both can dissolve the adhesive quickly making it extremely convenient for you to remove the sticker. Wash the cookware with soap and water, wipe it dry, and store it on the shelf.
Baking Soda And Water
In a small bowl, mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply this mixture on the label and rub it gently, Since baking soda is mildly abrasive, it loosens up the adhesive. Hence, a gentle rub can quickly remove the label. If this step leaves behind a faint trail of glue, wash the utensil with warm water and soap.
