Cleaning Plant Labels

Does anyone have any tips on the best way to clean those white plant labels? it took me nearly two hours last night scrubbing the black marker pen writing off them so I can reuse them :eek:

 

White spirit, isopropyl alcohol [as in computer cleaners], 'Stain Devil' biro remover- and if all else fails, Nitromors. I also use these for removing sticky labels.
My problem has been in keeping the marker pen ON!

 

I gave up using marker pens. They fade and are very difficult to remove. I now use soft pencil on the rough side of the labels. It comes off a treat with JML magic eraser and soapy water. I was given a block of the magic eraser and that is the only thing I use it for.

 

Black marker pens particularly the permenent types are hell to clean, I have had success with WD40 but still hard work.
If i think I will re-use a label I now use pencil, but still use a permenant marker for labels meant to last.

 

I use strips cut from white formica as lables, that way you dont have to worry about reuse, that is if you've got a supply of formica.

 

I use strips cut from white plastic detergent bottles. Roughen the plastic slightly with fine sandpaper, use a permanent marker pen and just bin them when no longer needed.

Dave

 

I ought to have added to my last post that sections of plastic curtain rail and small bore white plastic water pipe (dead cheap in B&Q) make good non-rot and highly visible row markers in the veg garden.

Dave

 

I use old margerine tubs