Recurring problem with unglazed clay pots

[AnonYMouse]

Most of my pots, old and new, have rectangular shadows.

How do you remove the adhesives from price tags and labels?

[tarev]

Goo gone.

[AnonYMouse]

I tried Goo Gone, at least superficially. It removes the stickiness but leaves a shadow. I also worry that the stuff will penetrate the terra cotta and do adverse things to plants.

The stickiness isn't the problem, there are many ways to remove that (erasers). The adhesive is penetrating the clay, not deep but deep enough to discolor the area. Sanding will remove the shadow but its a lot of sanding.

[AussieVanda]

an acid wash? works for driveways and pavers.

[AnonYMouse]

[Ray]

Clay is porous; the adhesive penetrated the pores.

Have you considered baking the pots? ...or not worrying about it?

[AnonYMouse]

Not worried just thought I'd ask. If the marring can be easily removed, why not do it (I'm only cleaning a few pots not tens-hundreds of them).

I haven't thought of baking but did think of boiling. I generally boil everything inorganic. Just have to wait for cool weather.

[campchi]

You can try wetting it with vegie oil, or any kind of cooking oil. That's how I usually remove those sticky from hosehold stuff...never try it on the clay pot

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by Ray

Clay is porous; the adhesive penetrated the pores.

Have you considered baking the pots? ...or not worrying about it?

Have you tried turning the pot around so you do not have to look at the place which bothers you or buy some more plants which would take your mind of this minor irritation.

[Leafmite]

I use the plastic basket/net pots so I never have this problem.