Replace Worn Stove Labels and Refresh Knobs

Have your kitchen stove or cooktop labels worn off? Here is an easy and affordable way to replace the numbers and letters, without buying a new appliance!

Unfortunately, stove and cooktop letters and numbers wear off overtime from regular use and cleaning. 

After using my GE cooktop the last 10 years, it started to look really tired.

So I went in search of a way to refresh the worn stove labels and knobs to make it look “almost” as good as new!

Worn Stove Labels

I’m currently in the middle of a kitchen remodel and seeing new counters, tile, and a fresh coat of cabinet paint the cooktop was looking really old.

It wasn’t in my budget to replace the natural gas cooktop and frankly it works perfectly, so why would I?

Here is what the cooktop looked like before I replaced worn off letters and number labels. 

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You can see I use the bottom burner the most and some of the decals had all but disappeared.

I use gentle cleaners and have since switched to no chemical Norwex Cloths to clean all of my stainless steel.

Despite that they kept wearing off with use. 

Time to find a solution to updating the worn off information around the knobs.

Where to Buy Replacement Stove and Cooktop Stickers/Decals

Yes, you can buy stickers for just about ANY brand of stove and cooktop!

It’s a very inexpensive, easy and fast update to make your appliance look almost as good as new.

Luckily, a neighbor posted in our community Facebook group that they found the perfect stickers for our cooktops.

STOVEDECALS.COM

To the rescue and they make replacement stovetop and cooktop stickers for all the major brands:

• GE
• Samsung
• LG
• Whirlpool
• Kenmore
• Frigidaire

Mine is a GE and the hard part was finding out the model number???

Guess what? It was under the gasket of one of the knobs and also there is a sticker underneath the cooktop.

Your model may or may not be found in those locations, but it is a start!

NOTE: Due to licensing / brand trademarks you won’t be able to replace the brand decal. I figured that out after I removed mine, but it was worn too.

I also found another resource on Etsy: Stove Stickers but found the other site to be better because you could search by model and brand. 

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How-to Safely Remove Old Numbers and Letters from a Stove or Cooktop

Honestly, NO ONE had any clear information on this and I am assuming it’s because of the liability.

So my disclaimer is use at your own risk!

The key is to remove the old stickers/decals completely WITHOUT damaging the surface and I tried SEVERAL options.

What removed the cooktop labels without harming my stainless steel?

• A damp paper towel and baking soda
• They came off easily and in minutes!
• Plus the mixture safely polished the stainless steel too.

If you see any scratches in my video or photography, they were there before from everyday use and likely some aggressive cleaning along the way.

One thing I MUST point out is because the original numbers and letters were printed during manufacturing they are imbedded in the stainless.

Even after removing the old letters, numbers, and burner markers there is a slight haze where you can still see them.

Some areas were worse than others, as you can see from the picture above.

Once the new stickers were in place it isn’t noticeable and it hasn’t bothered me at all.

You may not have this issue on other appliance finishes and colors. 

How-to Replace Worn Stove and Cooktop Labels

Now onto the full tutorial! At the same time, I decided to replace the knobs to stainless steel too.

Click for the knobs I ordered for my GE Profile Cooktop. Please make sure they will fit your model!

Replace Worn Stove and Cooktop Labels

Print

How to remove old decals and apply new stickers to a cooktop.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $60 to $80

Materials

• Stove Decals
• Baking Soda
• Paper Towels
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Optional: Replacement Knobs

Tools

• Popsicle Stick or Credit Card

Instructions

1. Remove old knobs prior to removing labels. Fill a small bowl with baking soda. Dampen a paper towel, dip in baking soda, and rub until all surface decals are removed.
2. Remove rubber gaskets and clean all remaining baking soda residue from surface.
3. Use rubbing alcohol to degrease surface, so stickers will adhere completely.
4. Place each new sticker on the correct knob that turns on the burner. Replace the knobs to test if needed prior to adhering stickers.
5. Peel white backing to expose adhesive and carefully place sticker around knob making sure they are straight up and down and side to side. Using the stick included with the kit press down and smooth sticker removing all air bubbles.
6. GENTLY peel clear backing making sure stickers are adhered to the surface. Go slowly, so if one lifts you can push it down with the stick.
7. Replace gaskets prior to placing knobs.
8. Place knobs aligning the male and female layouts so they fit together.
9. Test each burner to make sure the knob is secure and you are done!
10. DO NOT USE THE COOKTOP FOR 8 HOURS to make sure the stickers are fully adhered.

Notes

• On stainless steel finishes the old labels may leave a haze. One the new stickers are in place you won't notice them.
• Make sure to go over the stickers very methodically to make sure they are adhered and air bubbles are gone, before removing the backing.
• Going forward be very gentle cleaning around the knobs to keep the stickers looking new as long as possible.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Replacement Stainless Steel Knobs
• 
  Norwex Envirocloth Cloth 

Now wasn’t that an easy 15 minute project?

Seriously, it makes it feel like I have a brand new cooktop and the knobs really trade up the look.

You can do this! Plus it’s a WHOLE lot cheaper that getting a new appliance. 

SEE THE KITCHEN REMODEL REVEAL!

Like this kitchen update project?

Here are some others you may enjoy:

• Simple Ideas to Organize Spices
• How-to Add Soft Close to Any Cabinet
• Organize Cabinets with Pull-Out Drawers
• The Right Length Cabinet Pulls for Doors and Drawers
• Demystifying Kitchen Island Pendant Light Size and Height

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Until next time…

Porch Daydreamer

Tracey