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Easy Fix for Worn Stove and Cooktop Labels

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. 

worn-stove labels-worn-cooktop-numbers-letters-outdated-knobs

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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.

buy replacement stove Decals

Stovedecals.com the rescue!

replacement-stickers-worn-stove-labels

They make replacement stovetop and cooktop stickers for all the major brands:

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

Stovedecals.com is where I purchased my stickers used in the tutorial.

I found some other options for you to look for stickers: Stove Stickers and another website Range Decals to source the stickers.

Where to find the model of your stove or cooktop:

You may be wondering how to find the model number of your appliance, so you can order the correct stickers.

I have an easy trick to find it! Guess what?

Your model number may be under the gasket of one of the knobs.

If it isn’t there, then get underneath because there is typically a sticker with the model information.

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.

Pin It for Later!

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.

How-to remove worn cooktop labels without harming the stainless steel?

  • Use a damp paper towel and baking soda
  • Rubbing lifts off the stickers easily and in minutes!
  • Plus the mixture safely polishes the stainless steel too.
use-baking-soda-to-safely-remove-worn-stove-labels

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.

numbers-gaskets-removed-from-cooktop-and-cleaned

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 Labels 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

Refresh-Worn-Off-Stovetop-Stickers-and-Outdated-Knobs

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. use-baking-soda-to-safely-remove-worn-cooktop-stovetop-numbers-letters
  2. Remove rubber gaskets and clean all remaining baking soda residue from surface. numbers-gaskets-removed-from-cooktop-and-cleaned
  3. Use rubbing alcohol to degrease surface, so stickers will adhere completely. clean-cooktop-with-rubbing-alcohol
  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. place-new-cooktop-stickers-with-the-burners-and-knobs
  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. use-tongue-depressor-to-adhere-stickers-to-cooktop apply-final-sticker-power-boil-and-press-with-tongue-depressor
  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. peel-back-clear-cover-to-expose-stickers
  7. Replace gaskets prior to placing knobs. replace-gaskets-beneath-knobs
  8. Place knobs aligning the male and female layouts so they fit together. align-and-fit-new-knobs
  9. Test each burner to make sure the knob is secure and you are done! updated-stainless-steel-knobs-cooktop
  10. DO NOT USE THE COOKTOP FOR 8 HOURS to make sure the stickers are fully adhered. updated-old-cooktop-new-numbers-letters-and-knobs

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.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

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. 

2 year UPDATE: After 2 years of use they have held up GREAT!

A person staying with me and who was being helpful cleaning and scrubbed a few numbers off, which was odd because my cleaning people have never disturbed them.

So BE CAREFUL and never scrub only gently clean.

SEE THE KITCHEN REMODEL REVEAL!

blue-white-brighten-dark-kitchen
Shop the New Kitchen

Looking for more easy and affordable ideas to update your kitchen?

Check out: Ultimate Guide to Updating an Outdated Kitchen

porch-time-with-tracey-logo

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Until next time…

Porch Daydreamer

Tracey

17 Comments

  1. Had the same layout as you. Ordered six months ago. Today this demo got the job done. If only they had little marks you could line up with pencil lines for placing. They have been at this a long tome. Almost impossible to get all five decals straight. Hope you do well by them. You were a super help.

  2. Worked great! Bought from stove decals. They even helped me figure out my model! Thanks for the tips!!

  3. Thanks so much for posting this! I just ordered a set from stove decals and am looking forward to new stickers. I’m wondering how well the new stickers have held up for you? Are you still able to wipe off your stove top! I tend to splash and drip a lot when I cook, so am always wiping….! Would love to know how they’ve held up!

    1. I am able to wipe without issue and use Norwex cloths for grease clean up, but someone staying at my house used a scrub sponge and took some stickers off one burner. Luckily, the set came with extras so it’s easy to replace just one!

  4. I just wanted to thank you for posting this! I have been wondering if there is a way to tackle this without sharpies and calligraphy (!!) and am very much looking forward to making it look new again. I really appreciate the detail you included – from the baking soda paste, to the hidden model number details under the gasket, and options for cleaning in the future to keep it looking fresher longer.
    I am considering upgrading the knobs as well. Thank you!

  5. Eric Chanko says:

    Thank you. This is very helpful. How did you get your rubber gaskets out from under the knobs? They seemed to be sealed in there.

    Thank you.

    1. After I removed the knobs, I was able to pinch and pull the gaskets away. I never knew they were removable before I read this.

  6. The Stove Decals worked great for me!!! Thank you!!

    1. Where did you get the decals? I can’t find them. TIA

  7. Thank you for such a unique post. Who knew it could be so easy!

    I also thank you from refraining a posting on personal takes of current events. I am sure I am not the only one who looks forward to the emails and blogs staying true to what we signed up for.

    Can’t wait to see the finished ORM!

    1. Thanks Beth! I really was surprised at how easy this project was and WOW what a big difference 🙂

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