One of the best ways to organise your pantry is with the use of pantry labels to identify jars, containers, and shelves as to what is in or on them.

A popular type of pantry label is those made from vinyl, however, whereas paper-type labels can just be stuck to whatever they are being used on without much thought, the affixing of pantry labels needs somewhat more care.

For that reason, we thought it would be helpful to outline the process and several steps as to how you can affix pantry labels correctly.

By doing so, your vinyl pantry labels will be straight, stay affixed to the items they are on, and thus contribute properly to your newly organised pantry.

• The adhesive on vinyl labels will weaken after the labels have been cut, so do not delay for too long before applying the label.

• Try not to handle the label for too long as moisture such as the natural oils in the skin of your fingers can compromise the effectiveness of the adhesive.

• Applying labels should not be rushed as this can lead to damaged labels, labels not sticking correctly, or them not being straight.

• Ensure that any surface that you are going to place a label on is completely dry and clean. Use the appropriate cloth to wipe away grease, dust, and moisture.

• Ensure your hands are clean and dry. Better still, wear a pair of surgical gloves when working with vinyl pantry labels.

• To start the process of applying vinyl pantry labels, carefully peel away the backing from each label individually.

• When removing the backing, do so with care, otherwise, you may tear the label.

• If you have a label where the backing does not come away easily, do not try to rip it off with force as you may tear the label. Instead, press the backing onto the label again, and then rub the vinyl front of the label with your finger. The friction of rubbing your finger on the label should generate enough heat to make it easier to remove the backing this time.

• Once you have removed the backing paper from a pantry label, you can affix it to where you wish it would go. The best way to do this is to press the centre of the label onto the surface and then carefully work outwards to the edges of the label.

• To fully affix each vinyl pantry label use something flat and solid such as a bank card to go across the surface and remove any air bubbles.

• Once affixed, carefully peel away the transfer paper from the front of the label, starting from the top and pulling it down towards the bottom of the label.

• If, when pulling the transfer paper away, you notice any part of the label underneath is lifting too, stop pulling the transfer paper immediately. Press the transfer paper back down and press the label again using the bank card or something similar. After a minute or so, try lifting the transfer paper again, but do it very slowly.

• Vinyl pantry labels tend to be waterproof only for the first 24 hours after being affixed so if you wish to wipe down anything with a damp cloth that they are affixed to, do so within that time.

• Vinyl pantry labels are not normally dishwater proof so do not place any containers or jars which have vinyl pantry labels affixed to them in the dishwasher.