How to Get Dry Erase Marker off the Wall
Dry erase markers easily come off whiteboards, but removing them isn’t as simple as wiping them off with an eraser when the marker gets on other surfaces. Although a dry erase marker is not considered permanent, a more aggressive approach is necessary to get it off your walls and floors.
Rubbing alcohol is one of the easiest methods and one of the most obvious. If you have ever tried getting out marker stains before, you have at least thought of using rubbing alcohol.
It is one of the most commonly-used cleaning agents, used everywhere from doctor’s offices to office space at work to your own home office after your five-year-old doodles on the wall with that dry erase marker.
Part of the reason rubbing alcohol is such an attractive solution is that it is affordable and does not require expensive equipment or special training.
Moreover, given that rubbing alcohol is for many typical home tasks – from swabbing wounds before putting on Band-Aids to cleaning away old paint – there is a fair chance you already have some lying around.
You also probably have some cotton balls, which you will want to use to administer the rubbing alcohol, just as you would when swabbing a wound. In addition, you’ll want to use a wet rag or washcloth.
All you have to do is apply the rubbing alcohol to the cotton ball, rub the rubbing alcohol over the dry erase marker (which should eliminate it) and then wipe away the alcohol with the damp washcloth.
Other Ways of getting Dry Erase Marker off Walls.
- Acetone
This remedy is potent, so you need to handle it carefully. To avoid wall damage, you need to apply acetone to a small piece of the surface first. If the paint from the wall isn’t gone, feel free to use acetone to launder the trace of the marker. Next, wipe the polluted place with a piece of fleece dipped in acetone. You will have to repeat the procedure several times if the stain is old.
- Stain Removers
You might want to consider a wide range of proper stain removers. These can range from detergent to unique solutions that remove stains to something more potent still, such as bleach.
The more potent the type of stain remover you use, the more likely you are to use something strong enough to start wiping away paint or even potentially eating into and damaging your wall. You thus want to walk a balance here between potency and safety for your wall.
Which solution works here will be a matter of trial and error. What’s more, it had better be a pretty big, aggressive, and egregious stain that you have since the methods listed above should have quickly taken care of a simple dry erase the stain.
- Use of Hairspray
It’s another effective way to remove the marker stain. Plentifully spray the lacquer on the polluted area and wait for it to absorb. Then take a piece of cloth, rub in circular motions, and wipe the area with a damp cloth. It should be noted that this method is not suitable for all types of walls, as you can remove a layer of paint. To avoid it, try this procedure in a separate section first.
- Office Eraser with Water
This method is suitable if the marker stain is fresh and is probably the simplest. Then, you only need to rub the polluted area with an eraser.
Along with rubbing alcohol, this is one of the most common methods of removing a dry erase stain on your wall. Chances are if you have a dry erase marker, you already have an eraser, and obviously, it shouldn’t be hard to find water. Simply dab some water on the eraser and rub it over the mark.
While this is the least expensive and most straightforward solution on this list, its efficacy is hardly guaranteed. Maybe you’ll get lucky and be able to remove the marker stain and not have to spend any more time or money on the problem.
However, if you find it ineffective or, worse, it starts to smear the marker stain, stop. It’s probably not worth it, as other methods are to consider.
- Nail Polish Remover
The same goes for nail polish remover. On the one hand, it can be a potentially potent marker remover like hairspray. But, on the other hand, it’s designed to remove nail paint, after all, so there’s always the chance that it could wind up stripping away the color from your wall.
Once again, you’ll want to apply some to a rag and then swab this onto the mark. Let the nail polish sit for about 15 minutes, and then try and wipe it away.
- A mixture of Baking Soda and White Toothpaste
This mixture can help you in effectively remove markers off your wall. This process might require extra effort. But, the stain will successfully come off right after applying the mixture.
Combine one part baking soda and one part white toothpaste in a tiny cup.
Before applying it to the stained part of the wall, test the mixture first on a tiny area and let it sit for a few minutes. If it cleans the stain, then proceed to the noticeable stained area.
Using a clean, slightly wet cloth, wipe the mixture onto the stain in circular motions. Make sure that there is no residue left.
- Loosening and Removing Marker Ink with WD-40
WD-40 is a chemically-based lubricant, sludge eraser, and liquid displacer. Without a doubt, it is an excellent tool for eliminating any permanent marker ink off your wall.
Nonetheless, open your windows if you work on a vast wall area covered in marker. Take note of any cautions that come with this product.
Apply WD-40 to the stain using a teensy amount. Spray while holding a cloth under the stain. It will prevent any drips from staining your wall further.
Using a clean, dry rag, wipe the stain in a circular motion.