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How to Clean Marker Off Wall

how to clean marker off wall

A Quick Rundown

Every kid appears to have their secret artist within. There will always be someone who enjoys drawing whenever and wherever. Parents are always pleased by their children’s artwork. But, not before their child transforms their wall into a canvas and creates artwork with a marker.

Thankfully, there are several techniques for eliminating permanent markings from a wall. The majority of them entails the usage of basic household items. Learning how to eliminate permanent markers can be extremely useful. In this article, I will show you some methods on how you can clean markers off the wall.

1st Method: Applying a Mixture of Baking Soda and White Toothpaste

This mixture can help you in effectively removing markers off your wall. This process might require extra effort. But, the stain will successfully come off right after applying the mixture.

Things You Will Need:

  • Baking soda
  • White toothpaste
  • Dampened soft cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

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.

2nd Method: Using Rubbing Alcohol

Using rubbing alcohol is one of the most common solutions to removing stains. However, it is still a dependable option for cleaning marker stains off the wall. Indeed, rubbing alcohol is extremely efficient in dissolving the compounds in indelible inks.

However, if your wall is newly painted or has wallcoverings, this method may cause it to discolor. Hence, I recommend you try applying it first in a small area. That is to see if it will or will not discolor your paint or wallcovering.

Things You Will Need:

  • Rubbing alcohol (either isopropyl or ethyl)
  • Damp cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Gently dab the stain with a clean cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes.

Afterward, using a dampened cloth, wipe away the alcohol and stain. Repeat this method until the stain disappears.

3rd Method: Removing Marker Stains Using a Dry-Erase Marker

Applying additional marker ink to a marker stain might seem counterproductive. Nonetheless, this method proved to be effective. You can clean several surfaces using a dry-erase marker. Dry erase markers use a non-polar solvent. Hence, they can help in breaking down the components in marker ink.

Things You Will Need:

  • A dry-erase marker (the color should be the same as the color of the stain)
  • Damp cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Start writing over the marker stain with your dry-erase marker. Normally, the dry-erase marker must be the same shade as the marker stain. (If the stain is black, use a black dry-erase marker)

Using a damp, clean cloth, wipe all the stained areas. You might have to perform the procedure several times until you eliminate all of the stains.

removing marker stains

4th Method: Dissolving the Marker Stains with Nail Polish Remover

You can quickly remove a marker stain with acetone-based nail polish remover. It is one of the most powerful chemicals for dissolving marker stains.

Nevertheless, when applying these cleaning products, wear your gloves. This will prevent the pigment from staining your hands. Open your window if you are working on a vast area on your wall to avoid inhaling the strong odor.

Furthermore, if you used latex paint on your walls, be careful when applying this solution. If you rub latex paint with nail polish remover, it will get sticky or peel off. It will also diminish any luster from that area.

Things You Will Need:

  • Acetone-based nail polish remover
  • Dry cloth or cotton ball

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Soak your soft cloth or cotton ball partially with nail polish remover. If you are going to use a cloth, make sure it is one you would not mind discarding.

Rub the mark with your soaked cloth or cotton ball. Wiping in a circular motion may be effective if blotting does not work. It can take a few rounds to get rid of all of the markings.

Use mild soap and water to clean the area. This will help eliminate any remaining harmful chemicals on the wall.

5th Method: Loosening and Removing Marker Ink with WD-40

WD-40 is a chemically-based lubricant, sludge eraser, and liquid displacer all in one. Without a doubt, it is an excellent tool for eliminating any permanent marker ink off your wall.

Nonetheless, if you are working on a huge area of the wall covered in marker, open your windows. Take note of any cautions that come with this product.

Things You Will Need:

  • WD-40
  • Dry rag

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Apply WD-40 to the stain using a teensy amount. Spray while holding a cloth under the stain. This will prevent any drips from staining your wall further.

Using a clean, dry rag, wipe the stain in a circular motion.

Apply mild soap and water to remove the dirt. Cleaning the wall will eliminate any remaining harsh chemicals on your wall.

Conclusion

Truly, permanent marker stains on walls are very unsightly. They are hard to look at. But by trying the methods aforementioned, you will be able to remove them. All you have to do is try each one of them and see which will work. Just make sure to try it on an inconspicuous spot first before performing a cleaning method on the visible area of your wall. If it works, continue the process.

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