How to Get Dry Erase Marker off Wall Without Damaging the Paint

How to Get Dry Erase Marker off Wall

Whiteboard and dry erase markers are widely used all over the world. Classrooms, conferences, meetings, or even at your home. You can just write things over and over again.

Sometimes we use a whiteboard in our child’s room. It is a good option for them to practice writing and create their own art instead of the wall.

We also keep one in the kitchen for an easy rub-off to-do list, a chore list. But sometimes the marker slips and makes a mark on the wall. Pain in the heart would be an understatement when you have something on your wall.

But it isn’t that big of a mess. Everything is reversible. We are going to explain the methods and procedures of how to get dry erase marker off the wall easily and effectively. Some of the ingredients we will use are already in your home.

How to Get Dry Erase Marker off Wall | Simple Methods to Remove Dry Erase Marker

The first thing that comes to mind while you are going to wash the marker ink off the wall is will it take off the paint. We are going to give you the methods that don’t compromise your wall paint and take off the marker ink in a swift.

Baking Soda or Toothpaste

Baking soda or toothpaste is a great cleaning substance. As they are used in our mouth and body, both of them have a good tolerance rate and are not at all toxic.

That said, you have to wet the wall first. Then take a rubbing sponge and put some baking soda or toothpaste on it. And rub your way through the marker ink. 

After a few rubs, it will be removed properly. Keep in mind, you have to use fluoride toothpaste, not the gel kind.

Nail Polish Remover

Most households have nail polish removers. But you cannot use it in a high quantity. As it has acetone this could make your paint fade.

Take a bit of the nail polish on a cotton ball and scrub the marker ink. Don’t rub it vigorously or it will go deep into the paint. 

With a few rubs, your marker ink will fade. Then you can wash off the wall with water and a sponge.

Hair Spray

Another great thing to use to remove dry erase marker ink from your wall is hair spray. As it contains diluting materials, it is a good ink remover.

Spray a little hair spray on the wall and let it sit for a few seconds. Then rub the ink off with some cotton balls. 

If there is still some ink left, you can spray more hair spray if necessary.

Melamine Sponge

Found in any kitchen isle, this sponge does wonder. Simply wet the melamine sponge and scrub off the paint from your wall.

It will take a little time though, but better than any other chemical.

Rubbing Alcohol

We saved the best for last. Rubbing alcohol is the kryptonite for any ink. And it is safe to use on any paint. 

Simply apply some on a cloth or cotton ball and rub it on the marker ink on the wall. With a few rubs, the ink will vanish like magic. 

Rubbing alcohol is the safest thing to use on your wall as it doesn’t compromise the paint. 

What Not to Use on Your Wall

Do not go for acetone and other powerful chemicals. They will take the paint off. Though you won’t notice it at first, when the place drys off, your paint will look a bit more faded than the other places on the wall.

So it is better to go with the normal ink remover products that we have suggested. Unless you want to compromise the wall paint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rubbing alcohol to remove a sharpie off the wall?

Yes. A sharpie is basically a marker and it can be taken off the wall with rubbing alcohol. Just take a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth or cotton ball and rub it at the place.

Can I use pink stuff on my wall to remove marker ink?

Yes, you can. But if the wall has a polished finish, it is not a good idea as it will take off the polish. Other than that, pink stuff is safe to use on normal paint walls.

Can a normal office eraser take off the marker from the wall?


It will take a long time for an office eraser to take off the marker from the wall. There is a magic eraser that can be used to take off markers from the wall.

Does the small amount of acetone harm the wall paint?

No. To be more secure, you can take a small amount of acetone on a cloth and then rub your wall with the cloth. This way the acetone won’t be concentrated. Also, clean the wall with a dry cloth after you are done with the acetone cloth.

Conclusion

Walls are prone to get marked with anything. Be it a marker or sharpie. If you have children in your home, the wall is their canvas. So better keep some wall cleaning stuff handy at all times. But remember to check the ingredients before buying them. There are tons of products that specialize in ink removal. But not all of them are good for wall paint. The last thing you want is a new paint job just for a little marker. 

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