Removing Stains from Walls and Other Surfaces Caused by Dry-Erase Markers

Quck answer

Dry-erase marker stains can be removed from walls and other surfaces using various methods. For walls, start by spraying a mild cleaner or rubbing alcohol on the stain and wiping it off with a cloth. For clothing, pre-treat the stain with a stain remover or rubbing alcohol before laundering as usual. For carpet or upholstery, blot the stain with a mixture of dish soap and water, then rinse with water and blot dry. For whiteboards, use a whiteboard cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Overall, prompt action and the right cleaning solution can effectively remove dry-erase marker stains from different surfaces.


Dry-erase markers are commonly used in schools and offices due to their ability to create dust-free markings. However, like other markers, the ink can sometimes end up on surfaces where it shouldn’t be, such as walls or fabric, resulting in stubborn stains. Dry-erase markers can also leave stains on whiteboards if left on for too long. Fortunately, removing these stains from various surfaces is not as challenging as it may seem, allowing you to restore your items to their stain-free state easily.

Dealing with Dry-Erase Marker Stains on Walls

Walls can often get marked by the tip of a dry-erase marker. If this happens, it’s important to quickly wipe the mark with a damp sponge. If the stain has been there for a while, it may be more stubborn. In such cases, you can use a sponge dampened with a mild abrasive cleanser, like SoftScrub, to gently rub the stain in a circular motion or blot the mark with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. Once the marker is removed, wipe the area with a clean, wet cloth to eliminate any excess product.

Removing Dry-Erase Marker Stains from Fabric or Upholstery

Accidental marks from dry-erase markers can sometimes end up on fabric or upholstery, and removing these stains may seem challenging. However, there are a few effective methods that can help lift the stain if applied correctly.

To remove the stain, apply rubbing alcohol to a sponge and blot the stain. It’s important not to rub the stain, as this can cause the ink to spread and make the mess worse. Alternatively, you can use other products such as nail polish remover, enzyme stain remover, or hydrogen peroxide in the same way, using a cloth or cotton ball to blot away the stain.

Allowing the product to sit on the stain for a few minutes will help transfer the stain onto the cloth when you press it into the stain. Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with water by blotting it with a clean, damp cloth. Use a clean towel to remove any excess moisture and dry the area with a hairdryer to prevent water stains.

Helpful Tip

Before using a stain remover on fabric or upholstery, it’s recommended to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area to ensure that the product won’t discolor or damage the fabric.

Removing Dry-Erase Marker Stains from a Whiteboard Surface

Even whiteboards are susceptible to dry-erase marker stains. If marks are left on a whiteboard for more than 24 hours, they can become more difficult to remove and may require the use of commercial products to restore the whiteboard to its original state. Products such as dry-erase board cleaner, glass cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol are ideal for cleaning and removing dry-erase marker residue from a whiteboard. To use these products, simply dampen a microfiber cloth with the chosen product and gently rub the affected area, using clean areas of the cloth to wipe away any excess residue until the marker is completely removed.

To clean stains on a whiteboard, you can try using natural cleaners like a mixture of white vinegar and water. Simply dip a cloth into the solution and rub the stains. It may require some extra effort, but the stain should vanish quickly. Alternatively, you can apply a drop of dish soap on a damp cloth to clean the whiteboard and remove the stain. This method is also effective in removing surface oils from the board. However, it is important to avoid using abrasive cleaners like scouring powder or toothpaste, as they can cause damage to the board’s surface.

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