How to Get a Dry Erase Marker Off a Painted Wall

How to Get a Dry Erase Marker Off a Painted Wall
Written By
Mary Ylisela
Mary Ylisela
Published: Oct 5, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Step 1

Spray the dry erase marker stain on your painted wall with furniture polish. Blot the wall with a dry cloth to remove the stain. Repeat this step to remove as much of the dry erase marker stain.

Step 2

Dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol. Dab at the remaining dry erase marker stain on the wall to remove as much as you can. Move the cloth to a clean portion as the ink is lifted.

Step 3

White toothpaste is effective for marker and ink stains.

Apply a pea-sized amount of white toothpaste to an old toothbrush. Carefully brush the toothpaste onto the painted wall to tackle any remaining dry erase marker ink stain. As the ink is loosened, blot it with a dry cloth to remove it.

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Step 4

Wipe the toothpaste off the painted wall with a damp cloth.

Step 5

Spray the wall with all-purpose cleaner. Wipe the surface to clean your wall and remove toothpaste residue.

Tips

Blot the dry erase marker stain with talcum powder or cornstarch to absorb the grease.

Substitute ammonia solution for the all-purpose cleaner to wash the walls.

Warnings

Use a gentle touch when cleaning walls with flat paint. Too much rubbing and scrubbing can remove paint, too.

Photo Credits

Duncan Smith/Photodisc/Getty Images

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Mary Ylisela

Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness…

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