If your important laminated paper has been scribbled on by kids with dry-erase markers, there is no need to panic. The stains can be removed!
In this blog post, we will show you how to clean erase markers off laminated paper in six methods. They are all incredibly easy and only require common household items.
Read until the end to find the cleaning method that suits your situation best.
Table of Contents
6 Ways to Get Dry Erase Marker Off Laminated Paper
Option 1. Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a strong solvent that can get rid of dry erase markers on laminated paper. It can get the job done with a little bit of scrubbing and some paper towels. Below is a list of exactly what you will need and the required steps.
What you will need to prepare:
- Rubbing alcohol with at least 70% solution
- Some clean microfiber paper towels
What you will need to do:
Step 1. Test an inconspicuous spot of your laminate sheets first. Only proceed to the next step if the rubbing alcohol doesn’t discolor the pages. If it does, move on to one of the other options below.
Step 2. Grab a paper towel and pour just enough rubbing alcohol to lightly wet it.
Step 3. Gently rub the wet paper towel on the laminated paper in circular motions. Make sure you occasionally switch out old towels as you erase the writing on laminated paper.
Step 4. Continue doing step 3 until the marks disappear. This will take longer if the ink stain is old.
Step 5. Wipe the sheet down again with a fresh paper towel.
Step 6. Give it a final check. There should be no remaining residue.
Option 2. Using Alcohol Wipes
Instead of putting alcohol from a bottle onto paper towels, you can use alcohol wipes to remove dry erase markers from laminated paper. This method is much more convenient, helping you save both time and effort!
What you will need to prepare:
- Alcohol wipes
- A clean microfiber towel
What you will need to do:
Step 1. Take a piece of alcohol wipe and press it against the dry erase marker stain.
Step 2. Work the ink off in a combination of circular motions until all the dry erase marks disappear.
Step 3. Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe the laminated sheet once again to clean off the residues.
Option 3. Using Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizers contain rubbing alcohol, so they also make an effective homemade dry erase cleaner.
What you will need to prepare:
- Hand sanitizer
- Some paper towels
- Microfiber towel
What you will need to do:
Step 1. Test the hand sanitizer on a spot of the laminated paper. Make sure there are no adverse reactions.
Step 2. Pour a small amount of hand sanitizer on a paper towel. If you pour too much, it will tear through the paper, and you will end up wasting both the paper and the hand sanitizer.
Step 3. Use the paper towel to rub the dry erase marker stain, lifting it from the laminated paper.
Step 4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 until the ink is gone completely.
Step 5. Wipe the laminated paper again with a new paper towel.
Option 4. Using All-Purpose Cleaner
An all-purpose cleaner is another suitable option that you can consider when your dry erase marker won’t come off laminated paper. It is fairly inexpensive, and you can easily get it almost anywhere, be it Walmart, Target, or Home Depot.
What you will need to prepare:
- An all-purpose cleaner
- Some paper towels
What you will need to do:
Step 1. Spray a generous amount of an all-purpose cleaner onto the dry-erase ink.
Step 2. Let the all-purpose cleaner sit for a couple of minutes.
Step 3. Rub the dry erase marks with paper towels.
Step 4. Use a new paper towel to wipe down the laminated paper once more before finishing.
Option 5. Using Whiteboard Cleaner
Although whiteboard cleaners are specially made for whiteboards, they can also work their magic on laminated paper. Products such as EXPO Dry-erase Spray will also tackle stubborn marks, such as ghosting and shadowing.
What you will need to prepare:
- Whiteboard cleaner spray
- Some paper towels
What you will need to do:
Step 1. Spritz some whiteboard cleaner solution onto the dry-erase marker stain on your paper.
Step 2. Give it a few seconds to settle and loosen up the pigments of the ink.
Step 3. Wipe down the laminated surface with a paper towel.
Step 4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 until the dry erase marker stain disappears completely.
Step 5. Go over the laminated paper one final time with a clean paper towel.
Option 6. Using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a wonderful product for removing all things ink related. It can effectively get rid of dry erase marker and permanent marker on laminated paper.
That said, this should be your last resort, as Magic Eraser is very abrasive and can damage the laminate surface in the long run.
What you will need to prepare:
- Clean Magic Eraser
- A clean microfiber cloth
What you will need to do:
Step 1. Dip the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser into cold water
Step 2. Scrub the Magic Eraser against the ink in circular motions and with firm pressure.
Step 3. Once the stubborn ink disappears, wet a cloth and give the laminated paper another wipe down to finish.
Other Cleaning & Care Tips
Tip 1. Be Cautious When Using IPA
Because IPA is flammable, it is very critical that you use it with caution when cleaning. As such, you should work in a well-ventilated space and steer clear of open flames, pilot lights, and heat sources.
Tip 2. Do Not Forget to Think About the Cost
Since laminated paper is usually used for temporary activities, it will be written on and wiped down more than once. This means it is best for your budget to opt for a cleaning method that is cost-efficient.
Of the methods we have listed above, alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer might be more expensive. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is the least expensive method, as it is reusable.
Tip 3. Use Dry Erase Markers To Eliminate Ghosting
Strange as it may sound, you can erase dry erase marker stains with itself! This is because its ink contains solvent, so when it is laid on top of your old stains, it can loosen up and dissolve the stubborn pigments. Then, when you wipe the laminated paper, you will lift both the new and old markers away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What marker will wipe off laminated paper?
Both wet erase- and dry erase markers can be used and erased from laminated paper. So you can use almost any brand of markers for laminated paper, be it EXPO or Crayola, and still be able to erase the ink marks afterward.
You can also use permanent markers on laminated paper, such as Sharpies. However, you’ll have to use non-acetone nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to erase them from the laminated surface.
Can I use nail polish remover or acetone on laminated paper?
Yes. You can use either to remove marker stains on laminated paper. They work especially well for permanent markers. If you are just trying to get rid of dry erase markers, you might not need as strong of a solvent.
Conclusion
Now, you do not have to ponder about how to clean dry erase markers off laminated paper anymore! We have given you six methods that you can try. All these methods are simple and rely on items you already have. You just need to follow the step-by-step instructions that we have provided.
We hope that we have made your day a little bit easier! If you have any additional questions or thoughts, reach out to us in the comments down below.
