Many people like to use whiteboard markers on their fridge to make notes and reminders or leave messages and shopping lists. However, sometimes, the dry-erase ink can persist, making the fridge an aesthetic eyesore.
If you struggleto remove marker stains from a fridge yourself, this guide on how to get dry erase marker off your fridge can help. Read on!
Table of Contents
Best Ways to Clean Off Dry Erase Markers on a Fridge
Option #1 - Rubbing Alcohol
Cleaning dry erase markers from a fridge is possible with rubbing alcohol. The solvent will break down the ink molecules, so you can wipe the stains off easily.
What you need to prepare:
- Rubbing alcohol
- A few cotton balls
- A rag
What you need to do:
The process is rather straightforward. You just need to pour some rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball, saturating it well.
Then, press the doused cotton ball against the dry-erase marker stain and let the rubbing alcohol work its magic. Rub the spot slightly to lift the colors away. Once there are no traces of ink left, wipe the treated surface down with a wet rag.
Option #2 - Nail Polish Remover or Acetone
Nail polish remover is another fantastic dry erase marker remover. Like rubbing alcohol, it helps you do the job by dissolving ink molecules and making them erasable.
What you need to prepare:
- Nail polish remover or acetone
- Several cotton balls
- A rag
What you need to do:
Simply drench a couple of cotton balls with nail polish remover or acetone and use them on the dry erase marker stains. Let them seep into the surface for a few seconds before working them in circular motions to get rid of the ink.
Make sure you switch to new cotton balls during the process. Clean the treated spot again with a damp rag when the marker stain is gone.
Option #3 - Dry Erase Marker Liquid Remover
What you need to prepare:
- Dry erase marker liquid remover
- Two rags
What you need to do:
Each dry erase marker liquid remover has its own set of usage instructions. So, it is best that you examine the packaging label and follow what the manufacturer has recommended. However, the essential steps are usually the same across products:
- Dispense some of the liquid remover onto a rag or sponge without overdoing it.
- Use the rag or sponge to rub the dry erase marker stain in gentle circular motions.
- Continue rubbing until all the ink has been lifted. This can take longer if the stain is old.
- Wipe the spot that you have just cleaned with another damp rag.
EXPO has an excellent dry erase marker liquid spray that you can try.
Option #4 - A Magic Eraser
What you need to prepare:
- A magic eraser
- A rag
What you need to do:
Run your magic eraser under water to activate it, but wring it slightly so it is not dripping wet. If it is too saturated, it will be difficult to handle and leave more mess for you to clean afterward. Use the magic eraser like a scrubbing sponge.
Just diligently work off the dry erase marker ink in circular motions. Then, wipe the spot clean and dry it with a fresh rag to finish cleaning.
Option #5 - Goo Gone
You can grab Goo Gone from a local store for your fridge. It is a fairly inexpensive store-bought option and particularly suited to remove old dry erase markers.
What you need to prepare:
- Goo gone
- Two rags
What you need to do:
Hold your Goo Gone at a safe distance from your refrigerator and spritz generously. However, do not over-douse it, as the solution can drip down your unit and make a big mess.
Give it a couple of minutes to sit. Then, rub the marker stain with your rag. Apply firm pressure and use circular motions.
Take the time to do this thoroughly and spray more Goo Gone if needed. You should also rinse your rag clean or change to a new one when it becomes too dirty.
Once the ink disappears, go over the treated surface again with a wet rag. Make sure there are no residues.
Option #6 - Limonene
This is a natural cleaning agent that is often used in commercial cleaning products. It can break down the molecules of the dry erase marker ink stains on your fridge. Plus, it smells lovely. You can get it in gallons for a fair price.
What you need to prepare:
- Limonene
- A sponge
- A rag
What you need to do:
All you need to do is apply it to a sponge, then use the sponge to work off the ink. You will likely have to put in more time and elbow grease to get rid of old dry erase marker stains, but rest assured that the results will be worth it.
Afterward, do not forget to wipe the treated spot using a wet rag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get dry erase markers off a plastic fridge?
Of the methods listed above, rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover/acetone is recommended. It is also worth trying:
- White Vinegar & Lemon: Mix half a cup of white vinegar and a quarter cup of lemon. Then, use the solution for scrubbing with a damp cloth or sponge. It is more handy if you prepare the mixture in a spray bottle.
- Multi-Purpose Stain Cleaner: There are many different multi-purpose stain cleaners available on the market, and they can work well for dry erase markers on fridges. Simply apply the cleaner to a cloth, then rub the ink with the cloth until there are no traces left.
- Toothpaste & Baking Soda: Make a paste with toothpaste and baking soda. Use a 1 to 1 ratio. Then, use a clean toothbrush to apply it to the dry erase marker stains and scrub.
In all these cases, make sure you wipe the treated surface clean with a wet rag at the end.
Read more: Tips to remove dry erase marker from plastic.
How to remove old EXPO markers from a fridge?
EXPO markers use dry erase ink. So, any of the methods we described above can be used to deal with it. To recap, you can consider using rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover or acetone, a magic eraser, Goo Gone, or limonene to get rid of EXPO marker stains on a fridge.
Conclusion
Cleaning dry erase marker stains from fridges is no fun, but now that you have gone through this guide and learned how to get dry erase marker off your fridge, it should be easier and quicker. There are 6 different methods you can try. Thankfully, all of them rely on items that are fairly inexpensive and simple to get.
We hope that this has made cleaning less of a hassle for you. Leave any thoughts and questions you still have in the comments below. We promise to get back to you soon. Also, help others learn how to deal with stained fridges by sharing our post.
Hi, I am Eveline Kessler, a content creator. My love for colors and arts draws me here to join the Intermediarts team with Leilani. I am responsible for testing new products and techniques with her and providing honest reviews and tips based on our experience. I have gained a lot of knowledge from this, and I believe you will find her suggestions to be invaluable as well.
