Pen marks on the wall can be an unsightly and frustrating issue, but fear not! There are effective ways to remove those stubborn ink stains without damaging the paint.
In this guide, we will explore various methods to remove pen from the wall and provide you with wall cleaning hacks to make the process easier.
So, by the end, you will not have to ponder about how to get pen marks off the wall anymore!
Table of Contents
Ways to Get Pen Marks Off the Wall
What to prepare
Before attempting to clean pen off wall, gather the following tools and items:
- Clean cloths or sponges
- Water
- Cleaning agent(s):
- Non-gel toothpaste
- Magic eraser
- Hairspray
- Baby wipes
- Baking soda
- Foam wall cleaner
What to do:
- Prepare The Surface: Start by removing any loose dirt or dust from the wall using a dry cloth.
- Test On An Inconspicuous Area: Before applying any cleaning method, test it on a small, hidden area of the wall to ensure it does not damage the paint or finish.
There are several methods you can use to remove pen from walls, and we will discuss a few of the most effective ones here.
1. With Toothpaste
Toothpaste is not just for cleaning your teeth; it can also be used to remove pen marks on walls without removing paint.
- Choose a non-gel toothpaste without any abrasive particles or whitening agents.
- Take a clean cloth or sponge and apply a small amount of toothpaste directly onto it. A pea-sized portion should be sufficient.
- Gently rub the cloth or sponge onto the pen marks in a circular motion. Apply light pressure as you work the toothpaste into the stain. The mild abrasive properties of the toothpaste help lift the ink from the wall surface.
- Once the pen marks are noticeably lighter or gone, take a wet cloth and dampen it with clean water. Use a damp cloth to rinse the treated area and remove any residue from the toothpaste.
- After rinsing, use a dry cloth or towel to pat the wall dry gently. Avoid rubbing forcefully, as this could potentially smear the ink residue or damage the paint.
2. With Magic Eraser
Be cautious when using a magic eraser on painted walls, particularly those with flat paint, as it can sometimes remove the paint. So, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Dampen the eraser and gently scrub the affected area in a circular motion.
3. With Hairspray
Spray a small amount of hairspray onto a clean cloth and dab the pen marks on the wall. Blot the area gently and repeat until the hairspray takes pen off walls.
This is a fairly straightforward method, but remember to test the hairspray on a small area before applying it to the entire mark!
4. With Rubbing Alcohol
- First, dampen a clean cloth or sponge with rubbing alcohol, making sure that it is not dripping wet, as excessive moisture can damage the paint.
- Gently rub the pen marks on the wall using the cloth or sponge soaked in rubbing alcohol.
- Continue rubbing until the pen marks start to fade away. You may need to reapply rubbing alcohol to the cloth or sponge if it becomes saturated or dry.
- Once the pen marks are removed, rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue or excess rubbing alcohol.
- To finish, pat the wall dry with a clean towel or allow it to air dry.
5. With Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are gentle and convenient for removing pen marks from walls. Simply take a baby wipe and gently rub the affected area, applying slight pressure as needed.
The moisture in the wipes helps loosen the ink stains. Once the marks are removed, use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe away any residue.
6. With Baking Soda & Water Mixture:
- Mix baking soda and water in a bowl with a 2:1 ratio, two parts baking soda and one part water.
- Take a clean cloth or sponge and put the baking soda paste directly onto it.
- Apply the paste to the pen marks on the wall, covering them completely. Let the mixture sit on the pen marks for a few minutes.
- After the paste has had time to work, gently scrub the affected area in a circular motion using the cloth or sponge. Apply light pressure as you work the baking soda paste into the pen marks.
- Go over the treated area with a damp cloth. Make sure the cloth is damp, but not dripping wet, as excessive moisture can damage the wall paint.
- After rinsing, use a clean cloth or towel to blot the wall dry.
7. With Foam Wall Cleaner
Foam wall cleaners are specifically formulated to tackle various stains, including pen marks, on walls. These cleaners often come with specific instructions on the packaging. But here is a general guide on how to use foam wall cleaner effectively:
- Read and follow the instructions provided on the foam wall cleaner’s packaging carefully. Different brands may have specific guidelines and usage recommendations.
- Shake the foam wall cleaner canister or bottle to ensure that the product is well mixed and ready for use.
- Hold the canister or bottle upright and spray the foam directly onto the pen marks on the wall. Make sure to cover the entire affected area with the foam.
- Allow the foam cleaner to sit on the pen marks for the recommended amount of time as indicated on the packaging.
- Now, follow the instructions to wipe away the foam cleaner. This may involve using a clean cloth, sponge, or even rinsing the area with water. Be sure to use the recommended method according to the product instructions.
- After removing the foam cleaner, inspect the wall for any remaining pen marks. If needed, you can repeat the process or try an alternative method to further remove any stubborn stains.
Related tips you can refer to:
Prevent Future Pen Marks
To prevent future pen marks on your walls so you do not have to spend loads of time and effort on trying different ways to get rid of pen marks, consider taking the following precautions:
- Establish Clear Rules: Communicate to household members, especially children, that writing on the walls is not allowed. Encourage them to use appropriate surfaces for drawing and writing.
- Provide Alternative Options: Create a designated area, such as a whiteboard or chalkboard, where people can freely express their creativity without damaging the walls.
- Store Writing Tools Securely: Keep pens, markers, and other writing tools out of reach from children or in a locked drawer to prevent accidental wall markings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these pen mark removal methods work without damaging the paint?
When used correctly, these ink stains removal methods should effectively remove pen marks without causing significant damage. However, it is still necessary to test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Can I use these methods on other types of stains?
While these methods are primarily aimed at removing pen marks, they may work on other types of ink stains as well. For example, many of them can be used for cleaning marker stains. Always test on a small area and proceed with caution.
Conclusion
Pen marks on the wall can be a nuisance, but with the right approach, they can be effectively removed.
By following the methods outlined in this guide on how to get pen marks off the wall and taking preventive measures, you can keep your walls looking pristine. Remember to exercise caution and test any cleaning method on a small area to avoid damage to the paint!
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.
