The modern world adores convenience. Speaking of which, dry erase markers offer more manageable note taking and presentations. You wouldn’t have to worry about inhaling chalk dust when erasing a blackboard. You just need a few wipes on a dry erase marker, and the ink is all gone.
However, some instances make you ask how to remove dry erase marker from plastic, such as an old stubborn dry erase ink stain.
Likewise, this post will help you get rid of dry erase marker stains on plastic surfaces. Let us get started, as we will also answer some frequently asked questions.
Ways to Get Dry Erase Marker Off Plastic
Method 1: Using a Dry Cloth
What to prepare?
- Dry cloth/Cleaning sponge/Whiteboard eraser
Dry erase markers are usually easy to erase on non-porous surfaces like plastic. As derived from the product’s name, a dry cloth can clean off dry erase marker like magic.
Moreover, you can also use a cleaning sponge or the infamous whiteboard eraser. You can wipe the markings in an upward and downward or circular motion. Do so until there is no trace of ink on the plastic surface.
Method 2: Using Rubbing Alcohol
What to prepare?
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cleaning sponge/ Paper towel
Dry erase markers can be a convenient tool but a nuisance when left on the surface for a long time. Therefore, you will need a cleaning agent, such as rubbing alcohol.
Rubbing alcohol is mainly composed of isopropyl alcohol. You probably know it is an effective disinfectant, but you can also use it to remove old dry erase marker stains.
- Dab a generous amount of rubbing alcohol on a cleaning sponge or paper towel.
- Clean off the stain by wiping the sponge or paper towel on the stained surface.
- You can repeat the process until you thoroughly remove the dry erase marker on plastic.
- For stubborn marks, apply the rubbing alcohol directly with a spray bottle, then let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Applying a hand sanitizer that also contains alcohol might work. Sometimes the best way varies on the type of plastic surface you are dealing with, so experiment if you must.
Read more: Ways to get dry erase marker out of clothes.
Method 3: Using Acetone or Nail Polish Remover
Did you just discover your child’s dry erase marker art on her plastic doll? You can consider using acetone or nail polish remover for dry erase marker removal on her plastic toys.
Acetone is a solvent that can dissolve varnish, grease, ink, or paint. It is used in small amounts to manufacture nail polish or paint removers.
Easy steps to follow:
- Prepare some acetone or nail polish remover and some paper towels.
- Pour a handsome amount of acetone on a paper towel or clean cloth.
- Thoroughly rub the paper towel or clean cloth on the stained plastic surface. Make sure not to rub the same side of the paper towel once it absorbs the ink to prevent further smudging.
- Inspect the results, and repeat the process if you are not satisfied.
Method 4: Using Multi-purpose Stain Remover
Did you label a plastic folder with a dry erase marker many moons ago, and now you want to relabel it? However, the problem is that it won’t erase. Worry not, because using a multi-purpose stain remover is another way to get dry erase marker off plastic.
Multi-purpose stain removers are unique formula solvents capable of cleaning even the most stubborn stains.
- Spray the stained surface with a multi-purpose stain remover.
- Let the chemical sit for about 10 minutes or longer for better results.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe off the dry erase marker ink from plastic or vinyl.
- Take a dry cloth to wipe the moisture on the plastic.
Method 5: Using a Dry Erase Marker
One common method that DIY-ers using markers for their art and decoration might be familiar with is using a dry-erase marker.
Prepare the following items:
- A sponge
- A dry-erase marker
- Rubbing alcohol
- Choose a dry-erase marker with a similar shade.
- Draw over a portion of the markings with a dry-erase marker.
- Wipe the area with a dry cloth. You will observe that the ink stain gradually comes off with every wipe.
- Then, for a stubborn mark, pour some drops of rubbing alcohol and rub until all the residues are gone.
It is important to note that this method will be more effective if done gradually. You cannot draw over a wide dry-erase marker stain, then wipe everything off with a cloth.
Such action could lead to ink smudging everywhere, and you surely wouldn’t want that. Hence, work slowly but surely.
Method 6: Using Baking Soda with Toothpaste
What to prepare?
- Baking soda
- Toothpaste
- Disposable cup
- Spoon
- Old toothbrush
Did you try the steps above and still can’t erase dry erase markers on your plastic phone case? This home remedy can work wonders.
- Pour baking soda and squirt an equal amount of toothpaste into a disposable cup. Mix the ingredients with a spoon.
- Dip the brush tips of an old toothbrush into the mixture. In a circular motion, rub the dry erase marker stain with the toothbrush.
- Once the stain is gone, wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove the sticky texture on the plastic.
Method 7: Using Lemon and White Vinegar
What to prepare?
- ¼ cup lemon
- ½ cup white vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Damp cloth
Many might not know that we can use lemon juice to get EXPO marker off plastic. Lemons are naturally acidic, which makes them capable of dissolving dirt or grease. They are also capable of toning down foul odors.
Furthermore, mixing it with vinegar can also be a lifesaver when removing ink stains from plexiglass and other plastic surfaces.
- Mix ¼ cup lemon juice and ½ cup white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Spray the stained surface, then wait for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Lastly, wipe the surface with a damp cloth until all the ink is gone.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Will dry erase markers come off plastic?
Yes, especially if you just applied the dry erase marker on the plastic surface. The marker stain will come off by wiping it with a dry cloth, sponge, or whiteboard eraser.
Sometimes the dry erase marker ink can be hard to remove when left on the surface for a long time, but you can still erase it with the help of cleaning agents.
Does vinegar remove dry erase marker?
You can use vinegar to erase dry erase marker stains. It is an organic acidic chemical that works great in removing grease, mold, and even ink stains.
How to get Magic Marker off plastic?
BIC Magic Markers are dry erase pens, so you can try rubbing alcohol, acetone, white vinegar with lemon, or any other methods shown above to remove magic marker from plastic.
Conclusion
Indeed, there are many ways to solve the question of how to remove dry erase marker from plastic.
The ways include using a dry cloth, rubbing alcohol, acetone, multi-purpose stain remover, dry erase marker, baking soda with toothpaste, and lemon with vinegar.
Should you have suggestions or clarifications to ask, feel free to contact us. We also wouldn’t mind if you’ll share this post to your friends and family, who also often encounter stubborn dry erase marker stains.
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.
