How to Remove Permanent Marker From a Dryer? – 5 Methods

Written by Laura Walker / Fact checked by Leilani Carroll

how to remove permanent marker from a dryer

If you are here because you accidentally left a Sharpie in your laundry load, don’t worry. We have done the same before.

That’s why we can put together this short handy guide on how to remove permanent marker from a dryer. Continue reading to find different cleaning options with detailed instructions.

5 Ways to Remove Stains in Dryer

Option #1 - Using Vegetable Shortening, Rubbing Alcohol, & All-Purpose Cleaner

remove-ink-from-metal-dryer

One option to get ink out of dryer drum is using vegetable shortening and rubbing alcohol. There are a couple of materials you will need to gather and a series of steps to follow.

What you must have:

  • Vegetable shortening
  • Undiluted rubbing alcohol
  • Clean rags
  • All-purpose cleaner

What you must do:

1. First, dab the permanent marker stains with a small amount of vegetable shortening and rub the shortening in slightly.

2. Then, pour some undiluted rubbing alcohol onto a clean rag and use it to give the dryer drum a thorough wipe-down.

Repeat the steps several times to completely remove ink from dryer drum.

3. Once the permanent marker stains are gone, clean the dryer with an all-purpose cleaner and a rag. Afterward, leave the door open to facilitate drying.

Option #2 - Using Muskol Mosquito Repellent Spray & Laundry Soap

remove-ink-from-inside-dryer

You can also clean pen out of dryer with Muskol mosquito repellent spray and a mixture of mild laundry soap and water.

What you must have:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Muskol mosquito repellent spray
  • Mild laundry soap
  • Water
  • 4 to 6 rags

What you must do:

  1. Start with the hand sanitizer. Use it to pre-treat the stains.
  2. Then, grab the Muskol and spritz it directly on the marks. Let it sit for several seconds before rubbing the surface with a soft cloth.
  3. Continue rubbing until the cloth lifts all of the ink and leaves you with a clean dryer drum.
  4. Open the dryer’s door and let air enter to dry it for 2 hours.
  5. Make a mild soapy solution and pour it onto a rag. Use several drops of soap only and three cups of water to clean the dryer.
  6. To finish, run the dryer on an air fluff or no heat setting. Once the dryer completes the cycle, check to see if everything is spotless.

Option #3 - Using Deep Woods Off Spray

from-dryer-machine

This is a store-bought solution that you can consider to remove ink from inside dryer. It is fairly inexpensive and easy to purchase both online and offline.

What you must have:

  • Deep Woods Off spray
  • Two rags
  • Soap

What you must do:

1. Simply give the spray bottle a little shake and spritz it on the spots that need treating.

2. Leave it to sit for a while, and go soak a rag in the meantime. Make sure you wring it carefully to get rid of any excess water.

3. With some elbow grease, rub the rag against the permanent marker ink on the dryer’s surface. You will need to apply a combination of back-and-forth, up-and-down, and circular motions.

The time you will have to spend scrubbing will depend on how severely marked up your dryer is. Typically, you can expect to invest a few hours.

4. After you have finished removing the ink from dryer machine, clean it once more with a new, wet rag. We recommend wiping with soap to ensure all residues are gone.

Option #4 - Using Nail Polish Remover or Acetone

get-ink-out-of-dryer-drum

This is another option you can try to remove ink from metal dryer.

What you must have:

  • Nail polish remover or acetone
  • Some cotton balls

What you must do:

All you need to do is scrub and scour the permanent marker ink with cotton balls or cotton pads soaked in nail polish remover or acetone. The key is to use a lot of elbow grease and be vigorous.

Note: Nail polish remover/acetone is flammable; use it with caution.

Option #5 - Using Hand Sanitizer

magic-eraser-remove-ink-from-dryer

Hand sanitizer is another alternative you can try to get exploded pen out of dryer. For it to work, however, you need a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol. It is the alcohol that breaks down ink molecules, making them erasable.

What you must have:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Some rags

What you must do:

  1. Start by dispensing a generous amount of hand sanitizer on a clean soft rag. Hold the rag against the marker stains for a couple of seconds, then begin rubbing to work the ink off.
  2. While you scour, feel free to add more hand sanitizer to the rag. Rub until you fully clean inside of dryer from ink.
  3. Afterward, swipe the dryer clean with another damp cloth. You should take the time to do this carefully and check that no residues remain.

Other Tips to Remove Permanent Marker From a Dryer

Tip #1 – Unplug the Dryer First

For your safety, it is essential to unplug the dryer before you go ahead and clean it.

Tip #2 – Make Sure Your Working Space is Well-Ventilated

If you choose to work with nail polish remover or acetone, you might inhale a dangerous amount with your head in the dryer as you clean. So, ensure that your working space has air coming in and out.

Related guides you may be interested in:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

goo-gone-remove-ink-from-dryer

Will a magic eraser remove ink from dryer?

You can easily get a magic eraser online or offline, activate it with some water, and use it to sponge off any marker stains in your dryer. Since you will only need the eraser and some water, you will not have to go through a lot of hassle.

Will Goo Gone remove ink from dryer?

Yes. Goo Gone can help you clean ink stains in a dryer. It can get the job done along with a soft rag. You should go over the treated surface again with some soapy water, though.

How to remove dried ink from dryer?

Dried ink is trickier to remove from a dryer, but it is still possible to deal with. You can use any of the methods we have given you above. Regardless of the method, however, be ready to put in more time and effort.

Can you remove blue ink from a dryer?

Yes. Even though blue can be a tough color to clean, you can still get rid of it. Experiment with the methods we have shown you above. Be patient and rest assured that a spotless dryer is worth it.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to remove permanent marker from a dryer, a spotless dryer awaits! Apply any of the methods we have provided above to get your machine back in shape for the next laundry.

Let us know which of the methods works for you and any other insights you have after giving them a try. We cannot wait to hear back from you!

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