Parenting Tips on Cleani Marker or Pen off Walls
Parenting Advice for Removing Ink Marks From Paint and Wallpaper
Jun 4, 2009
Several parenting tips and cleaning methods described will remove ink stains but may also damage the finish or remove paint. Parents will want to experiment with each idea on an inconspicuous portion of the wall before diving in. Also, since there are several methods for cleaning ink stains and some are more aggressive than others, a good piece of parenting advice is to start with those least likely to damage the paint or wallpaper.
Parenting Help for Removing an Ink Stain From the Wall
Hopefully kids were using the less toxic and easier to clean water-based markers when they added their artistic license to the clean wall. If they got a hold of a permanent or water proof marker, the job will prove trickier.
Like most stains, the quicker parents find and attempt to remove ink from a marker or pen, the more likely it is to come completely clean. As they work, they’ll want to watch for drips that can stain the wall.
Parenting Help for Cleaning Ink Marks Without Damaging the Wall
One interesting way to attack a pen mark is bread. Parents can ball a slice and rub it on the mark like an eraser. It may not affect the toughest stains, but it’s worth trying since it’s unlikely to hurt the wall.
Stains from water-based markers can also be tackled with dishwasher soap mixed with color-safe bleach. Just because the markers are water-based doesn’t mean there’ll be no scrubbing involved though. And, even though the dish soap isn’t abrasive to paint finish, vigorous scrubbing or a rough rag might leave its mark.
Some marker and pen marks can be wiped clean with baby wipes. Parents of infants or toddlers who have a stash handy can give them a try.
Parenting Advice on More Aggressive Household Products to Remove Ink From Walls
The next option parents might consider is a non-jell, white toothpaste, an old tooth brush, and some elbow grease. Toothpaste will definitely lighten most marker stains. Parents can also sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub the area. They’ll want to keep in mind that even though the toothpaste and baking soda are relatively gentle, vigorous scrubbing may damage the finish on the walls.
Next, parents can try spraying the marked area with WD-40, allowing it to soak in and then scrubbing with an old toothbrush. If the mark remains, they should repeat this step and add a bit of dish washing detergent.
Some stronger household products parents can use to remove ink marks are rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Acetone-based products such as liquid hairspray and nail polish remover also work well. The only problem is that these products are tough. If they can remove the marker, they’re likely to take off a little paint as well. Parents will definitely want to experiment with them on a portion of the wall that’s out of sight or a scrap of wall paper before fully committing. If the results look better than their child’s artwork, parents can spray a little on the damaged surface and blot with a white rag.
In related articles, moms and dads can check out parenting help for removing crayon or pencil marks from walls as well as specific advice for tackling artwork on wallpaper. And for moms and dads wishing to save themselves the frustration of scrubbing, several bits of parenting advice on preventing wall art in the first place may come in handy.
