How to Remove Ink Marks From Painted Walls
A pen or marker in a toddler's hands can be a weapon of mass destruction for your home. It is amazing how much artwork a small child can produce in just a few minutes, and if it's on your painted walls, you are in for some serious cleaning. You may need to try several strategies before you find one that is effective on the particular pens and markers your little artist used. Be sure to test each strategy on a tiny section of wall before you treat a large area. After all, you are trying to avoid repainting, not make it inevitable. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- White toothpaste
- Cloths
- Alcohol-based hairspray
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
- Baking soda
- Small bowls
- Ammonia
- Lemon juice
- Liquid detergent
Instructions
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1
Apply white toothpaste to the ink stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then wipe the area with a clean white cloth. It is important that the cloth you use is white. You don't want to add fabric dye to the mess. You may need to repeat this treatment several times.
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2
Spray the stains thoroughly with a hairspray containing alcohol, then wipe with a clean white cloth. You may need to repeat this treatment also. Always use a new section of the white cloth when you wipe off the hairspray to avoid spreading the ink.
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3
Dip a clean white cloth into isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and wring it out thoroughly. Apply the cloth to the wall and dab the stain until it disappears. Work slowly so that the wall does not get too wet. Isopropyl alcohol will usually remove ballpoint pen and magic marker ink.
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4
Mix baking soda and water in a small bowl to make a paste. Apply the paste to the wall with a clean white cloth and scrub very gently. Baking soda is abrasive so go easy. You don't want to remove the paint.
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5
Make a solution of equal parts ammonia, lemon juice and liquid detergent in a small bowl. Put the solution on the stain using a clean white cloth. Wipe dry with a clean section of the cloth.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy your child washable markers, paint and pens, of which there are several brands available at most big box stores. Washable products will be labeled as such, usually in huge letters to attract your attention. It may take a little effort with a liquid detergent diluted with water to eradicate marks made with these products, but it is a lot easier than removing regular ink and markers. These markers, paint and pens will also wash out of clothes at a normal washing machine setting with your regular detergent.
Do not use acetone, turpentine or other solvents to remove the ink. They will remove the paint along with the ink.
References
- Photo Credit marker image by dmitry_kim from Fotolia.com
