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How to Remove Dry Marker From a Wood Table

Amanda Flanigan

If an overzealous child decides to create their next piece of art using a dry marker and your wood table, you could be pulling your hair out trying to remove the marks. Dry markers are used to write -- and be wiped off with a dry eraser -- on a dry erase board.

Dry markers are used in conjunction with a dry erase board.

These boards typically have a white, smooth surface that does not allow the marker to adhere to it. Removing the dry marker from anything other than the intended board can be quite difficult but not impossible.

  1. Apply water-displacing spray to a white cloth. Gently rub the dry marker stains with the cloth in a circular motion. Continue applying the spray and rubbing until the dry marker is removed.

  2. Pour rubbing alcohol into a small bowl, if the stain persists. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol. Rub the dry marker stain with the saturated cotton swab. Wipe the wood table clean with a damp cloth.

  3. Spray a non-oily hairspray directly on the dry marker stains, if the stain is still visible. Allow the hairspray to sit on the wood table for several minutes, but do not allow it to dry on the table. Gently rub the hairspray in a circular motion with a damp cloth. Repeat the process until you have removed the dry marker. Wipe the table clean with a damp cloth.

  4. Warning

    Alternatively, you can use acetone nail polish remover to remove the dry marker stain, but nail polish remover can take the finish off your wood table.