Dry-erase markers cannot be washed. They can only be used on non-porous materials like glass and porcelain. Don’t toss your clothes if your children or you accidentally get these marks on them.
Use Murphy’s Oil
When asking professionals for the best way to remove dry-erase markers from clothing, they will most likely recommend Murphy’s Oil. Yes, it does work!
Murphy’s Oil Soap comes in a liquid form. Most supermarkets sell it in their cleaning supplies section.
This popular cleaning tool can be used to remove dry-erase stains and other stubborn stains.
Test Run
Check to see if it will damage the fabric. Use a piece of fabric that is similar to the stained item for the test.
Use a small piece of cloth that’s not visible. For example, the area under the armpit or on the underside. Use a small amount of the chemical on the affected site.
Let it settle for a couple of minutes. Continue cleaning if there are no adverse effects.
Put an old, absorbent towel under the garment
Use an old towel that’s absorbent. The towel will absorb the stains.
Place the towel flat on a surface that is level, such as a table or counter. Make sure the towel underneath the stained fabric is able to absorb and hold any extra moisture.
Paper towels are a good alternative if you cannot find an old towel. You can use them just like an old towel.
Use Fresh Murphy’s Oil to Soak a Toothbrush
Dip an extra toothbrush in the oil and let it soak until saturated. This technique is perfect when the toothbrushes are very wet. Make sure the toothbrush is completely absorbed.
You can purchase a toothbrush at a convenience store if you do not have one.
Rub the stain gently with the toothbrush
Use gentle strokes to brush the stain. Continue to add fresh Murphy Oil as needed to keep the brush wet.
The towel can be lowered as needed to absorb the extra liquid. Then, continue rubbing with the toothbrush the marker stains until they are mostly faded.
Use Dishwashing soap to remove Residual Marks
Wash any ugly stains with clean water and dishwashing detergent. Use a cloth or sponge to soak in water and a few drops of non-harsh soap.
Use a sponge or a cloth to scrub the stain until it is completely gone. Continue to wash your clothes until the water flows clear.
Wash the stained garment well
Rinse your clothes thoroughly with water. If you want to remove all the Murphy Oil and dish soap, soak your clothing for a couple of minutes.
Wash the garment in the washer
You can wash the garment as normal if the markings have already disappeared after rinsing. When you remove the garment from the washing machine, the markings should be gone.
Double-check the stain before putting it in the dryer. The color could be permanent once the garment has dried. The color would be almost impossible to remove.
Alcohol and White Vinegar
Alcohol can be used to remove stains from dry-erase markers. Isopropyl Alcohol has a higher alcohol content. You will be surprised at the results.
Here are the steps you need to take:
Check the garment’s care label
The manufacturer’s label will have cleaning instructions. Before you wash it, make sure to read all instructions if the tag is still attached.
Check for specific instructions before you do anything. Do not aggravate the problem. It can be used to wash some clothes only in cold water. Follow the instructions.
Spot test
It is important to test your fabric on a small area before washing. Different fibers will react differently to other chemicals.
Be sure to check that the cleaning agent you select, in this instance alcohol, is compatible with the fabric on which you plan to use it. Use a tiny drop of the cleaner on a small section of the material.
Let the alcohol sit for an hour. You can continue cleaning if there are no visible signs of damage or discoloration.
Position the stained garment
Take some clean paper towels to begin cleaning. Use a towel that is highly absorbent or a rough fabric instead. Make sure the material is thick enough to soak up any liquid.
Spread the towels out on a flat surface, such as a counter or bench. Place the stained clothing over the top.
Ensure that the stained area is placed with the side facing down. The stain will easily penetrate the towel or cloth.
Use Rubbing Alcohol
Use a cotton or a clean sponge to dab the rubbing alcohol on and around the marks gently. You will have to repeat the process several times until you remove the stain.
The stain will spread if you wipe it too hard. To get the best results, use soft blotting movements. Pressing the sponge or fabric too hard can cause the marks and stains to spread.
As soon as the cloth or paper towel becomes wet, replace it. This will ensure that the paper towels or cloths do not absorb but instead absorb all of the liquid.
Replace the towels or cloth as soon as they become damp. The towels or cloths should absorb any stains.
You can soak the stained garment in a sink with water and vinegar
Fill the sink with warm, clean water. Pour in one cup of white wine vinegar. Stir it in with a spoon or your hands until the mixture is well-mixed.
Put the clothes in the sink. Allow the clothing to soak for 15 minutes in the sink. At this point, the stain should be no longer visible.
How to Wash the Garment
You can then wash your clothes as normal. This should remove the smell of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
Don’t forget to squeeze the clothes out when you remove them from the sink. The wringing process will prevent water from leaking onto your floor.
