How to Remove Dry-Erase Marker From Clothing

Dry-erase markers are excellent tools because you can write and draw, and easily wipe off something on a dry-erase board. But the dry-erase board is the only thing on which you should draw with these markers. These kinds of markers are not water-soluble, though, and if you get dry erase fabric marks, they will stain. Wet-erase markers have water-soluble dyes and are made for porous and laminated surfaces; in contrast, dry-erase marker ink has solvents and pigments that can get entangled in fabrics, making them difficult to remove.

The first methods to try to get dry erase marker out of clothes is to use either hairspray or rubbing alcohol. Be sure to perform this in a well-ventilated area and always brush off any dust from the clothing first. Place the stained garment on a flat surface, with a piece of old cloth underneath the discolored part. To use rubbing alcohol, pour a little bit onto a clean, damp sponge and blot at the stain until it begins to fade. For hairspray, spritz it directly onto the stain and then blot it with a damp sponge.

Another method to remove dry erase from fabric also uses rubbing alcohol, and starts the same way by patting the stain with a dampened sponge until you see it starting to fade. Then, in a sink, mix a cup of distilled white vinegar with hot water. Soak the garment in the solution for 15 minutes, and rinse well with cold water. An important note: don't put the garment in the dryer until you are sure that the dry erase is out of the fabric.

Many people claim that Murphy's Oil gets dry erase marker out of clothes, but you have to perform this method a little differently. Lay the garment flat and place paper towels behind the stain. Take an old, clean toothbrush and run it under some water. Pour a small amount of Murphy's Oil into a container, immerse the toothbrush head until saturated and gently brush the stain until bubbles start forming.

When the stain is almost gone, swap out the toothbrush for a sponge, a drop of mild dish soap and clean water. Carefully rub the stain until it is gone, rinse well with clean water and launder as usual.

You can also try hand sanitizer to get dry erase out of fabric. Squeeze just enough hand sanitizer onto the stain to cover it, and grab a clean, damp sponge. Using a gentle, circular motion, spread the sanitizer over the stain, let it rest for 15 minutes and rinse well with cold water before laundering.

Alternatively, try dry cleaning fluid or a carpet stain remover in the same way as hand sanitizer. Whichever stain removal trick you use, though, always test it first on an inconspicuous area like a hem. Some products can discolor or ruin fabrics. Make sure that you follow the garment label's directions, and again, never place anything in the dryer unless you are entirely confident that the stain is out.