How Can I Get It Off? Any Suggestions?

Updated on August 13, 2007
L.S. asks from Biddeford, ME
20 answers

Hello everyone,

My son loves to color. We try and limit his coloring to the table since he started looking at my walls as a blank sheet of paper. He's an advid climber. If he sees a container on the counter full of pens, pencils, or even daddy's sharpies he will not hesitate to get it. I've tried Mr. Clean Erasers on everything. They work wonders where the crayons and pencils are concerned. They will remove quite a bit of marker, but there is always some marks that just wont budge. My real concern and reason for this request is the pen and sharpie marks. I did some research online, and it suggested using tooth paste. I was willing to try it. 10-30mins after applying it I washed it off. It dulled the marks but they're still there. It also suggested trying WD30. I read the back to it's container, and it stated to use in a well ventilated area. I wasn't very comfortable using this while the kids are home, so I'm looking for something else. The sharpie marks are almost gone. Thank goodness there wasn't too many markings. The ink is the big issue here. So, if anyone can think of something to try that'd be awesome! Thanks so much!

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T.M.

answers from Boston on

Believe it or not we use rubbing alcohol for Sharpie messes. So far my almost three year old has only used the sharpie on my computer screen, keyboard and desk. It works really well.

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K.A.

answers from Barnstable on

For the sharpie markers I used nail polish remover. It took off the permeanant marker off my wood table. I have heard of using oxiclean also. Good Luck. K.

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D.C.

answers from Providence on

Hey L., I use this awesome stuff that I order from a wellness company- it works fantastic (even on perm. marker!) and best of all it is completely safe for your family. Let me know if you would like more information about where to get it!
D.

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W.D.

answers from Boston on

I love the Mr Clean Magic erasers.. also, the spray Lysol stuff works if you let it sit for a minute before wiping.. How about - making HIM clean it up! Maybe he'll learn not to write on anything other than paper...

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R.

answers from Providence on

i heard hairspray might work for pen. not the spritz stuff either! it's worth a shot. good luck!

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H.K.

answers from Boston on

we use "goo gone" it takes off evrything!!! from sharpie to paint to stickey stuff between your car seats and its cheap! try walmart or target they usually have it

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.M.

answers from Boston on

Hi L. -

If you can't get the marks out, you may want to spot re-paint your walls - use a small roller to feather the paint into the existing color. You should use Kilz (a stain-blocking base coat) under the wall color to keep the mark from showing through. If you used Benjamin Moore on your walls originally, you should check to see if they have the 2 oz. samples in your wall shade (if you don't have any of the wall color left), to save money.

Going forward, you may want to give your son his own special "tool box" of washable markers and paint pens (Crayola offers a paint pen that only paints on special paper - not on walls, furniture, etc.) If he knows he has pens that are just his own, he might be less inclined to try to reach other pens. You could also think about getting him an easel with a roll of paper and storage, so that everything is in one place and he can create his masterpieces without ruining your house.

Good luck!

B.

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J.M.

answers from Boston on

Try hairspray. We had a "coloring" incident with a sharpie marker on our couch and couldn't get it off for anything. It was suggested that we try hairspray. We sprayed it on and let it sit for like 15-20 mins and then it came off. Of course then we had to clean the hairspray, but that was alot easier than sharpies. Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.F.

answers from Boston on

I gave up with the pen marks on the walls and actually repainted. I tried everything else that I could think of and had been suggested...then I hid the pens in a big antique milk jug that my son walks by constantly but doesn't know is full of his favorite things!

Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.J.

answers from Boston on

Hi L....

Have you tried calling Sharpie? I know that Crayola has a "hotline" of sorts for things just like this. I called once years ago and got to speak to an actual person, which surprised me.

Hope this helps....

R.

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S.B.

answers from Bangor on

My daughters did this with permanent marker when they were little. I got it all off with bleach and a Brillo pad. Lots of elbow grease.

By the way, a friend has two little girls. The only thing they are allowed to use are the special crayons/markers that only write on the special paper. This is big time and sanity saver.

Childproofing can be tricky with some things, and where we have to put stuff is sometimes inconvenient for parents. I hope you are able to find a better place to put things. Just don't let him know where the sharpies are, and you could try putting them in a container that he cannot see into. We parents must learn to be sneaky.

They also have washable crayons and markers.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.R.

answers from Boston on

i would try useing Mr.Clean Magic eraser extra power dose wonders for me

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Portland on

There is a Prouduct They Sell That Has Worked For Me And Its Called Oops Your Little One And My 14 Now Had Much In Common At The Same Age.Yes Its Called Oops Can Give It A Try K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.E.

answers from Boston on

Try the Mr.Clean miracle sponges. They pretty much take everything out.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Boston on

Hi L.-
I would try hairspray as well. I know it is supposed to get ink out of clothing. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Boston on

I would try hairspray. It really seems to help alot. I have a creative daughter and she also seems to color in the most inconvient places. Good luck and let me know if it works for you!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Boston on

Hi L., Mr. Clean Magic Erasers will take that off. I know that they have an assortment of ones now but I would just stick to the original one. I was really impressed with this...they really do take stuff off...we had an incident of pen and a leather couch..the horror!!
Hope this helps.
~C.

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S.W.

answers from Lewiston on

I use MR CLEAN erasers They work even on pen and markers trust me I had to get them off my wall and decided to try it no scrubbing I was amazed..took the perm marker off the wall and phone took a bit longer but I swear by those...You won't even have to touch up your paint mr clean magic eraser are awesome

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.O.

answers from Portland on

My sister-in-law uses a product called Goof-Off for EVERYTHING!! Give that a try.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.N.

answers from Providence on

I do have a suggestion... I use a product that gets out everything and anything and it is made with natural ingredients so it is completely safe to use around the kids and as a matter of fact the products from this company have no child proof caps that demonstrates how safe they truly are. These products are amazing!! My 3 year old wrote in permanent marker all over my couch and hardwood floor and I used this product and it melted off without smudging or affecting the finish....I would love to get you more information Give me a call or I can call you ###-###-#### I live in RI and I love to clean and these are truly the best products I have ever used with half the effort.

I look forward to hearing from you to share this info
D.

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