How to Clean Permanent Marker Off the Wall


How to Clean Permanent Marker Off the Wall
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Causes of Permanent Marker On the Wall

It sometimes happens, when we are in the middle of a brainstorming session with colleagues that our marker soaks through the pad of paper. Maybe you have an infant who has managed to sneak a Sharpie to their room and make a piece of artwork on their wall – accidents happen and it’s no one’s fault, but more importantly, it’s not as permanent as you think.

Tips for Removing Permanent Marker Off the Wall

When it comes to removing permanent markers off the wall, there may be a few commercial cleaning solutions worth trying before calling in the professionals to help with the mess.

Dry erase markerDepending on the surface of the permanent marker, something worth trying is taking a dry erase marker and writing on top of the mark. Once you have written over the permanent marker with a dry-erase, take a dry cloth and rub in a circular motion.

Repeat this until the mark starts to fade. When trying this approach, make sure to use matching colours between the dry erase and permanent.

Toothpaste – Using white toothpaste, apply a small amount to the space that has the markings. Rub the toothpaste around the marking. When using toothpaste, avoid the gel kind, rather use a plain white paste and let it sit on the mark for five to 10 minutes. Afterwards, scrub the area with a cloth and it should slowly rub off.

Baking soda – Using a sponge that has a gentle abrasive surface, apply baking soda on the scrub side. Make sure the scrub is slightly damp, then in a circular motion rub the area with the mark. If you begin to notice that the texture of the scrub is removing or damaging the wall – stop immediately.

These are a few home remedies to try when it comes to removing permanent markers from your walls. If all else fails, or you don’t feel comfortable doing it on your own, call in the professional cleaners to get the job done and right.

What to Consider When Cleaning Permanent Marker Off the Wall

Before you begin removing the permanent marker off your wall, consider the type of cleaning materials you are using, because some materials on certain paints can actually strip the area, which could result in more damages and problems.

To know what the best option is when removing permanent marker, consider the type of paint you have, and if it may be worth it to repaint the area rather than try to attempt and clean it.

Consulting with professional cleaners can help make this decision, as they would have the equipment and cleaning supplies to make an informed decision.

Still unsure if you should clean the marker yourself or hire a professional? Consider the following:

  • What kind of paint is on the wall? Was it painted a long time ago or is it fresh paint?
  • What kind of material is the paint on? Wood? Plaster? The material which the marker is on could determine or impact the choice of cleaner and approach.
  • Is painting over the area possible? Or, does it require cleaning?

In the circumstance that the spot with the mark can’t be painted over or that the material is not conducive to store-bought cleaning supplies, going with a professional cleaner may be the best and safest route.

Why You Should Remove Permanent Marker Off the Wall

Aside from the impact a mark could have on the aesthetics, a few reasons one should consider removing permanent marker from the wall is for professionalism and aesthetics.

Whether it’s a home office, commercial property, or warehouse, having a permanent marker on the wall or any part of the space can look unprofessional.

It can give off the wrong vibe, and because of this, business owners and professionals know the importance of having the permanent marker mark removed immediately, regardless of how big or small it is.

The other factor to consider when determining whether or not to have the markup of a permanent marker removed is the aesthetics and the impact it could have on the wall.

Depending on the cause of the mark, the ink could further bleed into the surrounding area. In some situations, the mark may not be bothersome; however, in professional settings, having it removed may be required.

In instances where the mark is located in a residential space, the mark could be simply covered up with a piece of artwork, furniture, or just painted over. These are relatively quick and cost-effective solutions.

On the other hand, if the mark is where potential clients and customers could see it, it may deter them from doing business with you due to the mark. Appearance is everything and having clean walls that are mark-free is important when you own and operate a business.

Leaving a mark on the wall could signal someone to think that you are not professional or that you don’t care about appearance, and this could turn away business.

Clean Group – Your Wall Cleaner and More

Businesses and homeowners in and around the Sydney area know that when it comes to all their wall cleaning needs, the Clean Group is a quick call and email away.

Providing over 20 years of experience in professional cleaning, the company prides itself in having the most affordable and reliable cleaning services.

When you contact the Clean Group, they can provide a proper and thorough assessment of your needs. Once completed, you can determine if the services rendered are more for an ad-hoc basis or if you are interested in regular professional cleaning services. Regardless of your needs and budget, the Clean Group has you covered.

Don’t risk your home or business, hire the trusted Clean Group, which has been serving the Sydney area for two decades. During the COVID pandemic, businesses and homeowners knew that they could trust and rely on the Clean Group to do proper and deep decontamination and sanitization of their spaces. When it comes to cleanliness, no one knows the best cleaning solution quite like the staff at Clean Group!

About the Author

Hi, my name is Amelia. I am a commercial cleaning operations manager at Clean Group Sydney. My duties include handling customer support responsibilities and I manage a team of 10+ fully trained support professionals. Besides managing a team of experts and maintaining communication between clients and cleaners’ teams, I handle customers’ complaints and grievances, especially the ones that need special or immediate attention. If you need help sorting out the best cleaning for you or have a complaint, feel free to connect.

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