How to Get Dry Erase Marker Out Of Clothes

Wet erase markers are made with water soluble dyes, are intended to be used on laminated surfaces, and can be removed with a damp cloth. In contrast to this, dry erase markers are not water soluble, are intended for use on non-porous materials, such as porcelain or glass, and are not washable. Dry erase ink contains pigments and release agents. When these small particles of color come in contact with clothing fibers they become trapped in the fiber and do not come out. However all is not lost. Here’s how to get dry erase stains out of your clothing.

1. Place several paper towels on a table. Place the stained clothing, stain side down, on the towels. The stain should be directly on top of the paper towels.
2. Apply rubbing alcohol around the stained area that you see from the back of the clothing, using a sponge. Then dab alcohol straight onto the stain, again from the back of the garment, using a sponge.
3. Continue rubbing the stain, changing the paper towels as they get wet. You will see the paper towels absorb the stain. Repeat this process until you can’t see the stain any longer.
4. Rinse the garment thoroughly with clean water.
5. Wash and launder the garment as usual [source: Good Housekeeping].

You can sometimes remove dry erase marker by pre-treating the garment with a stain remover, such as Shout, and then washing the garment as usual.

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Originally Published: May 17, 2011