Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[eesl]

My friend's 2 year old scribbled on her coffee table(wood) with a dry erase marker or a highlighter. I just know that it is green.I was wondering what she can use to get it out?

[mrscleannw]

Hello eesl,

You don't mention the type of wood, whether it's veneered, unfinished, polished, etc.

Below are a few things you can try to remove the marker stain. Remember to test in an inconspicuous spot first and do proceed with caution.

Magic Eraser
These are absolutely great for so many uses around the house. Take a piece of the magic eraser and wrap it around the end of a q-tip. Lightly rub on a small portion of the ink. If it doesn't damage the wood, wet the eraser and carefully remove the marker stain.

Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol may be able to remove the ink without damaging the surface. Again, start in a small area with a little rubbing alcohol on the tip of a q-tip and lightly rub the stain. Repeat the process if it starts removing the marker stain.

Hair Spray and WD-40
Saturate the marker stain with the hairspray then quickly wipe away with paper towels. Repeat the process on any remaining stain.

If there is still a bit of stain remaining get out the WD-40 and spray the stained area. Cover with plastic wrap for about 5 minutes.

Next wet a sponge with warm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap and rub the stain. Here is the link to rest of the stain removal tip for removing ink from wood if you'd like to read the rest.

Mrs. Clean