Writing on laminated sheets is very popular in classrooms, even in commercial and industrial settings. They are flexible, handy, easy to use, and reused.
It’s casual to conclude that dry-erase markers will quickly come off the laminated paper with a simple wipe, just like writing on whiteboards using a whiteboard marker.
However, whiteboards are designed for that function while not all laminating materials, except for some, are designed to be rewritable.
But worry no more, below we have compiled the most effective ways on how to clean dry erase marker off laminated paper using classroom and household items.
Table of Contents
Ways to Get Dry Erase Marker Off Laminated Paper
Tip #1: Use a Good Solvent
Aside from water, alcohols and ketones are considered excellent solvents that can remove alcohol-based dyes and inks. Most dry erase markers are made with an alcohol-based solvent, so they simply dissolve and remove dry erase marker from laminated paper.
What to prepare
- A potent solvent
Rubbing Alcohol with 70%-100% solution
Acetone or nail polish remover
Alcohol-based sanitizers
- Cotton balls or rag
- Apply a good amount of solvent to the cotton balls or rag.
- Rub it on the dry-erase markings in circles to remove the marks.
- Clean again with a damp cotton ball.
Tip#2: Use a Slightly Abrasive Material
I am pretty sure you got some toothpaste at home. If you wonder how it can remove the dry erase markers then here’s a short explanation.
Toothpaste is made with cleaning agents and some silica, an abrasive that aids the cleaning process. This combination is also effective in removing dry erase markers from laminated paper.
What to prepare:
- Toothpaste
- Paper towel or rag
- Put a small amount of toothpaste on the paper towel.
- Fold the paper to flatten and spread the toothpaste.
- Wipe it into the laminated paper with a dry erase marker.
- Remove excess with the rag.
If the writings have been there for some time and the dry erase marker won’t come off right away you can also make it into a more powerful solution by adding lemon juice and warm water.
Since the solution is slightly abrasive, this tip can also help get dry erase marker off wall.
Tip#3: Use a Multi-Purpose Cleaner
These types of cleaners relentlessly remove anything and so as dry erase markers on laminated paper.
What to prepare
- Multi-purpose cleaner (Branch Basic Cleaner or Windex)
- Paper towel or rag
- Follow the steps in preparing the multipurpose cleaner on the label. This applies to Branch Basic Cleaners but Windex is ready to use and you can skip this step.
- Spray the cleaner on laminated paper with markings.
- Let it sit for a few seconds.
- Wipe it off with a paper towel or rag.
Tip#4: Use Magic Eraser
This is a notorious cleaning tool that does a very good job in removing markers on many surfaces including laminated paper.
What to prepare
- Magic eraser
- Small water
- Slightly wet magic eraser with water.
- Rub it into the laminated paper with the markings.
Tip#5: Use Whiteboard Cleaner
They work wonders with whiteboards and can also remove dry erase marker from laminated paper.
What to prepare
- Whiteboard cleaner
- Paper towel or rag
- Hold the whiteboard cleaner upright and spray it on laminated paper with writings.
- Let it sit for a few seconds.
- Wipe it off with a paper towel or rag.
This method is quite expensive but a good alternative for dry erase markings that have been on the laminated paper for weeks or months.
Tip#6: Use a Dry Erase Marker
This might sound crazy but it does remove itself. Again, just as the saying goes “like dissolves like”!
What to prepare
- Dry erase marker
- Paper towels or rag
- Trace or draw to cover the writings on the laminated paper using a dry erase marker.
- Wipe it off using a dry paper towel.
Helpful Tips
- Choose appropriate markers to use on laminated paper. Wet erase vs dry erase markers? Go for wet erase markers, work well on laminated sheets and easily come off with a dampy cloth.
- Do not let dry erase markers stay on the laminated paper for long. Using any of these tips, wipe them off as soon as you are done with them.
Dry erase marker wipe off laminated paper easier when writings are still fresh.
- Do not use red, blue and purple colored markers on laminated paper. They leave hard to remove stains. Black as always is a better option.
FAQs
Does dry erase marker come off laminated?
Yes, as mentioned using the 6 tips above can help dry erase marker come off laminated paper.
For other laminates such as laminated kitchen sinks or floors try using cooking oil instead and use the following steps.
- Apply cooking oil to the paper towel.
- Put the paper towel on top of the area where the writings are.
- Leave it for a few seconds.
- Scrub the markings away.
If this does not work, you can also use baking soda and water solution to remove stubborn marker stains.
Does rubbing alcohol remove dry erase marker?
Yes, like what we have discussed on tip number one. However, the efficacy is dependent on the concentration of the rubbing alcohol you are using.
The best way is to use rubbing alcohol with above 70% concentration. Concentrations lower than that would take you longer to remove the stains, or it may not remove the marker stain completely.
How to remove dry erase markers from plastic surfaces?
To remove dry erase marker off plastic surfaces, try tip number #6. Put fresh writing using the dry erase marker over it and wipe it off. Another method is to use a cleaning powder.
To safely remove markings from plastic surfaces use household cleaning powder like Ajax. Sprinkle it over the affected area and scrub using a small brush or sponge until all markings are removed.
Clean the surface using a damp cloth or wash it with water. These tips are better options than using alcohol that can later dry the surface.
What markers are ideal for laminated paper?
The ideal marker for laminated paper is the wet erase type for example Expo Vis a Vis markers and Walldeca wet erase markers. They are easier to wipe off the laminated paper.
How to remove Expo dry erase markers on laminated sheets?
First, it is not advisable to use dry erase markers on laminated sheets. It often leaves residue and it’s even tougher to remove Expo marker than other markers. Thus, you might need our tips above to get Expo marker off.
Conclusion
Laminated paper is one of our classroom favorites but keep in mind that not all laminates are created equal. Always use the right marker so you will not have trouble cleaning it.
But in case of trouble, these 6 effective tips on how to clean dry erase marker off laminated paper with the use of alcohol, toothpaste, multipurpose cleaner, magic eraser, whiteboard cleaner, and dry erase marker got your back.
Art has always been a part of my life; it influences my upbringing and later my career choice. For me, it is always a part of my parenting technique. So for whichever purpose that you come to art, you can start here with us.