- What type of paint is it anyway?
- 5 ways to remove pen from your walls
- Tips for removing pen and crayon from the wall
- Common mistakes to avoid
You walk into the room, and there it is. Scribbles. Right in the middle of the living room wall. You can't miss it. Maybe it's blue ink. Maybe it's permanent marker. Either way, it's turned your beautiful living space into a complete mess. So, what are you going to do about it?
Before you start scrubbing like mad or even reaching for the paint pot to cover it up, hold your horses. The last thing you want is to damage the wall and end up having to redecorate the entire place. Luckily, you can usually clean the pen off the wall without causing any problems. Plus, you won't need any fancy cleaning supplies to get the job done.
What type of paint is it anyway?
First things first, we need to talk logistics. The type of paint on your wall makes a significant difference. Ifyou'ree not sure, check it out first. Here are the main options:
- Gloss or satin: This is the easiest one to tackle. These wipe clean more easily.
- Matt: This tends to be trickier. It soaks up stains but shows rubbing marks if too much pressure is applied. If you attempt to clean the pen with this type of paint, be extra careful.
- Emulsion: This is a very common paint type in UK homes. It usually handles gentle cleaning well, but it's best to test a small spot first to be safe.
If you're unsure and don't want to risk it, Dulux has a helpful guide on how to clean walls without stripping the paint. Of course, if you have wallpapered walls, you need to take care. It's far easier to damage wallpaper than paint, and so it can be a challenging task.
5 ways to remove pen from your walls
When you notice that pesky mark on your wall, you've got options. Let's take a look at some of the ways that you can deal with this problem as quickly as possible.
Method 1: Soapy water
First, let's start simply. This is the first thing you should try before anything else, as it's super easy and takes no time. Soapy water tends to work very well for biro or light ink stains. Plus, you're unlikely to do any damage when you give this one a whirl.
Here's what you'll need:
- A bowl of warm water
- A drop or two of washing-up liquid
- A clean microfibre cloth or soft sponge
Steps to follow:
Step 1: Mix the soap into the water. Swill it around to get some bubbles.
Step 2: Next, dip your cloth in and wring it out as much as possible.
Step 3: Gently wipe the mark. You want to avoid scrubbing.
Step 4: Rinse the area with water and then dry it with a towel.
This approach often gets rid of everyday pen marks, especially on satin or gloss paint. If you give it a try and nothing happens, don't worry. Simply proceed to the next option.
Method two: Bicarbonate of soda
If soap didn't quite cut it, you can try this method instead. Bicarbonate of soda gives you a gentle bit of abrasion, but not too much. It should be just enough to lift the ink off your walls without wrecking the paint.
Here's
s whatyou'lll need:
- Bicarbonate of soda
- A splash of water
- A soft cloth
Steps to follow:
Step 1: Begin by mixing the bicarbonate with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
Step 2: Next, dab it onto the mark and rub it in little circles. Let it sit for about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Wipe off the bicarbonate of soda with a damp cloth. Finally, dry the wall.
This one works great on both biro and crayon. However, be sure not to press or rub too hard, as this may leave a mark on the wall.
Method 3: Try some vinegar
White vinegar helps break down ink—it's also handy if you're trying to get crayon off, too. If you have some of this in the cupboard, give it a go.
Here's what you'll need:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Cloth or sponge
Steps to follow:
Step 1: First up, mix one part vinegar with one part water.
Step 2: Dampen your cloth by dipping it into the solution.
Step 3: Gently wipe the stain, and then rinse it with cool water.
Step 4: Dry the wall completely.
This approach may seem unconventional while you're doing it, but it does yield results. It works great for ink stains, and it's usually safe on most emulsion paints.
Method 4: Use alcohol for marker stains
When you're dealing with a Sharpie or dried-on pen stain, you need something more substantial. This is where isopropyl alcohol comes in. This is the stuff chemists sell for cleaning wounds.
Here's what you'll need:
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Cotton pad or cloth
Steps to follow:
Step 1: First up, dampen the cloth or cotton with alcohol.
Step 2: Gently dab the ink on the mark. You should avoid rubbing the area.
Step 3: Wait approximately 30 seconds, then wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth.
Step 4: Finally, dry the area thoroughly.
Always test the alcohol on the wall first. Choose a discreet location, such as a corner or the base of the wall. This can dull the finish, especially on darker or matte painted walls.
Method 5: Try a magic sponge
If you've never used a magic sponge before, you're in for a treat. Magic sponges (i.e. melamine foam) are great for lifting off ink, crayon, and even old scuff marks on your walls.
Here's what you'll need:
- Magic sponge
- Clean cloth
- Water
Steps to follow:
Step 1: Start by wetting the sponge and then gently squeezing out the excess water.
Step 2: Gently rub the pen mark in small circles.
Step 3: Rinse the sponge, and then wipe the wall with a clean cloth.
Step 4: Gently dry the wall with a clean cloth.
These types of sponges are effective, but they act like super-fine sandpaper. For that reason, you need to be extra gentle with them.
Tips for removing pen and crayon from the wall
What if you're dealing with a combination of both pen and crayon? Yes, this can be a nightmare, but there are ways to deal with it. Here are some tips you can try:
- Lift off the crayon first: Use a magic sponge or bicarb paste to lift off the crayon.
- Clean the wall: Rinse the area thoroughly and then dry the wall completely.
- Deal with the ink next: Then move on to the ink using vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
- Repeat: If the stains aren't coming off, try repeating the above tips.
- Rinse between steps: Do this between steps so you don't mix things up.
Remember to take your time and don't go too hard with any particular product. It's better to repeat a gentle method than to damage the paint with a single heavy stroke.
Common mistakes to avoid
Looking to remove some pen from your walls? Don't believe everything you read. Some online advice can do more harm than good. Here are the main mistakes you should know about:
- Using bleach: This may seem like a good idea, but it will ruin your paint.
- Scouring pads: Unsurprisingly, they'll take the paint right off.
- Mixing cleaning products: For example, vinegar and bleach don't mix. You should always prioritise your safety.
- Soaking the wall: If you do this, you'll damage plaster or cause bubbling.
When faced with pen over newly decorated (or even older!) walls, your first instinct may be to panic. Luckily, you don't need to. Use our handy guide to navigate this task carefully. Chances are, you can quickly remove the pen or crayon from your wall with things you have at home.
Q&A
Did we miss something along the way? Check out our frequently asked questions: What's the safest way to get pen off the wall?
We recommend trying the simplest method first. Start with warm, soapy water or a bicarbonate of soda paste. These are gentle and work on most common stains.
Can I use white vinegar to clean pen off?
The short answer is yes. This approach works on ink and crayon marks and is safe for most painted walls.
Can I use hairspray to remove ink?
Only ifit'ss alcohol-based, so make sure you check first. Spray it on a cloth, not the wall, and dab the stain. Be sure to check the ingredients first.
What about wallpaper?
Wallpaper is delicate; often too delicate to clean thoroughly. You should avoid alcohol and any vigorous scrubbing. Instead, try a lightly damp cloth with a drop of soap.
Did you get rid of the marks? Leave a comment below telling us how you got on!
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