How to Remove Crayon & Permanent Marker from a Dry Erase Board
This post was originally published in March 2016 and updated in March 2025 with new images, content, and links.
One Christmas, I got my kids a Melissa & Doug easel that I highly recommend on affiliate Amazon. It has a magnetic chalkboard on one side and a white dry erase board on the other.. The options are great, but there’s just one little problem… my kids haven’t quite figured out which crayons, markers, and pens are meant for which side!
As any parent knows, dry erase boards require special markers that erase easily and leave no stains behind. There are even dry erase crayons from Crayola! But of course, my little artists mixed them up with regular crayons—leaving behind a stubborn, waxy residue that won’t just wipe off.
Luckily, I’ve discovered a few easy ways to remove crayons and even permanent markers from a dry-erase board. Whether your little ones have gone wild with the wrong supplies or need a board refresh, here’s how to clean it up with minimal effort.
Remove Crayon and Permanent Marker How-Tos
How to Remove Crayon from a Dry Erase Board
If your child has colored on a dry erase board with regular crayons, don’t panic! While dry erase markers wipe off effortlessly, crayon wax sticks to the surface, making it tricky to remove. Instead of scrubbing endlessly, try these simple cleaning methods:
What You’ll Need:
- Lint-free cloths
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
- Non-gel toothpaste
- Water
Method 1: Rubbing Alcohol
- Dampen a lint-free cloth with rubbing alcohol.
- Gently wipe the crayon marks in small, circular motions.
- Once the crayon residue lifts, use a clean, dry cloth to remove excess.
- Spray some water on the board and wipe it down to remove any alcohol residue.
Method 2: Toothpaste Trick
- Apply non-gel toothpaste directly onto the crayon marks.
- Using a clean, lint-free cloth, rub the toothpaste into the marks in a circular motion.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth and then dry with another clean cloth.
✨ Bonus Tip: If the crayon stains are particularly stubborn, try using a magic eraser or a paste made from baking soda and water for extra scrubbing power, which, if used gently, will not overly ruin the surface of the boards!
How to Remove Permanent Marker from a Dry Erase Board
Sometimes, the mix-ups go beyond crayons. If your little artist accidentally grabs a permanent marker instead of a dry erase marker, don’t worry—it’s easier to remove than you think!
What You’ll Need:
- A dry erase marker
- A dry cloth (or slightly damp cloth)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Trace directly over the permanent marker lines using a dry erase marker.
- Let it sit for a few seconds—the dry erase ink will lift the permanent marker.
- Wipe the area with a dry cloth (or slightly damp cloth) and watch the permanent marker disappear!
🔹 Why does this work? The solvent in dry erase markers loosens the ink of the permanent marker, allowing it to wipe away effortlessly.
Keeping Your Dry Erase Board Clean
- To prevent future stains and keep your board in tip-top shape:
- Use the right markers – Stick to dry erase markers and dry erase crayons only.
- Wipe the board regularly – A quick clean after each use prevents buildup.
- Keep a cleaning kit nearby – Store a small bottle of rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth near the board for quick touch-ups.
Final Thoughts on How to Remove Crayon and Permanent Marker from a Dry Erase Board
Artistic kids mean creative messes—but that doesn’t mean you can’t clean them up easily! With these simple methods, you can remove crayon and permanent marker from a dry erase boards and keep your white dry erase board looking brand new.
📸 Tried this trick? I’d love to see your before-and-after results! Tag me on Instagram @PlayroomChronicles and share your dry erase board cleanup success!
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