How to Remove Permanent Marker From Melamine Desks

Desks come in a wide array of sizes, shapes and material to fit any decor and budget. The durability, heat resistance and inexpensive price tag make melamine a popular choice. When using a desk, it is not uncommon to accidentally leave marks and spots from pens or permanent markers. These marks typically cause no real damage to your melamine desk, but they can create an unsightly stain. Fortunately, several methods can remove the permanent marker from your melamine desk.

Rubbing alcohol
Small container
Cotton swab
Cotton ball
Hair spray
Nail polish remover
Water-displacing spray
Cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Pour rubbing alcohol into a small container. Dip a cotton swab into the rubbing alcohol and rub the permanent marker stains until they are no longer visible. Wipe the desk clean with a damp cloth. Continue if the marker is still visible.
- 2
  Apply hair spray directly to the permanent marker spots. Allow the hair spray to soak into the spot for a few seconds. Wipe the area with a soft cloth. If necessary, apply more spray to the spots. Continue to step 3 if the permanent marker is still present.
- 3
  Add a few drops of nail polish remover to a cotton ball. Gently rub the permanent marker spots with the cotton ball until the marks are gone. Wipe the desk clean with a damp cloth. Continue to the remaining steps if the permanent marker is still visible on the melamine desk.
- 4
  Spray a water-displacing spray such as WD-40 directly onto the marks. Rub the spots and spray with a soft cloth. Apply more water-displacing spray and continue rubbing until you have removed the permanent marker completely. Wipe the desk clean with a damp cloth.

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