Unexpectedly discovering traces of a pen on new wallpaper is not the most pleasant event. Very often, such a problem appears when little artists get tired of practicing drawing only on blank paper. And sometimes the culprits are careless adults. It is not so easy to wipe the pen off the wallpaper. You can try to figure out how to wipe the pen from the wallpaper using several means, but a lot will depend on the type of material.
Types of wallpaper and features of cleaning
What methods can be used for cleaning, if necessary, depends on the type of wallpaper. This is very important to take into account, because this is the only way to preserve their appearance after removing traces of the pen. There are several main types:
- Paper – it is allowed to use only “dry” cleaning methods;
- Vinyl – household chemicals will be the best option;
- Bamboo – any option is suitable, except for very “aggressive” ones, if there is a water-repellent coating;
- Washable wallpaper – you can use almost any means and wet it without worrying about the structure and appearance;
- Textile – only “dry” methods with a minimal threat of physical assault on the surface are allowed.
There are also such wallpapers that consist of several types at once. You should work with them carefully. For example, you can even wash the pen with water from non-woven vinyl ones. Vinyl, of course, cannot be wetted, but in such options, a waterproof non-woven fabric acts as the upper layer, due to which the surface becomes more resistant to cleaning agents. However, it is important to take into account the fact that if the top layer is without a water-repellent coating, both materials will suffer.
How to wipe a pen – the main ways
Many folk remedies have long been recognized as the best solution for removing various impurities. Many of them are applicable even for wallpaper. But more specialized means will also cope with the task perfectly. The main thing is to remember the importance of the compatibility of the material with the used substance.
Household soap
A good option for removing traces of a ballpoint pen on vinyl wallpaper. It is also perfect for cleaning detergent coatings.
How to wash:
- Grate the soap into small pieces, dissolve in warm water.
- Wet a sponge in the solution, wipe problem areas with it.
- Wipe off the soap residue with a damp cloth.
It is recommended to perform all actions with minimal pressing force so as not to damage the wallpaper. Especially if they have embossed patterns.
Wet wipes
You can buy special napkins in hardware stores. They are impregnated with a solution that can easily remove pen marks.
How to act:
- Wipe the stain several times.
- Wait 5 minutes.
- Repeat the actions.
You can wipe repeatedly until the desired result is obtained.
Dry mechanical impact
An ideal option for paper wallpaper. They can be used to clean textiles as well, but special care is required. An ordinary eraser or melamine sponge is suitable for work.
How to clean:
- With light movements, wipe the strips from the handle with the selected object.
- Use a dry cloth to shake off all traces of wiping.
This method shows maximum effectiveness in the case of fresh “pictures”.
Lemon
Such a tool can be used to wipe the pen from any wallpaper. You only need 2 fresh lemons for this.
What has to be done:
- Squeeze lemons into any convenient container.
- Soak a soft cloth in the juice.
- Repeatedly apply to problem areas until the result is achieved.
It is important to try not to touch the clean areas of the wallpaper for a long time.
Vinegar and manganese
One of the most effective means for removing pen marks is a mixture of vinegar and manganese. It allows you to remove annoying paste stripes from any type of wallpaper.
How to output:
- Dilute manganese in vinegar (70%) in such a concentration that the color is slightly pink.
- Dip a sponge in the solution.
- Wipe with careful touches all the necessary places.
After the procedure, most likely, a pink spot will appear. It can be wiped off with a cotton pad dipped in hydrogen peroxide.
If you want to do everything more carefully, you can simply dilute vinegar (9%) in water and apply in the same way.
Ammonia
A popular and effective method. It is only suitable for removing pen marks from vinyl wallpaper.
How to use:
- Dilute ammonia in water (1 tablespoon per 100 ml).
- Wet a cotton pad, treat the area, replacing it with a new one from time to time.
- Wipe the wallpaper with a dry cloth.
It is allowed to use ethyl alcohol, nail polish remover (without acetone) and other similar means instead of ammonia.
Acid substances
Quite strong means. You can use two main options: hydrochloric acid and table salt or citric and oxalic acids. All substances must be mixed in equal proportions. The amount of water depends on how strongly the ink is absorbed.
How to use:
- Dilute the selected substances in water.
- Dip a brush or a cotton swab in them.
- Repeatedly and dotly process all the paste available on the wallpaper.
It is not necessary to additionally wash off the remaining liquid.
Whiteness
You can use laundry exclusively for cleaning white wallpaper. If you use it on colored coatings, they will discolor very quickly.
What has to be done:
- Mix the laundry in warm water (1 to 5).
- Wet a soft cloth in the solution.
- Wipe the treated areas of the wall.
Gloves must be worn when working with linen. This will protect the skin from possible damage.
How to remove ink marks: additional methods
There are other ways to remove traces of paste on wallpaper. They are much less popular, but can show high efficiency. Most of them use completely unexpected things.
Egg
A boiled egg is one of the most effective means for cleaning paper or vinyl wallpaper. One egg will be enough.
How to use:
- Peel the cold boiled egg and cut it into two parts.
- Apply both halves with the yolk to the ink marks.
After five minutes of waiting, it will become clear that the wall has become clean.
Bread
White bread will help to wipe ink marks from the walls. Only a small piece of pulp is needed. It is important that the bread is fresh.
How to apply:
- Tear off a small piece of pulp.
- Press it to the paste strips, wiping lightly.
After some time, the paste will absorb into the structure of the bread.
Starch
Potato starch is diluted to the consistency of gruel, after which it is used for cleaning.
How to act:
- Dilute the powder in water (1 to 1).
- Apply a thick mixture on the traces of the paste.
After a few minutes, all this can be carefully removed with a soft cloth.
Iron
The most unusual way is the usual iron, which is used for ironing clothes. You will also need a sheet of blank paper.
Process:
- Attach the paper to the pictures.
- Iron this area several times with a hot iron with steaming.
The procedure can be repeated many times.
Milk
You can easily wash off the effects of drawing on the wall with the help of warm milk and a cotton swab.
What shall I do:
- Heat the milk, dip a cotton swab in it.
- Smear all the ink strips.
Gradually the milk will evaporate, and with it the problem with the pen.
Shaving foam
Ordinary shaving foam can easily destroy pen marks on wallpaper.
How to use it correctly:
- Squeeze out a little foam, apply with a brush to the picture.
- After drying, shake everything with a dry cloth.
This method is no less effective than others.
Conclusions
It is not so difficult to wash traces of ink from wallpaper of any kind. It is important to approach this issue as seriously as possible in order to avoid all kinds of negative consequences for the material, as well as to achieve a quick and significant result.