Asked on Jan 17, 2013

How Do You Get PEN Off Cabinet Doors?

An AK client's little Picasso decided to update their kitchen on her own with some pen drawings on the cabinet doors. Anyone know how to remove pen marks from cabinets? We'd love to help her!
Thanks!
  12 answers
  • PennyLynCollins PennyLynCollins on Jan 17, 2013
    the Mr. Clean erasers usually work great
  • Becky P Becky P on Jan 17, 2013
    I just took pen off the light switch with the Mr. Clean eraser. But be careful, they could take the finish off the cabinet.
  • Try goof off. sold at HD and Lowes stores. But what ever it is you decide to use test the back side of the door for any discoloration before you mess up the front surface.
  • Spheramid Enterprises Spheramid Enterprises on Jan 18, 2013
    Rubbing alcohol.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jan 18, 2013
    I used Some rubbing alcohol to clean up some ink from a broken Sharpie recently... that would be my first route. Carbon Tetrachloride would also be a viable option but it is a know carcinogen and would need to be handled with more precautions.
  • Vintage Headboards Vintage Headboards on Jan 18, 2013
    Denatured alcohol works pretty good. I agree - always try on the back side of one of the doors first whatever method you decide to go with first. Good luck and let us know what worked best for you.
  • Thanks all! Was thinking of the Goof Off, but somehow didn't know about the rubbing alcohol trick. We're going to pass this info along, and our usual warnings about chemicals & cleaning on beautiful surfaces ;)
  • Terri J Terri J on Jan 18, 2013
    Hair spray works on clothes, and I think goof off has taken away finishing before, What about sanding and repainting or staining? I want to know what works, as there is hair dye from an experiment gone wrong on one of my lower doors. Immediately seen and tried to wipe off, but it was to late.
  • Laura Laura on Feb 14, 2013
    I just wrote a note to my husband with a permeate marker on are counter top and we all know that stuff is hard to remove well i got out my trusty bottle of Windex and wala the marker wiped right off i use Windex on all stains so you might want to give it a try it will even lift wine off of carpet its my little bottle of magic
  • Laura Laura on Feb 14, 2013
    I have a question is there anything that really works on cigarette smoke to remove the order in a home and from furniture arm n harmer use to put out a awesome spray that worked like a charm but they don't sell it any more it was called smoke away also looking for a homemade fabric softener on the order of downy thanks much for any and all reply's
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Feb 15, 2013
    I've been working on a condo remodel where smoker lived at some point. All of the furniture and carpet are gone but you can still see a hit of yellow dingyness along the upper walls. We are in the process of mitigating some asbestos (via encapsulation) and will be painting every square inch of the place. Prior to painting we prime with problock from SW. many folks here will chime in to use homemade "cleaners" based with vinegar. They have been quite effective in removing many odors.
  • Sheila Ahola-Maxwell Sheila Ahola-Maxwell on Mar 26, 2017

    Spray nine works good on cigarette smoketo get off walls and tvs etc