How to Remove Ink from Plastic

The Logic Verdict

My Take: Cynthia from eHow keeps it painfully simple: wet a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, squeeze out the drip, and rub the ink mark with light-to-moderate pressure. If it doesn’t move at first, add elbow grease—the melamine foam physically abrades the dye off without chemicals.

The Science

Magic Erasers are melamine foam, a micro-abrasive plastic that behaves like super-fine sandpaper when damp. The open-cell structure grabs ink from nonporous plastic surfaces, and the foam slowly wears away while taking the stain with it. Because you’re using water only, there’s no risk of chemical discoloration—just gentle mechanical abrasion.

Step-by-Step Removal

1. Prep the eraser. Wet the Magic Eraser under the tap and squeeze until it’s just damp; you want a firm block, not a dripping sponge.
2. Test in a corner. Rub a hidden edge to ensure the plastic doesn’t haze; most household plastics tolerate melamine foam just fine.
3. Buff the ink. Glide the eraser over the stain with light pressure. Increase to moderate strokes if the mark resists, keeping your motions short and controlled.
4. Wipe residue. Once the ink lifts, use a microfiber cloth to remove the white eraser dust and inspect for shadows.
5. Repeat as needed. For deep grooves, fold the eraser to expose a fresh edge and keep working until the plastic looks uniform again.

Parts & Tools

• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable (Amazon) – Matches the melamine sponge used in the video for mechanical ink removal.
• E-Cloth Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (Amazon) – Handy for wiping away eraser residue and checking progress.

What NOT To Do

• Don’t soak the eraser—dripping water reduces friction and leaves streaks.
• Don’t use the melamine foam on glossy, easily scratched plastics (acrylic displays, high-gloss piano finishes) without testing; it can dull the shine.
• Don’t pair the eraser with harsh solvents; the friction alone is enough and extra chemicals can warp plastic.

Resources

• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable (Amazon)
• E-Cloth Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (Amazon)