How to Remove China Marker from a Dryer

When pencils fall loose in a tumbling dryer, there is no doubt they’re going to leave their marks. Fortunately, removing these marks can be accomplished with a few simple steps. Though removing excessive markings will take time, it will be worth the effort to protect future loads of laundry.

• WD-40
• Soft cloths
• Water
• Mild soap or detergent
• Bucket
• Protective gloves (optional)
• Flashlight

1. Begin by spraying a small amount of WD-40 onto a soft cloth. You want it to be moist, but not dripping.
2. Wipe the affected areas with the moistened cloth. A flashlight will help to spot them all as you work.
3. Switch to a fresh piece of cloth as needed to avoid reapplying the grease pencil to the surface.
4. Once all of the pencil marks are removed, you will need to clean the inside of the dryer too remove any residue from the WD-40.
5. Mix hot water with soap or detergent in a bucket.
6. Use a clean, soft cloth moistened with the sudsy water to clean all of the surfaces.
7. Rinse with clean water.
8. Dry with a soft cloth or allow the interior to dry on it’s own.

• Has grease pencil already gotten on other fabrics? See our guide How to Remove Grease Pencil from Fabric for removal methods.
• If you want to be sure all of the pencil is removed, start with a couple of old towels. Run them in the dryer for a cycle. Check them over to see if any marks have been rubbed off onto the towels.
• When cleaning, use caution to keep the WD-40 out of the vent holes. You don’t want it to drip into the dryer.