How to remove permanent marker from any surface?

Permanent marker stains can be challenging to deal with. Whether you accidentally used a permanent marker on a whiteboard, got some on your clothes or furniture, or your kids decided to draw on the walls, you might think there is no way to get rid of them. But don’t worry; some clever hacks can help remove permanent markers from almost any surface. This blog post will show you how to use everyday household items to erase those pesky marks and restore your surfaces to their original state.

See also: How to remove acrylic paint from clothes?

 

Removing permanent markers from hard, non-porous surfaces

Rugged, non-porous surfaces include things like glass, metal, plastic, ceramic, and laminate. These are usually easier to clean than porous surfaces, as the marker ink doesn’t penetrate deeply into the material. Here are some methods you can try to remove permanent markers from hard, non-porous surfaces:

• Use a dry-erase marker: This works exceptionally well for whiteboards but also for other surfaces like glass or metal. Simply draw over the permanent marker stain with the dry-erase marker, then wipe it off with a cloth or an eraser. The dry-erase marker contains a solvent that dissolves the permanent marker ink.
• Use alcohol: Rubbing or isopropyl alcohol is a powerful solvent that can remove permanent markers from many surfaces. Apply some alcohol to a cotton swab, a cloth, or a paper towel, and rub the stain until it disappears. You can also use high-strength alcoholic drinks like vodka or bourbon, but they are more expensive and less effective than rubbing alcohol.
• Use toothpaste mixed with baking soda: This is an excellent method for removing permanent markers from wood, both finished and unfinished. Mix one baking soda with one part of toothpaste in a small cup and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it with a damp cloth using circular motions. The toothpaste and baking soda act as abrasives that help lift the ink from the wood surface.
• Use a magic eraser: A magic eraser is a special cleaning pad that can remove stains from various surfaces. All you need to do is wet the magic eraser slightly, then use it to scrub the permanent marker stain. The magic eraser contains microfibers that trap and remove dirt and grime.

 

Removing permanent marker from fabrics

Fabrics are more challenging to clean than hard surfaces, as the permanent marker ink can soak into the fibers and become more challenging to remove. However, there are still some ways to salvage your clothes or other fabric items that have been stained by permanent marker. Here are some methods you can try to remove permanent markers from fabrics:

• Use bleach: This method only works for white fabrics, as bleach can damage or discolor colored fabrics. Bleach can help break down the permanent marker ink and make it easier to wash off. Apply some bleach to the stain using a cotton swab or a spray bottle, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wash the fabric as usual in the washing machine.
• Use hairspray: Hairspray that contains alcohol can also help dissolve the permanent marker ink and make it easier to wash off. Spray some hairspray on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, blot it with a paper towel or a cloth to remove the excess ink. Repeat until the stain is gone, then wash the fabric in the washing machine as usual.
• Use nail polish remover: Nail polish remover or acetone is another solvent that can remove permanent markers from fabrics. However, it can also damage some fabrics like silk or wool, so test it on an inconspicuous spot first. Apply some nail polish remover to the stain using a cotton swab or a cloth, and rub it gently until the ink fades away. Then, wash the fabric as usual in the washing machine.
• Use WD-40: WD-40 is a lubricant that can also help remove permanent markers from fabrics. Spray some WD-40 on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub it with a toothbrush or a cloth to loosen the ink. Rinse the fabric with cold water and repeat until the stain is gone. Then, wash the fabric as usual in the washing machine.

 

Removing permanent marker from furniture

Furniture items like couches, chairs, tables, or cabinets can also get stained by permanent markers accidentally or intentionally. Depending on the material of your furniture, you might need different methods to remove permanent markers from them. Here are some methods you can try to remove permanent markers from furniture:

• Use lemon essential oil: Lemon essential oil is a natural cleaner that can help remove permanent markers from painted walls or surfaces. The acidic lemon and the oil work together to gently coax the stain off the surface without removing the paint. Apply some lemon essential oil to a cloth or a cotton swab and rub it on the stain until it disappears. You can also use other citrus essential oils like orange or grapefruit.
• Use baking soda: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove permanent markers from wood or leather surfaces. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and scrub it with a toothbrush or a cloth until the ink comes off. You can also apply a paste with baking soda and water to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it off. Rinse the surface with a damp cloth and dry it well.
• Use white vinegar: White vinegar is another natural cleaner that can help remove permanent markers from many surfaces. Moisten a cloth or a paper towel with white vinegar, and wipe the stain until it fades away. You can also add some salt to the vinegar to make it more abrasive. Rinse the surface with water and dry it well.
• Use board cleaner or permanent marker remover: If you have a whiteboard stained by a permanent marker, you can use it to erase it. These products are specially formulated to remove marker stains from whiteboards. Spray some board cleaner or permanent marker remover on the stain, wait a few seconds, and wipe it off with a cloth or an eraser.

Permanent marker stains can be annoying and frustrating, but they are not impossible to remove. With some everyday household items and patience, you can restore your surfaces to their original state. However, prevention is always better than cure, so try to avoid using permanent markers on surfaces that are not meant for them and keep them away from children or pets who might misuse them.

 

FAQs

How do I remove permanent markers from the skin?

You can use makeup remover wipes, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or toothpaste to remove permanent markers from the skin. Rub the product on the stain circularly until the ink comes off.

How do I remove permanent markers from plastic?

You can use alcohol, nail polish remover, or magic eraser to remove permanent markers from plastic. Apply the product to the stain using a cotton swab or a cloth, and rub it until the ink disappears.

How do I remove permanent markers from fabric?

You can use bleach (for white fabrics only), hairspray, and nail polish.

How do I remove permanent markers from glass?

Use a dry erase marker or alcohol/vinegar with a cloth or cotton swab.

What's the method to remove permanent markers from metal?

Dry erase marker, alcohol, nail polish remover, or a magic eraser work well.

How can I remove permanent markers from ceramics?

Try alcohol, nail polish remover, toothpaste/baking soda mix, or a magic eraser.

What's the best way to remove permanent markers from wood?

Use a toothpaste/baking soda mix, baking soda, lemon essential oil, or vinegar.

How do I eliminate permanent marker stains from leather?

Use distilled white vinegar, baking soda, nail polish remover, or WD-40 and gently rub.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com