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How to: Remove Permanent Marker



We’ve all been there. You turn your back for one minute and your toddler is running through the house with a Sharpie in their hand marking up the walls, furniture, and basically everything else in sight. As you stand there frozen in your tracks you think to yourself, “Now what?! How the heck am I going to get this off?” The good news is permanent marker can be easily removed from just about any surface. For helpful tips and tricks on how to remove permanent marker continue reading.

Leather:

What Products Work (Choose one):

  • Aerosol Hairspray

  • Distilled White Vinegar

  • Sunscreen

Steps:

  1. Depending on what product you choose, dab or spray the solution onto the stain

  2. Gently blot to lift the stain

  3. Repeat if needed

For the best results, remember to treat leather stains as soon as possible.

Walls:

What Products Work (Choose One):

  • Rubbing Alcohol

  • Aerosol Hairspray

  • Regular Toothpaste (not gel)

  • Magic Eraser

  • Lemon Essential Oil

Steps:

  1. Apply the product of your choosing to a clean towel

  2. Dab the stain, remembering not to rub it so it doesn’t spread

  3. Using a damp cloth wipe the surface clean

Take caution when rubbing walls as if you rub too hard you can remove the paint (especially when using a magic eraser).


Carpet:

What Products Work (Choose One):

  • Rubbing Alcohol

  • Distilled White Vinegar

  • Aerosol Hairspray

  • Shaving Cream

Steps:

  • Apply the product of your choosing to a clean cloth

  • Gently dab the stain

  • Using a clean, damp cloth continue to blot the carpet to lift the stain

Unable to eliminate the stain completely? Learn more about the residential carpet cleaning services we offer here.

White Boards:

What Products Work:

  • Dry Erase Marker

Steps:

  1. Simply draw over the permanent marker with a dry erase marker

  2. Wipe clean

Paper

Have your children ever decided to draw in a library or school book? If so, this tip is for you!

What Products Work:

  • Nail Polish Remover

Steps:

  1. Using a clean towel, dab a bit of nail polish remover on the stain, remembering not to oversaturate the paper

  2. With a dry towel, soak up the nail polish remover

  3. Repeat until the stain is gone

Glass:

Did permanent marker find its way onto your windows, mirrors, cups, or dishes? Here’s how to fix it.

What Products Work (Choose one):

  • Regular Toothpaste (not gel) combined with baking soda

  • Nail Polish Remover

  • Dry Erase Marker

  • Rubbing Alcohol

Steps:

  1. Apply a small amount of your chosen product on a clean paper towel

  2. Wipe the surface clean

  3. Repeat until the stain is gone

Skin:

Has one of your kids ever tried to give themselves “tattoos” with a permanent marker? Thankfully permanent marker can be removed from skin rather easily, here’s how!

What Products Work (Choose one):

  • Nail Polish Remover

  • Lotion

  • Shaving Cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Rubbing Alcohol

  • Hand Sanitizer

Steps:

  1. Gently apply the product of your choosing onto the skin and rub gently to lift the marker

  2. Rinse clean and pat dry

  3. Repeat if necessary

Electronic Screens:

What Products Work (Choose One):

  • Regular Toothpaste (not gel)

  • Baby Wipes

Steps:

  1. Start by trying to clean the screen using a baby wipe. If this doesn’t work, proceed to step 2

  2. Apply regular toothpaste to a clean cloth and gently dab the stain

  3. Allow the toothpaste to sit on the stain for a few minutes

  4. Wipe off with a clean cloth

  5. Repeat as needed

Plastic:

What Products Work (Choose One):

  • Pencil Eraser

  • Sunscreen

  • Goo-Gone

  • Dry Erase Marker

  • Rubbing Alcohol

Steps:

  1. Apply the product to the plastic using a clean cloth

  2. Blot the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes

  3. With a clean, damp cloth wipe dry

Wood Flooring and Furniture:

What Products Work (Choose one):

  • Peanut Butter

  • Regular toothpaste (not gel)

  • Rubbing Alcohol

Steps:

  1. Apply the product of your choosing to a clean towel

  2. Gently blot the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.

  3. Repeat until the stain is gone

Fabric and Upholstery:

What Products Work (Choose one):

  • Rubbing alcohol

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Aerosol hairspray

  • Distilled white vinegar

  • Cream of tartar and lemon juice

Steps:

  1. Apply the product of your choosing to a towel.

  2. Blot the stain (Do not rub it in, it will only make it worse).

  3. When removing stains from clothing, remember to put a dry towel between the stain and the other side of the item to absorb the marker and prevent the stain from transferring

It is recommended that delicate fabrics such as satin or silk should be taken to a dry cleaner.

Having trouble ridding your upholstery of those pesky stains? Learn more about the upholstery cleaning services we offer here.

Have a funny story to share or other tips you’ve found useful when removing permanent marker? Share them in the comments below!

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