You may come home and find that your little one has “tattooed” himself with permanent marker, or that you accidentally soiled your hands with permanent marker while writing. Whatever the situation, permanent marker stains are sometimes so difficult to remove. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips to quickly remove or fade permanent marker stains using everyday household products. See the first step to get started.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Chemical Products
Step 1. Use regular alcohol
Alcohol or isopropyl alcohol is the most effective product for removing permanent markers from the skin.
- Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, then place it on your skin for a few seconds. After that, wipe the leather and repeat the process until the stain disappears. Do not rub the cotton on the skin as it can cause irritation.
- Alcohol is usually available in pharmacies. Look for products with an alcohol content of 90% (or higher).
Step 2. Use nail polish remover
Acetone-based nail polish remover (also contains isopropyl alcohol) is an effective solvent that can be used to remove permanent marker stains from the skin.
- Dip a cotton swab in the liquid and use it to remove the marker from the skin.
- You may need to apply a cotton swab to the area where the marker is exposed for a while for the liquid to work.
Step 3. Use hand sanitizing gel
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used to remove permanent marker stains from the skin.
- Apply an adequate amount of the product on the stained area of the skin, then wipe with a cloth, tissue, or cotton.
- This process may need to be repeated several times until the marker stain is completely gone.
Step 4. Use diluted bleach
In small amounts, diluted bleach can leach the ink from the surface of the skin.
- Mix bathroom cleaning bleach (standard strength) with water in a 1:7 ratio. Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and rub it over your skin to remove the marker.
- Bleach can be irritating to the skin so don't choose a product with a higher strength or concentration. Also, don't use bleach on your face or other sensitive areas like underarms and bikini area. You also shouldn't use bleach to remove marker stains from the skin of babies or children.
Method 2 of 3: Using Natural Methods
Step 1. Make a salt scrub
As a great natural method of removing permanent marker from your skin, try making a salt scrub.
- Take 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt and mix it with enough water to form a paste. Gently rub the paste on the stained area for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- The sea salt will exfoliate the skin and remove the top layer of ink. This method may not completely remove the marker from the skin, but it can at least lighten it.
Step 2. Use olive oil
High-fat ingredients such as olive oil can lift ink from permanent marker stains on the skin, without harsh chemicals.
- Take some virgin olive oil and rub it on the marker. Take a paper towel and wipe it on the oiled area of your skin. The ink will lift and stick to the paper towels.
- As with other natural methods, this procedure may not completely remove the stain immediately, but it can still significantly fade the ink. Make sure you clean your skin with soap and water to remove any excess oil.
Step 3. Make a paste of baking soda and water
A mixture of baking soda and water forms an exfoliating paste that can remove markers from the skin.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste, then rub it on your skin for 1-2 minutes before rinsing your skin with warm water.
- Alternatively, mix baking soda with toothpaste in a 1:1 ratio for a more effective scrub.
Step 4. Take advantage of the banana peel
Some people say that banana peels can significantly reduce permanent marker stains on the skin.
- Take a banana peel from a ripe banana and rub the inside of the peel on the part of the skin that is stained with the marker in a circular motion.
- Keep rubbing the banana peel for a few minutes, then rinse your arms. Pat the towel on your arm to dry it, then repeat the process with another banana peel.
Step 5. Soak in a soaking tub
Finally, another natural method for removing permanent marker stains is to soak in a tub and let the water wash off the ink that has stuck to the skin.
- If you want, you can add baking soda and a few drops of tea tree oil to the water to help the ink fade. However, ordinary soap or bubble bath can still be used.
- Try to keep the affected area of skin in hot water for as long as possible, and use a sponge or loofah to scrub the area.
Method 3 of 3: Using Lotion and Cream
Step 1. Use baby oil
This product is very gentle on the skin so it is suitable for removing permanent marker stains from the skin of children and babies.
- Pour a small amount of oil directly on the dirty skin and use a damp washcloth to rub the oil on the skin.
- You may need to repeat this process several times to completely remove the stain.
Step 2. Use sunscreen
Some sunscreen products (especially those with quick-drying formulas) contain alcohol so they can be used to dissolve permanent marker ink.
- Rub or spray the product on the soiled area, allow the product to soak into the skin for some time, and use a towel or washcloth to remove it.
- As with any other method, you may need to apply and lift the sunscreen a few times before the marker stain is completely gone.
Step 3. Use toothpaste and mouthwash
Some people report that they have successfully removed permanent marker stains using a combination of toothpaste and mouthwash.
- Dispense a small amount of toothpaste (any version) directly on the dirty skin. Use your fingers to apply it to the skin. Toothpaste has an exfoliating effect on the skin so it can remove the top layer of ink.
- After coating the stain with toothpaste, pour a small amount of alcohol-based mouthwash on your skin and use a damp washcloth to spread it over your skin. As with other alcohol-based products, the alcohol content in mouthwash can dissolve marker ink.
Step 4. Use shaving cream
Some people report that they have successfully removed permanent marker stains using shaving cream. This product contains a mixture of oil and soap that is useful for removing ink from the skin.
- Apply an adequate amount of shaving cream on the dirty skin and allow the product to soak into the skin for 1-2 minutes. Use a damp washcloth to apply and rub the cream into the skin afterwards.
- Again, you may need to repeat this process a few times to completely remove the marker.
Tips
- If the stain doesn't come off immediately, don't worry. You also don't have to bother following the cleaning steps if you're planning on taking a shower. If the stain is fairly new, it will lift when you shower as long as you scrub it carefully with a loofah or nail brush (these brushes may sting your skin so be careful when using them). If it doesn't lift completely, at least the stain will fade significantly.
- Sometimes the tips in this article don't work, but don't worry. The stain will fade or disappear when you shower. If the stain is fairly new, you may be able to clean the leather in the sink as soon as the marker has been applied to the leather. Maybe not all the stains will be removed, but most will disappear.
Warning
- Beware of scabs or open sores as they can become irritated or infected. Products that contain alcohol or ingredients such as salt and bleach can irritate the skin and cause an excruciating stinging sensation when applied to sores or open wounds.
- Scrubbing your skin too hard can cause irritation, causing your skin to dry out and develop a rash. Therefore, scrub the skin slowly and carefully, and don't overdo it.
- If you have an open wound or skin protruding from surgery, the safest ingredients to try are olive oil and baby oil.
