Permanent marker ink is designed to be difficult to remove, because as the name implies, it is supposed to be permanent. If you have furniture, fabric or leather that has permanent marker ink on it, here are some ways to remove it. The results are not necessarily satisfactory, but when compared to permanent marker scribbles that stay stuck and look ugly, these methods are worth trying.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Removing Permanent Marker Ink from Hard, Non-porous Surfaces
Step 1. Use alcohol
Take alcoholic drinks. Bourbon will work well, especially one that contains 50.5% alcohol. Any drink with an alcohol content of more than 40% v/v can be used, but medical alcohol will work much better. Dampen a clean towel with rubbing alcohol and wipe the wet spot on the permanent marker ink.
Step 2. Use toothpaste mixed with baking soda
Mix one part baking soda with one part toothpaste in a small bowl. Apply this mixture directly to the permanent marker ink and let it sit for a while. Take a damp cloth and use it to rub the mixture in a circular motion. This may be a little tedious, but the marker ink will be gone.
Step 3. Use magic eraser
The magic eraser is a special cleaning tool designed to remove stains from various surfaces. All you need to do is moisten the magic eraser slightly, then rub it to remove the permanent marker ink from the surface of the object.
Step 4. Use WD-40
WD-40 is a versatile household commercial cleaning product. Simply spray a small amount of WD-40 onto the permanent marker ink stain, then rub it with a clean cloth to remove it.
Step 5. Use a whiteboard marker
Whiteboard markers can be used to remove stains on a variety of surfaces, and work great on whiteboards. This is because whiteboard markers contain a non-polar diluent. All you have to do is scribble a whiteboard marker over the permanent marker scribble, then erase.
Step 6. Use a pencil eraser
Under certain conditions, a pencil eraser can be used to remove permanent marker ink, by rubbing the pencil eraser over the ink stain.
Step 7. Use sunscreen
Some people claim that sunscreen can be used to remove blemishes from non-porous surfaces. Simply apply a small amount of sunscreen to the permanent marker ink and rub a clean cloth to remove it.
Step 8. Use a nail polish remover
Dampen a clean cloth with acetone-based nail cleaner and use it to scrub away the permanent marker ink.
Method 2 of 4: Removing Permanent Marker Ink from Fabric
Step 1. Use bleach to remove permanent marker ink from white fabrics
Dissolve a small amount of bleach in water and dip the part of the fabric that has permanent marker ink. The ink will disappear instantly, but there are times when the cloth needs to be soaked.
- If you must soak the fabric, be careful not to let the bleach damage the fabric.
- Once the ink is gone, wash the cloth as usual.
Step 2. Use a mixture of vinegar, milk, borax and lemon juice for the satin fabric
A mixture made of 1 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp borax and 1 tsp lemon juice works well on satin fabrics.
- Mix the above ingredients in a small bowl, then apply it on the ink affected area and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Take a damp sponge and apply it to the cloth to absorb the marker ink until it doesn't remain.
Step 3. Apply medical alcohol or acetone to a strong cloth
Permanent marker ink that sticks to sturdier fabrics such as towels or bed linen can be removed with a small amount of acetone or medical alcohol. Wet a cotton ball with medical alcohol or acetone and apply it to absorb the marker ink until it disappears. After that, immediately wash the cloth.
Step 4. Use fruit juice from orange groves for everyday wear
Fruit juices from the citrus family, such as lemons or limes, can be used to remove permanent marker ink from most types of clothing, without worrying about creating new stains or fading them. Sprinkle some of the fruit juice on the area where the marker has ink and press it down with a cotton ball or clean cloth until it's gone.
For more fragile fabrics, first dilute fruit juice with plain water to half. Wash clothes immediately after that.
Step 5. Use medical alcohol or hairspray to remove permanent marker ink from the carpet
Pour medical alcohol onto a piece of cloth. Press and apply the cloth to the affected area of the carpet. As with other carpet stains, do not rub or the ink will spread and weaken the fabric fibers. Hold on to the cloth until the ink is gone.
- Alternatively, spray some hairspray on the marker ink and apply a clean towel to absorb the ink.
- Once the marker ink has been removed in any way above, dampen the carpet with a little water and use a clean towel to dry it.
Method 3 of 4: Removing Permanent Marker Ink from Home Furniture
Step 1. Use aerosol hairspray for leather furniture
Spray a small amount of aerosol hairspray on a clean cloth and use it to rub off the marker ink. You may have to spray more hairspray or switch to another clean part of the cloth before the marker ink is completely removed.
After the marker has been removed, wipe off any hairspray with a clean, damp cloth, and use a special conditioner to treat leather furniture
Step 2. Use hydrogen peroxide and medical alcohol for microfiber furniture
To remove marker ink from the surface of a microfiber cloth, pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on a clean towel and use it to rub the marker ink for 10-15 minutes.
- After that, pour medical alcohol on another towel and use it again to rub the marker ink for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a third towel that has been moistened with water to remove any remaining marker ink. Dry with a dry towel.
Step 3. Use Windex, medical alcohol, or nail polish remover for other furniture
Other based furniture can usually be cleaned with Windex, medical alcohol, or nail polish remover. All of them are cleaned in the same way as follows:
- Pour a small amount of the cleaning fluid of your choice onto a clean dry towel, then press and apply it to the ink until it's clean. Some people who have tried have stated that it is best to use towels that are the same color as the furniture to be cleaned.
- You may have to repeat the above steps several times with another part of the clean towel before the marker ink can be completely removed, the important thing is not to get the furniture too wet with the cleaning liquid, as this will leave new stains.
- Once the marker ink has been removed, remove any remaining moisture using a clean, dry towel. Move the furniture outdoors if possible, so that it can dry completely.
Method 4 of 4: Removing Permanent Marker Ink from Body Skin
Step 1. Use alcohol
Try it with medical alcohol, or drinks with 40% and 50.5% alcohol content.
Step 2. Pour some rubbing alcohol on a sponge or towel
Rub it on the skin with the marker ink rather vigorously. Sometimes there will be some marker ink remaining, but this will go away on its own after a shower or two.
Tips
- Also try using 99% isopropyl alcohol, 95% natural ethanol, acetone-based paint thinner, or vegetable oil if no other cleaning agent is available.
- If you have modern surfaces or countertops in your kitchen or bathroom, these types of furniture generally don't absorb liquids, so marker ink or cleaning agents won't soak in. This does not apply to furniture that is older, or for example made of real wood. Therefore, always try the cleaning method on a small area first, before starting to clean all the permanent marker ink streaks.
