Permanent marker ink can be difficult to remove from smooth surfaces, but despite the name, ink stains are not always permanent. Usually, permanent marker ink can be removed from smooth surfaces using household ingredients such as vinegar or toothpaste. Before going with a more abrasive method (eg using bleach and a nail polish remover solution), test it on a small, invisible surface first. If the product causes damage to the material, look for an alternative method that is less harsh.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Softer Products
Step 1. Scrub the surface with vinegar
Moisten a clean washcloth with white vinegar or cleaning vinegar. Rub the rag on the soft surface you want to clean several times.
This technique is effective at removing permanent marker ink from the stove top
Step 2. Clean the stained area using toothpaste
Dispense a small amount of toothpaste (the size of a pea) onto a napkin or paper towel. Rub the toothpaste on the stained area quickly in a back and forth motion. Once the stain is completely removed, rub the stained area again with a damp cloth, and pat dry with a dry cloth.
- For stubborn stains, apply toothpaste on the stained area and let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
- The effectiveness of this method is increased if you use a toothpaste that contains baking soda as the main ingredient. The use of gel toothpaste may not be as effective as regular toothpaste.
- This method is most effective for cleaning wooden surfaces, televisions, cutlery, and painted walls.
Step 3. Use baby wipes
Moist, slightly soapy baby wipes can be a great product to remove permanent marker ink from smooth surfaces. Simply take a tissue out of the container/package and gently rub it over the surface of the object you want to clean.
This method is preferred, especially when you want to remove permanent marker stains from television or computer screens
Step 4. Use a special product
There are a variety of specialty products available to remove permanent marker stains from smooth surfaces. Instructions for use also differ, depending on the product used. However, in general you can apply the product directly to the stained surface, then rub/wipe it down with a paper towel or clean washcloth.
Some of the products that are quite popular include Goo Gone, Watch Dog All Purpose Graffiti Remover, and Shadow Max Multi-surface Permanent Marker Remover
Step 5. Try melamine foam
Melamine foam (in the market, this product is known as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) is a fairly popular product for removing permanent marker stains from smooth surfaces. This product works like a sponge. Simply dampen the product, wring it out, and rub the smooth surface that is stained with permanent marker to clean it.
- If the use of melamine foam alone is not effective at removing the stain, overwrite the stain with a permanent marker with a non-permanent marker, then buff or erase using Magic Eraser or a similar melamine foam product.
- This method is most effective for cleaning painted walls.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Softer Solution
Step 1. Clean the permanent marker stain with alcohol
Moisten a washcloth with alcohol. After that, rub the cloth on the stained area. Once enough of the stain has been removed, scrub off any remaining stain using a damp sponge or a sponge moistened with alcohol.
- You will need to reduce the process a few times because the ink stains may still remain on the surface of the object.
- If you don't have alcohol on hand, you can replace it with liquor (eg vodka).
Step 2. Spray the stained area with a hairspray product
Choose products that have a high alcohol content. Scrub the surface of the object with a damp cloth or paper towel. You may need to do the cleaning several times.
This method is effective for cleaning wall, leather and tile surfaces
Step 3. Use a WD-40 product
To remove permanent marker stains from smooth surfaces using WD-40, lightly spray the product on a paper towel. After that, carefully scrub the surface you want to clean in a back and forth motion. Repeat the process as necessary.
This method is effective for cleaning glass, cutlery, and furniture with smooth surfaces
Step 4. Scrub the soiled area with nail polish remover
Dab a paper towel or cotton swab on the nail polish remover. After that, gently rub the surface with the marker stain using a paper towel in a back and forth motion. Rub the surface with a damp cloth again after you've cleaned it with a polish remover.
- Only use products that do not contain added moisturizing or fragrance ingredients.
- This method is effective, especially for cleaning table tops.
- Do not use nail polish remover on smooth, painted surfaces. These products can lift or slough off the paint.
Step 5. Clean the stained area with bleach
Dampen an unused patchwork or paper towel with bleach. After that, scrub the dirty surface carefully in a back and forth motion.
- Do not use bleach on smooth painted surfaces, as bleach can lift or bleed the paint.
- Put on thick rubber gloves before using bleach as the product can irritate the skin.
