Even if you are careful, accidents can happen. Sometimes, marker stains stain a new sofa, white carpet, or oak coffee table. Fortunately, there are several household products you can use to remove permanent marker stains or ink from furniture.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Toothpaste
Step 1. Use plain white toothpaste
You can use any product from any brand, but avoid gel or combination toothpastes as they may not work as effectively.
You can replace toothpaste with baking soda. To make it even better, use a toothpaste that contains baking soda
Step 2. Take out some toothpaste
Use just enough toothpaste so that the stained area is completely coated when you apply the paste. Don't be stingy when using it.
Step 3. Prepare a dampened patchwork or paper towel
You don't need to soak the cloth. Simply dampen a cloth with warm water, then wring it out until no water drips.
Step 4. Rub the toothpaste all over the stain in a circular motion
When the paste disappears, the permanent marker will also be lifted.
If the stain doesn't completely disappear after the first try, repeat the process using another damp cloth and new toothpaste
Step 5. Rinse the cloth
After the cloth is rinsed, wipe the furniture again to remove the remaining toothpaste until the surface of the furniture is clean.
Method 2 of 3: Using Vinegar or Alcohol
Step 1. Mix vinegar with dish soap
Mix 480 ml of cold water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of dish soap.
Step 2. Use alcohol or a similar product as an alternative
Hairspray and sunscreen products can be used because they usually contain alcohol. Check the product ingredient list to be sure.
You can also use hand wash gel (eg Antis), WD-40, or lemon juice
Step 3. Remove the stain as soon as possible
Stains are easier to remove thoroughly if you handle them right away before they dry and harden.
Step 4. Moisten the patchwork or cotton
Do not pour alcohol directly on the stain. Dip the patchwork in the alcohol and rub it over the marker.
Step 5. Soak up the stain first
Wet the area around the stain with rubbing alcohol, especially if you want to remove the stain from the fabric.
Step 6. Blot the cloth or cotton, and don't rub the stain
If you rub a patchwork or cotton swab over the stain, the stain will go deeper into the fabric. Press and dab the cloth on the stain, and lift the cloth directly, without rubbing it against the furniture surface.
Step 7. Repeat the process as necessary
If the stain remains, moisten a fresh, clean patch of cloth with alcohol and dab it on the stain. After that, rinse the area that has been cleaned with a clean sponge or cloth.
Once the stain is gone and the upholstery has been rinsed off, hang it in the sun to dry
Method 3 of 3: Using Commercial Products from Stores
Step 1. Consult the required product with the hardware store clerk
Hardware stores usually stock commercial carpet cleaning products. You can ask for a recommendation from one of the employees, but most products usually display their specific function information on the packaging/bottle. Astonish or Pledge are some examples of products that can be used, but you can choose from a variety of other products if you want.
Step 2. Make sure you read the label on the product before buying it
Commercial products usually contain chemicals that can cause damage if used on the wrong surface. Check labels to make sure the product is safe to use on certain furniture surfaces that need cleaning.
Step 3. Try using Magic Eraser
You can get a product like this from a hardware store like ACE Hardware. This magic eraser can remove marker stains effectively, even on the surface of bamboo furniture!
- Use furniture oil if the gloss layer on the surface is removed.
- Some other products such as Mr. Muscle and Tub O Towels (wet wipes) can remove permanent marker stains and are available at most hardware stores.
Tips
- Test the product on an inconspicuous part of the furniture. Most of the methods described above will not damage the furniture. To be sure, look for small areas of furniture (eg the back of a sofa or chair) to test the product and make sure it doesn't damage the fabric or discolor the wood.
- Be careful when cleaning fragile fabrics. Some types of perishable fabrics, such as satin or silk, need to be cleaned carefully. The cleaning process you do runs the risk of damaging the fabrics. As a safest measure, take the item or furniture to a professional dry cleaning or cleaning service provider.
- Cleaning results vary. There are several factors that affect the effectiveness of the above methods. The length of time the stain remains on the furniture and the type of surface that is stained affect the effectiveness of the methods presented in this article.
