No matter how careful you are, permanent marker streaks are common and stains are very difficult to remove, especially on fabrics. Fortunately, getting a permanent marker doesn't mean the item is damaged forever. Alcohol-based products, commercially available stain removers, and even some common household items can help you remove permanent marker stains from fabrics.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Alcohol-Based Products
Step 1. Place a few sheets of tissue between the stain and the other side of the cloth
Before using any product that contains alcohol to clean the stain, place a few pieces of tissue or an old rag under the stained area of the cloth to prevent the stain from spreading as you clean. This way, if the marker starts to spread, the ink will only seep into the tissue or rag instead of the other side of the fabric.
If the tissue you are using starts to get too wet, replace it with a new tissue to make sure the ink doesn't spread to other parts of the fabric
Step 2. Use rubbing alcohol to untangle and clean the marker stain
Dip a clean sponge in rubbing alcohol until it is sufficiently wet. Press the damp sponge around the stain first so it doesn't spread further, then press it directly on the stain. Continue to press the stain with alcohol for about 1-5 minutes. Dip the sponge in the alcohol as often as needed.
- Make sure you only gently press the sponge against the stain instead of rubbing it. Rubbing the sponge can spread and allow the stain to sink deeper into the fabric.
- Rubbing alcohol can be used on most types of fabric. However, very soft fabrics such as silk may be damaged and should only be cleaned by a professional cleaning service.
Step 3. Spray with alcohol-based hairspray as an easy-to-use cleaning option
Holding the hairspray can a few inches from the fabric, direct the spray directly at the stain. Then, spray the stain until it's wet. Leave the hairspray on for about 3-5 minutes, then press a clean paper towel to remove the stain. Repeat this step as many times as needed until the stain is lifted.
- Just like rubbing alcohol, alcohol-based hairspray can also be used to break down the chemicals in permanent marker, making the stain easier to clean.
- Cleaning with hairspray is most effective for thick and rough fabrics such as upholstery, carpets, and leather clothing.
Step 4. Try using nail polish remover (acetone) on a thicker cloth
Dip a clean sponge or cotton swab in the acetone until it is sufficiently wet. Press a damp sponge or cotton pad directly on the stain, dipping the cotton swab in the acetone again as often as needed until the stain is completely removed.
- Most nail polish removers with acetone contain alcohol and acetone, which can help break down and remove permanent marker stains from fabrics.
- Acetone may be too harsh for soft fabrics such as cheesecloth or linen. Use acetone only to clean permanent marker stains on thicker fabrics such as heavy cotton towels, carpets, or upholstery.
Step 5. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to remove marker stains from clothes
Pour a small amount of hand sanitizer on the stain, the amount depends on how big the stain is. Gently smooth over the stain in a circular motion using a clean sponge. Let it soak for 15 minutes. If the stain is still there, repeat this step until the stain is clean.
Hand sanitizer is made for use on the skin so it tends to be gentler than other alcohol based product options and makes it a good choice for clothes or softer types of fabrics
Step 6. Rinse the cloth or clothing with cold water
After using an alcohol-based product to clean the stain, rinse the cloth in cold water to remove any residue after the marker is completely gone. If the fabric or clothing is machine washable, you can wash it in the washing machine with regular detergent after the stain is completely clean.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Stains with Home Appliances
Step 1. Mix white vinegar and dish soap solution for synthetic fabrics
Combine one scoop (15 ml) of dish soap, one tablespoon (15 ml) of white vinegar, and two cups (480 ml) of cold water in a bowl. Stir to mix well. Then, use a clean sponge to apply the cleaning solution to the stain. Press the stain for a few seconds with the addition of the cleaning solution and a piece of paper towel every 5 minutes for 30 minutes, pausing in between. Then, pour cold water on the stain to rinse off the cleaning solution. Press the cloth with a clean tissue to dry it.
White vinegar and a dish soap solution are generally effective at removing permanent marker stains on synthetic fabrics such as upholstery and carpet
Step 2. Use baking soda for an all-purpose marker stain remover
Mix one tablespoon (15 grams) of baking soda with 1/3 cup (80 ml) of cold water to make a paste. Then, apply the paste evenly on the stain. Gently rub the baking soda paste onto the stain in a circular motion. Let the baking soda paste cover the stain for about 15 minutes to 1 hour, then wash in the washing machine as usual.
- Baking soda can also be used to clean permanent marker stains from upholstery, carpets, and clothes.
- You can also use a baking soda toothpaste product instead of making the paste yourself. However, since toothpaste like this one may contain other ingredients that can impact the fabric, make sure you test it on an inconspicuous area first.
- If the fabric is not machine washable, try sprinkling baking soda on the stain until it is covered. Use a toothbrush to rub the baking soda into the cloth until the stain starts to lift, then use cold water to remove any remaining baking soda from the cloth.
Step 3. Soak clothes in milk to remove permanent marker stains
Fill the bowl with plain cow's milk. Then, put all the parts of the clothes that have the permanent marker in the bowl. Make sure everything is submerged in the milk. Leave it for 15 minutes, then remove it and wash it in the washing machine as usual.
Once the stain is clean, make sure you can clean or machine wash the clothes until the excess milk is removed from the clothes because milk can turn sour and cause a bad smell
Method 3 of 3: Using a Spot Cleaner on the Market
Step 1. Use a stain remover specially formulated for ink stains
Products like these are available both online and at hardware or drug stores. To use it, make sure you follow the instructions for use on the label as the instructions may vary depending on the type of fabric being cleaned and how long the marker has been on the fabric.
Some effective ink stain cleaning products include Amodex Ink Remover and The Laundress Stain Solution which can be purchased online
Step 2. Try an all-purpose stain remover for fabrics if the marker is still fresh
If you can apply a cleaning product like this to a permanent marker quickly, the new stain may be able to be removed before it sinks in. Some companies, such as Tide and Shout, make easy-to-use stain removal products that you can buy online. Although not specifically intended for marker stains, products like this are still effective when used to clean fresh stains.
Some companies also make ready-to-use stain removal products that allow you to immediately clean marker stains even when you're not at home
Step 3. Clean the stain on the white cloth with bleach
If white clothes, sheets, or tablecloths are stained with permanent marker, you can clean them by washing them with bleach. If the fabric is machine washable and safe to wash with bleach, you can add bleach to the laundry and run the washing machine in hot water. If the fabric is bleach safe but cannot be machine washed, you can soak it in bleach for 10 minutes, then rinse it in cold water to remove the stain.
