We’ve all been there. You turn your back for one minute and your toddler is running through the house with a Sharpie in their hand marking up the walls, furniture, and basically everything else in sight. As you stand there frozen in your tracks you think to yourself, “Now what?! How the heck am I going to get this off?” The good news is permanent marker can be easily removed from just about any surface. For helpful tips and tricks on how to remove permanent marker continue reading.
Leather:
What Products Work (Choose one):
Aerosol Hairspray
Distilled White Vinegar
Sunscreen
Steps:
Depending on what product you choose, dab or spray the solution onto the stain
Gently blot to lift the stain
Repeat if needed
For the best results, remember to treat leather stains as soon as possible.
Walls:
What Products Work (Choose One):
Rubbing Alcohol
Aerosol Hairspray
Regular Toothpaste (not gel)
Magic Eraser
Lemon Essential Oil
Steps:
Apply the product of your choosing to a clean towel
Dab the stain, remembering not to rub it so it doesn’t spread
Using a damp cloth wipe the surface clean
Take caution when rubbing walls as if you rub too hard you can remove the paint (especially when using a magic eraser).
Carpet:
What Products Work (Choose One):
Rubbing Alcohol
Distilled White Vinegar
Aerosol Hairspray
Shaving Cream
Steps:
Apply the product of your choosing to a clean cloth
Gently dab the stain
Using a clean, damp cloth continue to blot the carpet to lift the stain
Unable to eliminate the stain completely? Learn more about the residential carpet cleaning services we offer here.
White Boards:
What Products Work:
Dry Erase Marker
Steps:
Simply draw over the permanent marker with a dry erase marker
Wipe clean
Paper
Have your children ever decided to draw in a library or school book? If so, this tip is for you!
What Products Work:
Nail Polish Remover
Steps:
Using a clean towel, dab a bit of nail polish remover on the stain, remembering not to oversaturate the paper
With a dry towel, soak up the nail polish remover
Repeat until the stain is gone
Glass:
Did permanent marker find its way onto your windows, mirrors, cups, or dishes? Here’s how to fix it.
What Products Work (Choose one):
Regular Toothpaste (not gel) combined with baking soda
Nail Polish Remover
Dry Erase Marker
Rubbing Alcohol
Steps:
Apply a small amount of your chosen product on a clean paper towel
Wipe the surface clean
Repeat until the stain is gone
Skin:
Has one of your kids ever tried to give themselves “tattoos” with a permanent marker? Thankfully permanent marker can be removed from skin rather easily, here’s how!
What Products Work (Choose one):
Nail Polish Remover
Lotion
Shaving Cream
Sunscreen
Rubbing Alcohol
Hand Sanitizer
Steps:
Gently apply the product of your choosing onto the skin and rub gently to lift the marker
Rinse clean and pat dry
Repeat if necessary
Electronic Screens:
What Products Work (Choose One):
Regular Toothpaste (not gel)
Baby Wipes
Steps:
Start by trying to clean the screen using a baby wipe. If this doesn’t work, proceed to step 2
Apply regular toothpaste to a clean cloth and gently dab the stain
Allow the toothpaste to sit on the stain for a few minutes
Wipe off with a clean cloth
Repeat as needed
Plastic:
What Products Work (Choose One):
Pencil Eraser
Sunscreen
Goo-Gone
Dry Erase Marker
Rubbing Alcohol
Steps:
Apply the product to the plastic using a clean cloth
Blot the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes
With a clean, damp cloth wipe dry
Wood Flooring and Furniture:
What Products Work (Choose one):
Peanut Butter
Regular toothpaste (not gel)
Rubbing Alcohol
Steps:
Apply the product of your choosing to a clean towel
Gently blot the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
Repeat until the stain is gone
Fabric and Upholstery:
What Products Work (Choose one):
Rubbing alcohol
Hand sanitizer
Aerosol hairspray
Distilled white vinegar
Cream of tartar and lemon juice
Steps:
Apply the product of your choosing to a towel.
Blot the stain (Do not rub it in, it will only make it worse).
When removing stains from clothing, remember to put a dry towel between the stain and the other side of the item to absorb the marker and prevent the stain from transferring
It is recommended that delicate fabrics such as satin or silk should be taken to a dry cleaner.
Having trouble ridding your upholstery of those pesky stains? Learn more about the upholstery cleaning services we offer here.
Have a funny story to share or other tips you’ve found useful when removing permanent marker? Share them in the comments below!