How To Remove Permanent Marker From Clothes Without Rubbing Alcohol?

Method 1: Rubbing Alcohol – Rubbing alcohol is a great way to get rid of permanent marker stains. It’s commonly used for wounds and scuffs, but it’s also an excellent method for getting rid of Sharpie smears. However, in this situation, you must use rubbing alcohol very cautiously because fabric quality varies.

• To use on fabric, first, fold a paper towel twice and place it beneath the cloth.
• It will serve as support.
• Soak a clean cloth or cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and apply it to the marker stain, if necessary.
• Change the towel as needed.
• Turn the fabric inside out and place it over a new folded paper towel.

Continue rubbing with rubbing alcohol with the cotton ball on the other side. Take a washcloth and cover it in laundry detergent or liquid dish soap. Then continue to massage the ink mark. If the paper towel becomes too wet, replace it with another one as necessary.

What removes permanent marker from clothes?

What Can Remove Marker Pen? – The trick is to treat permanent marker stains with products that can break down the oils and alcohols in the ink, exposing the colourants, and allowing you to treat the discolouration in much the same way you would any other stain – through washing! Alcohol is a solvent and is very effective and efficient at breaking down oils and other alcohols found in marker pens.

How to remove permanent marker from colored clothes without rubbing alcohol?

Vinegar: Combine equal parts vinegar and water and apply on the permanent marker stain. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. Toothpaste: Apply a little amount of toothpaste and rub it with a damp cloth over the marker stain.

Will vinegar remove Sharpie from clothes?

Written by Grove Collaborative Last Updated: June 24, 2021 Managed to get Sharpie on your clothes? Follow our straightforward tips for tackling a permanent marker stain, including the best natural techniques and tools, to help you lift the ink stain stress-free.

1. Stains, stains, stains,
2. They can be the bane of our existence! Perhaps that’s somewhat dramatic, but a Sharpie stain feels a little dramatic, doesn’t it? When we think Sharpie, we think permanent marker.
3. Ergo, Sharpie also means a permanent stain,
4. Right? Actually, not quite.
5. There may be hope.
6. Eep reading for our tips on tackling a Sharpie stain successfully.

We won’t guarantee you’ll remove it completely, but we will guarantee you’ll get pretty darn close. As the name suggests, permanent markers are inclined to leave behind a permanent ink stain. Though it may look like an impossible stain, it’s probably a lot less gnarly than you think.

1. However, removing the marker stain completely does depend on a host of factors, like the type of material of the soiled clothing, the ink color of the Sharpie in question, and how much time has elapsed since the mark was made.
2. The trick is to target permanent marker stains with products that are designed to break down the oils and alcohols present in Sharpie ink.

This will expose the colorants and help you target the discoloration like a heat-seeking missile. Then the discolored fabric can be cleaned by using a simple detergent and the regular wash cycle on your washing machine. Keep scrolling for a step-by-step guide to get those stains out for good.

• Paper towels
• Sponge
• Rubbing alcohol: Rubbing alcohol is a disinfectant, but it can also be used to remove Sharpie stains completely, as it helps to break down oils and other alcohols present in the Sharpie ink.
• Hairspray: Surprisingly, cheap hair sprays have a high alcohol content. They work best on synthetic fabrics such as polyester and poly-blend clothes, as well as thicker and tougher fabrics.
• Vinegar /lemon juice: Acids, like vinegar and lemon juice, can be effective against permanent marker stains. Though they are mildly acidic in nature, they can still dissolve mineral deposits, dirt, grease, and grime. White vinegar is also antibacterial and works best on synthetic fibers.
• Baking soda : Baking soda has been used as a cleaning agent for a very long time. It is mildly alkaline and dissolves dirt and grease.

Does hand sanitizer get marker out of clothes?

Got milk? Household items that can remove permanent marker stains

Here’s a life hack you may wish you knew about a long time ago: how to get permanent marker out of a variety of items.According to, a drop of hand sanitizer will remove marker stains from clothing.If you have permanent marker on your walls, wipe them off with rubbing alcohol.Rubbing toothpaste or hairspray directly onto Sharpie scribbles will remove them from wood.If you get marks on your carpet, a little bit of white vinegar should do the trick.When it comes to removing marker stains from your furniture, open your fridge and go for the milk.It may sound crazy, but milk can help remove stains from cloth.

: Got milk? Household items that can remove permanent marker stains

Will permanent marker come off fabric?

Fabric Display and Storage Tips – If you’ve chosen to frame your fabric design or put it in a display box, be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight. Even lamps and overhead lights can cause fading. The piece also should be displayed or stored in a room that has consistent humidity and temperature.

1. For storage, use archival tissue paper to wrap the fabric.
2. The tissue must be both acid-free and lignin-free (a chemical compound derived from wood).
3. It is also important to use the right type of storage container to prevent yellowing.
4. One choice is an archival storage box,
5. These boxes are usually made of acid-free paper.

However, if you are concerned about the box getting crushed, purchase a plastic storage container, The box should be made of cast polypropylene to be safe for your keepsakes. The Spruce / Jesi Lee FAQ

• How long does permanent marker stay on fabric? Permanent marker wasn’t originally designed to be permanent on fabric, so it will fade over time. The amount of time it remains depends on how often you wash and use the fabric.
• Will permanent marker stay on polyester? Permanent marker doesn’t absorb into polyester as well as it does natural fibers. But it will still remain on the fabric, especially if you take steps to preserve it. It just might start out fainter and fade faster.
• Does Sharpie wash out of clothes? If you’re looking to get permanent marker out of clothes, wash them as soon as possible. Try to blot up as much of the ink as you can while it’s still wet, and then treat the area with a laundry stain remover before washing in cold water. If the stain isn’t gone, wash again before drying.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Tasneem, Sabir. Chapter 2: Fibers used for high-performance apparel, Fibers Used for High-Performance Apparel, pp.7-32, 2018, Woodhead Publishing Series in Textiles, doi:10.1016/B978-0-08-100904-8.00002-X

Why does toothpaste remove permanent marker?

How to Remove Permanent Marker Stains from Wood – If permanent marker is on your trim, floors, wooden counter, or a similar surface, toothpaste is your best option for removal. It has an abrasive quality to remove the marker dye without dissolving it or damaging the interior.

What is the best solvent to remove permanent marker?

Getting rid of permanent marker from walls and other solid surfaces – Every surface in your house can be a potential canvas for a child. So it’s worth knowing these quick tips and tricks to cover all the other surfaces in your home. Walls Many of the techniques already described above will work well for your walls. Rubbing alcohol, hand sanitiser, aerosol hairspray, white toothpaste (not gel), or a magic eraser can remove the marker stains from your walls.

• Regular toothpaste mixed with baking soda
• WD-40
• Nail polish remover
• Dry erase marker
• Rubbing alcohol

Just pop your stain remover of choice on a clean cloth or paper towel and use it to wipe the stains off the glass. Metal For metal surfaces like stainless steel kitchen appliances, use rubbing alcohol, dry-erase marker or regular toothpaste as we’ve already described.

Applying any of these should then make it easy to wipe the stains away. Tiles Permanent marker should come off most tiles with the help of regular toothpaste, aerosol hairspray, or a magic eraser. You might need a bit more elbow grease to clean textured tiles and an old toothbrush can come in handy for getting into all the little nooks and crannies.

Granite Rubbing alcohol is the best choice to remove permanent marker from granite. Avoid letting it sit on the granite surface for too long though. And make sure to wipe it away thoroughly with water once the stain is gone. Laminate Removing marker stains from laminate is surprisingly easy using some regular vegetable oil.

How do you remove Sharpie from fabric?

Remove Permanent Marker FAQ One of the most effective ways to get dried permanent marker stains out of clothes is by using rubbing alcohol. Place the stained area on a paper towel, dip a cloth or sponge in rubbing alcohol and gently apply it to the stain. Dab around the stain first, then directly on it.

Does toothpaste remove Sharpie from clothes?

This shows viewers how to remove permanent marker stains using toothpaste. First, you will want to do this in a bathroom or kitchen. Fill up a cup just barely with water. This should only be about 1 cm deep or full in the cup. Next, you will need to different kinds of toothpaste, preferably one a gel and another the average paste.

Now, put the toothpaste into the cup, about quarter size, and use your finger or any tool to mix this with the water. Next, you’ll want to put this mixture onto the permanent marker stain and rub it in with your fingers. You will want to continue to rub it in. Now, take a rag or a towel and scrub the stain with the toothpaste.

After this, your stain should disappear! Now you can use toothpaste to get rid of permanent marker stains. Want to master Microsoft Excel and take your work-from-home job prospects to the next level? Jump-start your career with our Premium A-to-Z Microsoft Excel Training Bundle from the new Gadget Hacks Shop and get lifetime access to more than 40 hours of Basic to Advanced instruction on functions, formula, tools, and more. Buy Now (97% off) > Other worthwhile deals to check out:

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How do you get Sharpie out of clothes with hand sanitizer?

Download Article Download Article No matter how careful you are, permanent marker stains happen and are frustratingly difficult to remove—especially from fabric. Thankfully, getting a permanent marker stain on fabric doesn’t have to mean that the item is ruined. Alcohol-based products, store-bought stain removers, and even some common household items can help you get permanent marker out of your fabrics.

1. 1 Put paper towels between the stain and the other side of the fabric and a small amount of alcohol. Before using any alcohol-based products on the stain, place a few paper towels or an old towel underneath the stain to keep the stain from bleeding through as you clean.
   • If the paper towels underneath the stain start to get too soaked at any point, replace them with clean ones to make sure the dye doesn’t transfer to another part of the fabric.
2. 2 Use rubbing alcohol to break down and remove the marker stain. Dip a clean sponge in rubbing alcohol until it’s soaked but not dripping. Dab the alcohol-soaked sponge around the stain first to prevent it from spreading, then dab it directly on the stain. Continue dabbing the stain with alcohol for about 1 to 5 minutes, dipping the sponge in more alcohol as needed.
   • Make sure that you dab the marker stain with an absorbent towel instead of rubbing, as this can spread the stain or cause it to set deeper into the fabric.
   • Rubbing alcohol can be used on most types of fabrics. Very delicate fabrics such as silk, however, may be damaged by alcohol and should be dry-cleaned instead.

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3. 3 Spray on an alcohol-based hairspray for easy application. Hold the hairspray bottle a few inches away from the stain, aiming the sprayer directly on the stain. Then, spray the hairspray onto the stain until it is completely saturated. Allow the hairspray to soak in for about 3 to 5 minutes, then use a clean paper towel to dab away at the stain.
   • Like rubbing alcohol, alcohol-based hairspray works to break down the chemicals in the permanent marker, making it easier to remove.
   • Hairspray works particularly well on thicker, tougher fabrics, such as upholstery, carpets, and leather.
4. 4 Try an acetone nail polish remover on sturdy fabrics. Dip a clean sponge or cotton ball in acetone nail polish remover until it’s soaked but not dripping. Dab the nail polish remover directly onto the stain, adding more polish remover as needed until the stain has lifted.
   • Most acetone nail polish removers contain both alcohol and acetone, both of which can help dissolve and remove permanent marker stains from fabrics.
   • Acetone can be tough on delicate fabrics, such as thin cotton or linen. As a result, only use acetone nail polish remover to get rid of permanent marker stains on sturdier fabrics, such as thick cotton towels, carpet, or upholstery.
5. 5 Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to remove marker from clothing. Squeeze a quarter- or dime-sized dot of hand sanitizer onto the stain, depending on how big the stain is. Gently spread the hand sanitizer over the stain in a circular motion with a clean sponge. Let it settle for about 15 minutes. If the stain is still there, repeat this whole process until the stain is removed.
   • Because hand sanitizer is made for your skin, it tends to be gentler than other alcohol-based options, making it a good option for more delicate fabrics and clothing.
6. 6 Rinse the fabric with cold water. After using any alcohol-based products on the stain, rinse the fabric with cold water to get the product out of the fabric once the marker stain is gone. Or, if the fabric is machine washable, you can run it through the laundry with your normal detergent after the stain has lifted — make sure to do that separately from other pieces.

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1. 1 Mix a white vinegar and dish soap solution for synthetic fabrics. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of dish soap, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of white vinegar, and 2 cups (470 mL) of cold water in a bowl and stir to combine completely. Then, use a clean sponge to dab the solution onto the stain.
   • White vinegar and dish soap solution is generally effective at removing permanent marker stains on synthetic fabrics, such as upholstery fabrics and synthetic carpets.
2. 2 Use baking soda for a multi-purpose marker-stain remover. Stir 1 tablespoon (14.4 grams) of baking soda into 1 ⁄ 3 cup (79 mL) of cold water to make a paste. Then, spread the paste evenly over the stain. Gently rub the paste into the stain in a circular motion. Let it sit on the stain for about 15 minutes to an hour, then wash in the washing machine as usual.
   • Baking soda can be used to remove permanent marker stains from upholstery and carpets, as well as clothing fabrics.
   • You can also try a baking soda toothpaste instead of making your own paste. However, because toothpaste may contain other ingredients that could affect the fabric, make sure that you test it out on a spot that isn’t visible first.
   • If your fabric is not machine washable, try sprinkling baking soda on the stain until it is covered. Use a toothbrush to scrub the baking soda into the fabric until the stain starts to lift, then use cold water to flush the baking soda off the fabric.
3. 3 Soak your clothing in milk to remove permanent marker stains. Fill a bowl with regular cow’s milk. Then, put the entire marker-stained portion of the fabric into the bowl. Make sure that it is completely saturated in the milk. Let the stain soak in the milk for about 15 minutes, then remove it and wash in the washing machine as usual.
   • Because milk can sour and cause a bad smell, make sure that you are able to machine wash or thoroughly clean the milk from the stained fabric after the stain has lifted.

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1. 1 Use a stain remover formulated specifically for ink stains. These products are available widely online, as well as in hardware stores and drugstores. To use these products, make sure that you follow the instructions on the label, as the instructions may vary depending on the specific type of fabric and how long the marker stain has been on the fabric.
   • A few effective ink stain removing products include Amodex Ink Remover and The Laundress Stain Solution.
2. 2 Try an all-purpose fabric stain remover if the stain is fresh. If you are able to apply a stain remover to the permanent marker stain quickly, an all-purpose stain remover might be able to remove the stain before it sets in. Several companies, such as Tide and Shout, make easy-to-use and readily available stain removers that, while not formulated specifically for marker stains, can still be effective if you can start working on the stain quickly.
   • Several companies also make on-the-go stain removing products that allow you to start working on removing the marker stain even if you are away from home.
3. 3 Get rid of the marker stain with bleach if the fabric is white. If you get permanent marker on white fabric, such as white clothing, sheets, or a tablecloth, you can remove the marker stain by washing the fabric with bleach, If the fabric is machine washable and bleach safe, you can add bleach to your laundry and run the washing machine with hot water.
   • Make sure that you always check the tag on the fabric to make sure that it is bleach safe. Otherwise, using bleach may ruin the fabric, even if it is white.

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Add New Question

• Question How do I get permanent marker out of a stuffed toy? Use rubbing alcohol or soap wipes. Anything with alcohol, such as hairspray, hand-sanitizer, makeup removers, etc. can work. Rub around the stain and then wash the toy carefully.
• Question How do I get permanent marker off of my binder? I have had this problem before. Most of the time if you put dry erase marker over the marker and then wipe it off with a tissue it will mostly come off.
• Question Which substances remove permanent marker ink from polyesther comforters? Apply rubbing alcohol on it and let it sit for 3 minutes about, then wipe it off with paper towels. Throw it in the washing machine and give it a lot of detergent.

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• Paper towels
• Clean sponges
• Cold water
• Washing machine (optional)
• Laundry detergent (optional)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Hairspray
• Acetone nail polish remover
• Hand sanitizer

• Paper towels
• Clean sponges
• Cold water
• Washing machine (optional)
• Laundry detergent (optional)
• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• Milk

• Paper towels
• Ink stain remover
• All-purpose stain remover
• Bleach
• Washing machine
• Laundry detergent

Article Summary X If you need to get permanent marker out of fabric, lay the fabric face down on a stack of paper towels and apply liquid stain remover to the underside of the stain. This will help push the stain out, rather than working it deeper into the fabric.

Why does hairspray remove ink?

The Secret Ingredient in Hairspray: Alcohol – Various types of ink have ingredients with chemical properties that are fairly unique. Most inks contain a mixture of pigments, dyes, solvents, and lubricants that in combination make them very difficult to remove.

Inks can be based on oil solvents or water solvents, and most everyone has experienced the difficult problem of removing stains from oil-based inks. Permanent and ballpoint pen ink are oil-based inks, and their stains can sometimes be removed by using rubbing alcohol applied with a cotton swab or cotton ball.

Hairspray used to contain alcohol, which was the secret ingredient that allowed it to get out ink stains. However, over the years, manufacturers have decreased the amount or completely removed the alcohol from hairspray because it can dry out or damage hair.

How do you remove permanent marker from cotton?

Method 2: Baking Soda – Baking soda, too, is stuff that every house has on hand. It’s been used as a household cleaner for years. It has the ability to act like alkaline and therefore remove any sort of stubborn stain. As a result, it also removes marker stain from walls effectively.

The only way to get Sharpie off clothing is to blot out the ink with a paper towel. Try to remove as much ink as possible. In this stage, you might need to use a few paper towels. Take a small amount of baking soda and sprinkle it over the stain. Then use a brush to softly sweep over the stain in a circular motion, dissolving it while removing Sharpie ink cleanly.

Rub more gently on delicate fabrics for a better result. Allow it to dry for a few minutes, then wipe it down with paper towels. It can also be vacuumed out. After that, use a towel underneath to spray an equal amount of water and white vinegar over the permanent marker stains.

Can permanent marker be removed by washing?

Clothing – Before tossing your permanent marker-stained clothes into the trash, try dabbing the spot with hairspray that contains alcohol. It will help to break down the stain more aggressively than your normal laundry detergent. Let the hairspray sit on the stain for several minutes before washing in the washing machine.4 / 10 KayaMe/Shutterstock

How long does permanent marker last on fabric?

Sharpie markers adhere to fabric well but might bleed. Using the right method, Sharpie designs on fabric will last for years to come. Drawing on shirts, book bags and other fabric items with colorful markers personalizes and decorates them. Sharpies, with their fine tip, wide top and variety of colors, is often the choice of designers.

Does toothpaste get ink out of clothes?

Frequently Asked Questions –

• Can I use baking soda to remove ink stains on clothes? You can use baking soda mixed with water to remove ink stains from clothing. Make a paste with two parts baking soda and one part water and dab it gently on the stain being careful not to spread the stain into surrounding areas. Rinse and repeat until the stain is gone and then launder the item as usual.
• Does toothpaste remove ink stains? Toothpaste may not be the most effective method for removing ink from fabric, but it can work in a pinch. Just cover the ink stain with a non-gel-based toothpaste and let it sit for several minutes before rinsing the area with cold water. Repeat the steps until the stain is gone. Just be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area before applying the toothpaste to be sure it won’t damage the fabric.
• What is the best method to remove ballpoint pen stains? The cleaning methods outlined above work to remove ballpoint pen stains. Choose the method that works best for the material of your clothing item.
• Can you remove dried pen ink from clothing? It’s important to treat ink stains as soon as they occur rather than waiting for them to dry. However, you can remove dried pen ink from clothing. Spray the area with rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based sanitizer before using the methods outlined above in order to saturate and break up the stain.
• Does rubbing alcohol damage clothes? Rubbing alcohol can discolor, damage, and fade some fabrics, so it’s best to exercise caution when using it to treat stains. While rubbing alcohol is an effective stain remover for fabrics like cotton and linen, it is best to avoid using it on fabrics containing wool, silk, acetate, rayon, or acrylic fibers.

Can permanent marker be removed by washing?

Clothing – Before tossing your permanent marker-stained clothes into the trash, try dabbing the spot with hairspray that contains alcohol. It will help to break down the stain more aggressively than your normal laundry detergent. Let the hairspray sit on the stain for several minutes before washing in the washing machine.4 / 10 KayaMe/Shutterstock

Does WD 40 remove permanent marker from clothes?

Download Article Download Article Permanent marker is, by nature, a really tough stain to treat, probably because it’s supposed to be permanent. If you have permanent marker on household surfaces, skin or fabric, there are some things you can do to remove it. A good result isn’t always guaranteed but if the alternative is a ruined object, it’s definitely worth trying.

1. 1 Use a dry erase/dry wipe marker. A dry erase marker can be used to remove permanent marker stains from some surfaces, such as whiteboards or glass, This is because dry erase markers contain the same solvent. Simply draw over the previous marker stain with the dry erase marker, then wipe off with a whiteboard eraser or cloth. For best results, fill in the marker well, and leave it to dry for a short time.
2. 2 Use board cleaner or permanent marker remover on a whiteboard. Marker remover is specially formulated to remove marker, and board cleaner might still work to remove it as well. Advertisement
3. 3 Use alcohol. First choice is rubbing/isopropyl alcohol, a solvent, which works really well. Be careful, alcohol is volatile (dries up quickly) so open a window or two. If you don’t have any rubbing alcohol, and the other methods aren’t available, you could use a high strength alcoholic drink, such as vodka or bourbon, but rubbing alcohol is more than 10x cheaper than alcoholic drinks. Apply the alcohol to a clean cotton bud/swab, or cloth, or small towel, and use rub the wet spot at the marker stains. You don’t need to wash rubbing alcohol away with water, because it dries on it’s own. But you do need to wash away alcoholic drinks.(.
4. 4 Use toothpaste mixed with baking soda. Mix one part baking soda with one part toothpaste in a small cup. Apply this mixture directly to the marker stain and let it sit for a moment or two. Grab a clean, slightly dampened cloth and use this to rub the mixture into the stain using circular motions.
   • This works especially well for removing permanent marker from wood. You can use it for both finished and unfinished wood.
   • Instead of preparing a mixture, you can try a toothpaste that already contains baking soda.
   • Avoid gel toothpastes, because they are not going to work.
5. 5 Use a magic eraser. A magic eraser is a special cleaning pad designed to remove stains from a wide variety of surfaces. All you need to do is wet the magic eraser slightly, then use it to scrub the permanent marker stain from the surface.
6. 6 Use some bleach. Spray bleach, or regular bleach, should remove the marker, provided the material is resistant enough to bleach (for example plastic container lids are OK, though they get attacked by it over time).
7. 7 Use some WD-40. WD-40 is a commercial cleaning product with multiple uses in the home. Simply spray some WD-40 directly onto the marker stain then scrub it with a clean cloth to remove. Beware, WD-40 is very volatile (evaporates a lot) and strong. Only use WD-40 outside or with a shop vacuum / air circulator.
8. 8 Use a pencil eraser. In certain circumstances, it is possible to remove a marker stain by simply rubbing it with a pencil eraser.
9. 9 Use sunscreen. Some people claim sunscreen is an effective tool for removing stains from non-porous substances. Simply spray or squirt a little of the sunscreen over the stain and use a clean cloth to work it into the stain.
10. 10 Use nail polish remover. Dampen a clean cloth with a little acetone nail polish remover and use it to scrub the permanent marker stain clean. Nail polish remover is strong and volatile, so open a window or two.

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1. 1 Use bleach to remove permanent marker from white (and only white) fabrics. Bleach bleaches (discolours) dyes and other colors, making them lighter or white. Dilute very a small amount of bleach in water (about 1 part to ) and dip the stained part of the clothing into the liquid. The stain may come off immediately, or may require soaking.
   • If you need to soak the item, just keep on eye on the fabric to ensure the bleach doesn’t begin to dissolve it.
   • Once the stain has disappeared, you should wash the item immediately, as normal.
2. 2 Use a mixture of vinegar, milk, borax and lemon juice for satin. Satin fabrics respond well to a mixture of one tablespoon each of milk and white vinegar and one teaspoon each of borax and lemon juice.
   • Mix the solution in a small cup, then apply directly to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes.
   • Take a clean, dampened sponge and use it to dab (not rub) at the fabric until the stain comes away.
3. 3 Use rubbing alcohol or acetone on sturdy fabrics. Stains on sturdier fabric, such as towels and sheets, can be removed with a little acetone or rubbing alcohol. Simply pour a little of either of these liquids onto a clean cotton ball and use this to dab at the stain until it disappears. Wash the items immediately.
4. 4 Use citrus juice on regular clothing. Citrus juice, such as that from a lemon or lime, can be used to gently remove marker stains from most items of clothing, without fear of bleaching or staining. Simply apply a little of the freshly squeezed juice directly to the stain and dab with a cotton ball or clean cloth until it disappears.
   • For more fragile fabrics, dilute the citrus juice to half strength with water first. Wash the item of clothing immediately.
5. 5 Use rubbing alcohol or hairspray to remove stains from carpet. Pour rubbing alcohol into a cleaning cloth. Dab the cloth onto the carpet stain. As with any carpet stain, do not rub or you’ll spread the stain and weaken the fibers. Keep dabbing until the stain lifts off.
   • Alternatively, spray a little hairspray on the stain and use a clean towel to dab away.
   • Once the stain has been removed (using either of these methods) dampen the carpet with a little water then use a clean towel to blot dry.

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1. 1 Use an aerosol hairspray on leather upholstery. Spray some aerosol hairspray onto a clean cloth and use this to scrub at the marker stain. You may need to use more hairspray or switch to a cleaner section of the cloth before the stain is fully removed.
   • Once the stain has disappeared, clean off any hairspray residue with a clean, damp cloth and work a little leather conditioner into the furniture.
2. 2 Use hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol on microfiber upholstery. To clean a marker stain from microfiber upholstery, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to a clean towel and use this to scrub at the stain for 10 15 minutes.
   • Next, apply a little rubbing alcohol to a different towel and use this to scrub the stain for 10 to 15 minutes.
   • Use a third clean towel dampened with water to clean off any remaining marker. Blot the area dry using a dry towel.
3. 3 Use Windex, rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on other furniture. Other types of upholstery will usually respond to stain removal using Windex, rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. All of these use the same method:
   • Apply a little of your chosen cleaning agent to a clean, dry towel and use it to dab at the stain (not run) until clean. Some people find that towels that match the color of the upholstery work best.
   • You may need to apply the cleaning agent to a new section of the towel and continue dabbing a number of times before the stain comes away. Just don’t let the fabric become soaked in the cleaning agent, as this could stain.
   • Once the stain has been removed, pat up any excess moisture in the fabric using a clean, dry towel. If possible, place the furniture outdoors to dry completely.

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1. 1 Use alcohol. Try using either rubbing alcohol or 80 or 101 proof liquor.
2. 2 Place a little alcohol on a sponge or towel. Rub it into the stained skin, using some elbow grease. A faint mark may remain, but this will fade after a shower or two.

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Add New Question

• Question How do I remove permanent marker from denim? You could use nail polish remover, hard hand sanitizer, diluted bleach, or hair spray.
• Question How do I remove permanent marker off my skin without rubbing alcohol (it gives me allergic reactions)? Mix face wash and your body soap together and rub it on your skin, then rinse with warm water. Repeat as necessary until you see results.
• Question How can I get permanent marker off a baby? It’ll wash off, but if you want to remove it faster, use rubbing alcohol. Do not use hand sanitizer.

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• Also try 99% isopropyl alcohol, 95 percent grain alcohol, acetone paint thinner or even vegetable oil if nothing else is available.
• Use turpentine/white spirit for the skin. Put a small amount on a cloth and then use the cloth to gently rub off the permanent marker. Be sure to wash the skin after.
• Stridex acne pads work really well for removing marker from hard, non-porous surfaces and skin.

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• Please do not use alcohol or acetone around the eyes, nose or mouth of a child, adult or pet. The torso and extremities should be a safe area but the sensitive skin on and in the face should not be exposed.
• Take care not to rub too hard on a child’s skin. If the stained surface already has some sort of artificial colouring like paint, dye or lacquer, acetone, oil and alcohol will be abrasive to the skin.

Advertisement Article Summary X The best way to remove permanent marker depends on what kind of surface you’re dealing with. For permanent marker on clothing, apply hairspray to the stain until it’s fully saturated. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then machine wash the clothing by itself with warm water and detergent.

• To remove permanent marker on plastic, go over it with a dry-erase marker.
• Then, wipe off the marker with a cloth.
• Repeat until all of the permanent marker is gone.
• If you’ve got permanent marker on a wall, apply a non-gel toothpaste (preferably one that has baking soda) and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Then, scrub the toothpaste into the stain in a circular motion.

Wipe off the wall with a damp cloth once the marker is gone. Toothpaste also works for permanent marker on wood. To get permanent marker off of your skin, just rub hand sanitizer into the stain until it comes off. When in doubt, rubbing alcohol is an effective permanent marker remover.