What to Use to Remove Permanent Marker Ink

Permanent markers, the most common being a "Sharpie," are wonderful until the permanent ink appears where you don't want it. But a permanent marker stain does not have to be permanent.

Caution

Before attempting any method of removing a permanent marker stain, test the chosen solvent at an inconspicuous spot on the object to be cleaned--be it a floor, wall, furniture or clothes. Although most of the techniques won't harm the underlying material, there have been cases in which dyes were lightened or finishes removed.
And never use hot water on a permanent marker stain. This will set the ink permanently.

Floors: Wood and Vinyl

Permanent marker ink on a wood floor can usually be easily removed by applying a small amount of non-acetone nail polish remover on a cotton ball and lightly rubbing the spot in a circular motion. It may take more than one application.
Some people recommend using a clean pencil pink eraser to remove the marker stain on a wood floor. The wax or shine on the floor may also be removed with this method, but a bit of re-waxing will shine it up.
On vinyl floors, rubbing alcohol on cotton balls will remove a permanent marker stain. Or try a little hairspray on the spot, rubbing with a cotton ball in a circular motion.

Clothing

The ink in a permanent marker is alcohol based. Therefore, any solvent that's also alcohol based should be able to lift the stain from clothing. Remember to test the reaction of the solvent on your clothing in a hidden spot before attempting to remove the stain. There are occasions when the solvent removes the dye color of the cloth.
Place a towel or several layers of paper towel directly under the stain to be treated. Spray hairspray on the stain to wet it. Blot or dab up the ink with a paper towel, cotton balls or cotton swabs. Repeat as necessary. Rubbing alcohol or acetone nail polish remover can be used in place of hairspray.

Skin

Using a hand sanitizer on a permanent marker stain on skin is effective, though it may take a few applications. It's gentler than rubbing alcohol, which also can be used effectively.
Some people have had great success using baking soda-based toothpaste. Rub some on the spot, let it set for a few minutes, then wash it off with cool water.

Walls

Permanent marker stains on painted walls can be removed by applying hairspray, rubbing alcohol or acetone nail polish to the ink with a paper towel. Remember to blot the ink off the wall--never rub, as rubbing will smear and spread the stain. Some advocate using baking soda toothpaste on painted walls and woodwork to remove marker stains. Never simply paint over the ink stain; the ink will bleed through to appear again.
Ink stains on wallpaper can carefully be removed by spraying hairspray on the spot, then using cotton swabs to gently dab the ink up. Be careful; some of the design in the wallpaper may fade or be removed, too. Test this procedure on a hidden area first.

Smooth, Slick Surfaces

Surfaces such as iPods, cellphones and other hard, non-porous materials with permanent marker ink can be cleaned using hairspray, rubbing alcohol or acetone nail polish and a clean rag or paper towel without harming the surface.