eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Remove Permanent Marker Stains

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(42 Ratings)

Permanent marker stains appear to be impossible to get out. Parents try to keep the markers away from the children but they always seem to find them and stain the table, walls, furniture or carpet. If you follow these steps, you can remove permanent marker stains.

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Use a Mr. Clean magic eraser to remove permanent marker stains from leather or wood. Just lightly dampen the eraser and rub in a circular motion over the stain. You may need to use some elbow grease.

  2. Step 2

    Remove a permanent marker stain on the carpet using rubbing alcohol or an oil-free hairspray. Pour it on a white cloth and firmly dab the stain. Repeat as necessary, then rinse with water then allow it to dry.

  3. Step 3

    Rub nail polish remover on stains that are located on plastic. Use a towel and pour the nail polish remover on it. Rub firmly on the stain, then rinse with a wet cloth.

  4. Step 4

    Scrub wooden tables with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use a white toothpaste and scrub the stain in a circular motion. Leave it sitting for about 5 minutes, then rinse off with a wet cloth and allow the wood to dry.

  5. Step 5

    Scour white hard surfaces with a bleach and water solution. Premix 1 part bleach to 2 parts water in a spray bottle and spray it on the stain. Allow to sit for 10 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Tips & Warnings
  • Test a small hidden area before using any chemicals on your surfaces.
  • Use old towels and cloths, because bleach and nail polish remover will damage fabrics.

Comments  

teeangel said

Flag This Comment

on 9/15/2008 My son's teenage enemies decided to write obscenities in permanent black marker on my vinyl picnic table...I tried everything to get this out, Magic Eraser, rubbing alcohol, acetone, hairspray, whitening toothpaste, and with each application it got lighter...What finally worked is good ol' fashioned bleach cleaner spray...let set for 10 minutes and wipe it away...you might need to do it a couple of times depending how long the marker has set....but It works....

Flag This Comment

on 8/26/2008 how do i get permanet marker out of clothes

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Home & Garden
Ruby Bayan,

Meet Ruby Bayan eHow's Home & Garden Expert.

Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden