How to Remove Permanent Marker from Plastic

Use a dry erase marker to remove a permanent marker.

When you need to remove permanent marker from something made of hard plastic, it may seem like an impossible task. After all, permanent marker is made to remain on any substance permanently. Solvents that may dissolve a permanent marker may also dissolve the plastic too. But there is a little trick that will work, without using any solvents or chemicals that will remove a permanent marker from plastic.

Things You'll Need

• A dry erase marker
• A rag
• A wet paper towel

Instructions

1. Color over the permanent marker marks with a dry erase marker.

2. Wipe the area with a dry rag to remove both the permanent marker and the dry erase marker.

3. Wipe the area down with a wet paper towel to remove any remaining traces of ink. The dry erase marker acts like a solvent to remove the permanent marker, but it won't mar the plastic.

Tips & Warnings

• Test on a small area first.

• This approach works best on hard plastic items, but may also work on other hard surfaces and even on some soft plastics.

• Use this technique to remove names from items bought second-hand.