How to Remove Indelible Ink

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By C.M. Mackenzie
eHow Contributing Writer

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Indelible ink is the ink used in permanent markers and permanent ink pens. It is difficult to remove, hence the term "permanent." Soap and water alone will do little to get rid of this ink from most surfaces, even when the ink is fresh. However, permanent ink does have its weaknesses--fortunately, for anyone dealing with an ink stain, the ink is not as permanent as it may seem. With the right types of products, you can loosen the ink's grip on wood, plastic, metal, fabrics and skin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Rubbing alcohol
Paper towels (or clean rags)
Water
Cloth

How to Remove Indelible Ink

Step 1

Pour rubbing alcohol (available at drug stores and grocery stores) on a paper towel or clean rag. Alternatively, if the ink stain is very small, use cotton balls or cotton-tipped swabs.
Step 2

Dab at the stain with the alcohol-soaked towel or rag. If the ink is on fabric, put another towel on the back side so you don't get ink stain on the table or other surface as you work.
Step 3

Switch to a new alcohol-dampened paper towel and continue to blot the stain. Keep working (making sure to switch to clean towels frequently) until the ink is gone.
Step 4

Dampen a cloth and add a small drop of liquid soap (to the cloth). Wash the item to remove any remaining alcohol.
Step 5

Rinse the item of soapy residue and dry with a clean cloth.

Tips & Warnings

For indelible ink on fabric, pour rubbing alcohol on the stain and blot with a paper towel. Keep blotting until you've gotten as much of the ink out as you can. Launder the item with regular detergent--check it before putting in the dryer. Heat can set the stain so make sure it is gone. If some ink still remains, use more alcohol and/or a stain treatment spray. To get marker ink off of hard surfaces, you can also try writing over it with a dry erase marker and then wiping it away. Hand sanitizer or hair spray, containing alcohol, will often work in place of rubbing alcohol. Alcohol works for many ink stains because it is a mild solvent.
Do not use rubbing alcohol around any open flames. Even the fumes are flammable. Rubbing alcohol can remove the finish on furniture if not thoroughly removed. To limit furniture's exposure, work quickly. This also applies to painted surfaces such as walls. Rubbing alcohol is very drying to skin. If you have a large area to clean, wear rubber gloves to minimize exposure to the alcohol.