How to Remove Permanent Marker Stains From Fabric
Permanent marker stains are among the hardest to remove from clothing, but the steps are simple enough to warrant a try. For best results, remove the stain immediately and don't dry or iron the clothing until the stain is removed. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Acetone (nail polish remover)
- Pretreatment stick
- Heavy duty liquid laundry soap
- Cotton swabs
- White cloths
Instructions
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Water-Based Ink Stains
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1
Apply warm water to the stain with a cotton swab. If the ink is water based, you'll see ink release onto the swab. If not, the ink is oil based. Move to Section 2.
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2
Treat the ink stain with a pretreatment stick. Soak in hot water to which 1/2 cup all-fabric bleach has been added. Rinse.
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3
Apply 1/8 cup liquid laundry detergent to the stain and wash in hot water. Repeat the steps if the stain remains.
Oil-Based Ink Stains
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4
Apply isopropyl alcohol to the stain with a cotton swab. Always work from the outside edges of the stain toward the center so you don't spread the stain.
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5
Apply acetone with a cotton swab to remove all traces of the ink. Let the garment dry.
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6
Rinse the fabric, apply a pretreatment stick and wash the garment as directed in Section 1.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always read the care labels on your garment before treating for stains. Silk, cashmere and wool are best left to a professional.
If you're unsure about the safety of a stain-removing product, test it in an inconspicuous place like the inside hem of a garment. If the fabric seems unchanged, proceed with the stain removal.
If using chlorine bleach for white fabrics, only soak the garment for 15 minutes. Soaking it longer will damage the fabric.
Don't use acetone on acetate fabric, as it dissolves the fibers.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit marker image by Rich Johnson from Fotolia.com
