How to Remove Permanent Marker Ink From Wood Cabinets

Remove permanent marker stains with hair spray or rubbing alcohol.

Accidents happen. A child may be completing a craft project on the kitchen floor and accidently run a permanent marker over the cabinet. A busy mom could be writing a shopping list and drop a permanent marker pen onto the kitchen counter, leaving behind a bright black mark on the otherwise pristine surface. The word "permanent" in the title of these products is quite deceptive. It is possible to make a permanent marker accident decidedly impermanent.

Things You'll Need

• Hair spray
• Paper towel
• Water
• Rubbing alcohol
• Soft cloth

Instructions

Hair Spray

1. Spray any hold or brand of hair spray directly onto the permanent marker stain.

2. Allow the hair spray to sit for several minutes.

3. Blot at the spot with a paper towel. Repeat until the stain is gone.

4. Soak a paper towel in water. Wipe away the hair spray from the cabinet.

Rubbing Alcohol

1. Mix 1 cup water and 1 cup rubbing alcohol.

2. Soak a soft cloth in the mixture and rub onto a test area on the cabinets that is unnoticeable.

3. If the mixture does not remove any paint or finish, gently rub the mixture onto the permanent marker stain with the soaked cloth.

4. Repeat until the stain is gone.

References

• Cleaning Tips: Removing Permanent Marker