How to Clean a Permanent Marker Pen Stain

Permanent marker stains are hard to clean, but not impossible.

Cleaning permanent marker can seem like a daunting task. Permanent marker pens can leave big stains on almost any surface, which can be hard to remove. Several approaches are used to remove the stain, depending on the surface. These methods are effective at removing the marker, but some methods may damage the surface underneath as well. Use caution when trying to remove permanent marker stains on any surface. With any luck, your surfaces will look like new in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Magic eraser cleaning pad
• Spray lubricant
• Acetone
• White toothpaste
• Old cloths
• Paper towels
• Dish soap
• Vinegar
• Ammonia
• Rubbing alcohol
• Wood cleaner

Instructions

Fabric

1. Place three paper towels on top of each other on a hard, stain-resistant surface. Place the fabric face down over the towels.

2. Pour rubbing alcohol over the stain. Dab the stain with an old cloth.

3. Dab the stain into the paper towels, changing the towels when they become darkened. Repeat until the stain is completely gone.

Upholstery

1. Mix a solution of 2 cups cold water, 1 tbsp. dish soap and 1 tbsp. white vinegar.

2. Dab the cleaning solution over the permanent marker. Allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes. Blot the stain every few minutes with new cleaning solution and an old towel.

3. Rinse the area with cold water. Blot dry. Rub rubbing alcohol over the stain. Blot until dry.

4. Mix 1 tbsp. of ammonia and 1 tsp. of dish soap in 2 cups of water. Blot over the stain for 30 minutes. Blot every five minutes with a clean cloth.

5. Rinse with water and blot dry. The stain should be lifted. If not, repeat the process.

Wood

1. Rub about 1 tbsp. of white toothpaste into the stain on the wood. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.

2. Rub the toothpaste into the wood with a soft cloth, going along with the grain of the wood until the stain is lifted.

3. Buff the area with a wood-cleaning solution.

Non-Pourous Surfaces

1. Spray the mark with spray lubricant and allow to sit for five minutes. Wipe away with a soft cloth.

2. Pour acetone over the stain and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Wipe away with a soft cloth.

3. Rub the marker stain with a magic eraser cleaning pad. The marker stain should wipe right up.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster--Felt Tip Marker
• Tip Nut: How to Remove Permanent Marker
• Lil Duck Duck: 8 Ways to Remove Permanent Marker Stains