How Do I Get Permanent Marker Out of Fabric?

Permanent marker stains can ruin fabric.

Permanent markers are available in various colors and sizes and can mark on various surfaces. Removing undesired permanent marker stains can be difficult. After all, marks created by these pens are designed to be permanent; hence the name. Permanent marker stains typically cannot be washed out of fabric. Fortunately, removing the marker stains from fabric is not impossible and can be achieved with a few simple household items.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Small bowl
• Rubbing alcohol
• White cloth

Instructions

1. Place several paper towels that you have folded in half on a flat surface.

2. Lay the fabric on top of the paper towels. Make sure the permanent marker stain is facing down against the paper towels.

3. Pour rubbing alcohol into a small bowl. Dip a clean, white cloth into the rubbing alcohol.

4. Blot the back of the permanent marker stain with the cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol.

5. Lift the fabric to examine the permanent marker stain. If the permanent marker stain is still visible, place the fabric back down on the paper towels and continue blotting.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the permanent marker stain is no longer visible.

7. Launder the fabric as you normally would.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the permanent marker stain removal method on an inconspicuous area of the fabric; if damage or discoloration occurs, discontinue use.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster--Felt-Tip Marker
• Mrs. Clean: Crayon, Colored Pencil, and Permanent Marker Stain Removal
• Reader's Digest: 13 Ways to Use Rubbing Alcohol