How to Remove Permanent Marker From a Shirt

Remove permanent marker stains with rubbing alcohol.

Used for their large and bold writing capabilities, permanent markers come in handy when writing on packages or highlighting text in a book. When a permanent marker stains a shirt, the dye in the ink penetrates the threads of the fabric. Although the stain may seem permanent, certain procedures and stain removing products may remove it. Work on the permanent marker stain as soon as possible, as the longer it sets, the more difficult it will be to remove.

Things You'll Need

• White paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol
• Heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent
• Pre-stain remover

Instructions

1. Blot wet permanent marker stains with a white paper towel. Dab at the edges around the stain, and work toward the center, keeping the mark from spreading on the shirt.

2. Place three paper towels in a dry sink. Lay the shirt on the paper towels with the stain facing down.

3. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the back side of the stain. The rubbing alcohol loosens the ink, allowing it to bleed onto the paper towels. Continue pouring small amounts of rubbing alcohol onto the back of the stain. Check the paper towels, and replace with new ones when the others become saturated. Stop the stain removal process once the ink no longer bleeds from the fabric to the paper towels.

4. Pour 1 tsp. heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent onto the remaining ink stain and rub into the fabric. Place the shirt into the washer, and launder normally with 1 to 2 tbsp. of the laundry detergent. Inspect the stain after washing. Allow the shirt to air dry.

5. Examine the shirt for any lingering stains. If a small stain remains, spray with a pre-stain remover, and allow it to sit on the shirt overnight. Launder the shirt normally the next day.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not put the shirt into the dryer until the stain is removed completely. Heat sets a stain, making it permanent.

• Test a hem or other hidden area on the shirt with the rubbing alcohol first to ensure it does not discolor the fabric.

References

• Mrs. Clean USA: Permanent Marker Stain Removal