How to Remove Permanent Marker Ink on Cotton Clothing

Remove permanent marker ink stains with rubbing alcohol.

Finding a permanent marker ink stain on cotton clothing can make you frustrated. Permanent marker will leave behind an unsightly stain, but you do not need to throw the clothing away. The stains can be removed with proper supplies and cleaning techniques. Treat the permanent marker stain as soon as you notice it for best results.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Old towel
• Cotton balls
• Rubbing alcohol
• ½ cup oxygen bleach

Instructions

1. Blot fresh permanent marker ink stains with paper towels. Continue to blot until no ink transfers to the paper towel.

2. Place the permanent marker stain face down onto an old towel. This will absorb the stain when you treat it.

3. Soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. Dab the rubbing alcohol onto the permanent marker stain. Switch the cotton ball out with a new one when it becomes stained.

4. Rinse the stain off with cold water. Place the clothing in the washing machine and launder it according to the care label. Add ½ cup of oxygen bleach to the load.

5. Remove the clothing from the washing machine. Hang the clothing to dry because the dryer will cause the stain to become permanent. Repeat the cleaning process if you still notice the marker stain.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster--Felt-Tip Marker
• Mrs. Clean: Crayon, Colored Pencil, and Permanent Marker Stain Removal
• Reader's Digest: Removing Ink Stains