How Do I Remove Permanent Marker Stains From Wood?

Work quickly to prevent marker stains from setting on your wood furniture.

Permanent marker accidents happen. Children's hands slip when drawing pictures, dogs get hold of markers and chew them up on your wood floor, or you drop a marker by accident onto your wooden dining table. Permanent marker can be difficult to remove from wood if allowed to penetrate the deeper layers of wood. By working quickly and efficiently, you can stop permanent marker stains from setting in your wooden floor or furniture, preventing potentially costly repairs or replacements.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Cloths
• Hairspray
• Non-acetone nail polish remover

Instructions

1. Soak a clean cloth in rubbing alcohol and apply to the permanent marker stain. Let the rubbing alcohol sit on the stain for two or three minutes, then wipe off with a clean, dry rag.

2. Spray a non-oily hairspray directly onto the permanent marker stain. Blot with a cleaning rag to lift the stain out of the wood. Repeat until the stain disappears.

3. Apply some non-acetone nail polish remover to a cotton ball. Apply directly to the permanent marker stain using a light, circular motion until the stain disappears.

Tips & Warnings

• Test an inconspicuous area of the wood before using any product to remove a permanent marker stain. Some products can damage the wood's finish.

• Hairspray, rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover are flammable substances. Use in a well-ventilated area and keep away from flames or anything that could ignite a spark, such as static electricity.

References

• Dilla Maids Cleaning Services: Hardwood Floor Cleaning
• Creative Homemaking: Removing Permanent Marker from Kitchen Floor