How to Remove Permanent Marker From Hard Wood Floors

Permanent markers are long lasting because of their ability to absorb into surfaces.

It is not uncommon for a small child to pick up a permanent marker and make marks where he is not supposed to, such as on your beautiful hardwood floor. Although a permanent marker is marketed as "permanent," the marks can be removed when a solvent is applied. Do not attempt to clean permanent marker with a cloth, soap and water since this may make the stain worse and sink it into the wood even further.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton swabs

Instructions

1. Open up the windows of the room you are working in to give proper ventilation while cleaning with solvents.

2. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cotton bud and apply it to the marker stain.

3. Let the rubbing alcohol rest on the permanent marker stain for a minute.

4. Rub the area with a clean cotton swab with no alcohol to remove the stain. Rub the stain with the cotton swab in a circular motion feather outward to prevent rings from appearing on the wood. Repeat until clean.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use rubbing alcohol with fragrance since this may damage the wood.

References

• Cornell University: Removing Stains at Home
• Crayola: Stain Removal Tips