How to Remove Sharpies

Everyone loves Sharpies, except when they stain fabric or hard surfaces.

Known for their bold, lasting ink and versatility, Sharpie markers are prevalent in offices, schools and homes. Sharpie markers are conveniently available in numerous colors and tip sizes to accommodate virtually any task. Accidentally applying Sharpie markers to unwanted surfaces, however, is inconvenient. The colored pigments in Sharpies quickly adhere to most surfaces, including fabric, and generate noticeable stains. Furthermore, Sharpie ink becomes harder to clean off surfaces as it dries. Immediately remove all types of Sharpie ink using simple techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Clean paper towels
• Cotton balls
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Washing machine
• Laundry detergent (2 oz.)
• Clean dishrag
• Clean dishtowel

Instructions

Fabric

1. Place a stack of clean paper towels on a clean surface. Lay the section of fabric with the Sharpie stain directly on the paper towels.

2. Saturate a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol. Repeatedly dab the saturated cotton ball onto the back of the stain to transfer ink onto the paper towels. Replace the cotton balls and paper towels often.

3. Continue blotting the fabric with isopropyl alcohol until no further Sharpie ink transfers onto paper towels.

4. Rinse the ink-free fabric with cold water. Flush as much isopropyl alcohol from the fabric as possible.

5. Launder the fabric with 2 oz. of laundry detergent. Follow all washing instructions on the item's care tag.

Hard Surfaces

1. Immerse a cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol. Rub the saturated cotton ball across the Sharpie stain.

2. Continue rubbing isopropyl alcohol over the hard surface until no more ink remains. Replace the cotton balls often to prevent smearing the Sharpie ink back over the surface.

3. Dampen a clean dishrag with fresh water. Wipe the damp dishrag across the hard surface to rinse off any lingering isopropyl alcohol.

4. Dry the hard surface with a clean dishtowel.

Tips & Warnings

• Spot-test the isopropyl alcohol on the fabric or hard surface to check for color loss.

• Iron and clothes-dryer heat permanently sets Sharpie ink in fabric.

References

• Sharpie; Frequently Asked Questions
• "Real Simple"; Rubbing Alcohol as Permanent Marker Remover
• "Good Housekeeping"; Stain Buster -- Felt-Tip Marker
• American Cleaning Institute; Stain Removal Chart