How to Get Set Sharpie Permanent Ink Stains Out

Sharpies are available in a variety of ink colors.

A common writing instrument, Sharpies feature permanent ink designed to write on various surfaces. When a child uses a Sharpie to create her next masterpiece on unintended surfaces, the advantages of the marker quickly become a downfall. Sharpie permanent markers will quickly adhere to surfaces. Typically, these set-in stains will not budge with common cleaning practices. Fortunately, you can remove the set Sharpie ink stains from various surfaces using inexpensive items.

Things You'll Need

• Rag
• Mineral spirits
• Paper towels
• Non-oily hairspray
• Rubbing alcohol
• Water-displacing spray
• White cloths
• Acetone-containing nail polish remover

Instructions

Tiles and Countertops

1. Rub the Sharpie ink with a clean rag dampened in mineral spirits. Rub in a circular motion for one to two minutes. Continue to Step 2 if the ink stain remains.

2. Vigorously rub the permanent marker ink with a cloth dampened with acetone-containing nail polish remover. Rub for several seconds until the ink is no longer visible.

3. Wipe the surface clean with damp paper towels and wipe dry with a dry paper towel.

Carpet and Upholstery

1. Apply a non-oily hairspray to the Sharpie marks and let soak for three to five minutes. Do not let the hairspray dry.

2. Start at the edge of the stain and blot with a damp cloth while moving toward the middle.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the ink stain is not visible. Blot the carpet or upholstery with a clean cloth dampened in cool water to rinse the hairspray off the surface. Dry with a towel.

Fabric

1. Lay the fabric with the ink stain facing down. Fold several paper towels and slide them directly under the stain.

2. Blot the back of the stain with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Continue blotting the fabric until saturated.

3. Launder the fabric as you normally would.

Walls

1. Apply water-displacing spray directly on a clean, white cloth.

2. Rub the ink stain gently with the damp cloth. Rub in a circular motion for several seconds. Apply more water-displacing spray to the cloth if needed and continue rubbing the ink stain until it is no longer visible.

3. Rinse the wall clean by wiping with a cloth dampened in water.

References

• Reader's Digest: 12 Ways to Use Rubbing Alcohol
• Sharpie: Frequently Asked Questions
• Mrs. Clean: Crayon, Colored Pencil, and Permanent Marker Stain Removal
• Reader's Digest: Wow, Look What WD-40 Can Do!