How to Get Sharpie Marker Out of Furniture

Sharpie markers are available in various colors and sizes.

Since 1964, Sharpie has supplied consumers with a permanent marker whose ink stands up to the test of time. When the ink in a Sharpie marker comes in contact with furniture, Sharpie's selling point becomes its downfall. Normal cleaners do little to remove the permanent ink, which quickly bonds with the furniture fabric. There are, however, a few inexpensive items that will help remove the marker stain from the furniture. For better results, remove the stain before the ink has a chance to dry.

Things You'll Need

• Non-oil hairspray
• White cloths
• Water-displacing spray
• Liquid dish soap
• Towel

Instructions

1. Dampen the Sharpie marks lightly with a non-oil hairspray. Leave the hairspray on the furniture for five minutes, but don't let the hairspray dry on the furniture.

2. Dampen a white cloth with cold water. Blot the permanent marker stain with the damp cloth for several seconds. Reapply the hairspray if needed and continue blotting until the stain is gone. Continue with the remaining steps if the ink remains.

3. Apply a water-displacing spray to the Sharpie marks and let it sit for several minutes. Dampen a clean cloth in cold, soapy water and blot the stain starting at the edge of the mark and moving in toward the center.

4. Continue applying the water-displacing spray and blotting with the soapy water until the Sharpie mark is no longer visible. Rinse the furniture clean with cool water and pat dry with a towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Non-oily hairspray is available where hair care products are sold. Look for hairspray that has the claim "contains no oil" on the bottle.

References

• Sharpie: FAQ
• Mrs. Clean: Crayon, Colored Pencil, and Permanent Marker Stain Removal
• Reader's Digest Version: Wow, Look What WD-40 Can Do!