How to Remove Permanent Marker From Just About Anything

You turn your back for one minute, and your little Picasso has decided to create a masterpiece on the living room upholstery with a permanent marker. 

Or you accidentally used a sharpie marker for your whiteboard instead of a dry erase marker. Whatever the cause, removing permanent marker stains is hard (real talk!).

In this article, we tell you how to remove permanent marker from any surface without damaging it, plus pro tips to note. So grab your supplies and let's begin our mission to erase those pesky stains.

{{CTA_BLOCK}}

How to remove permanent marker without damaging surfaces

• Act quickly: The sooner you address the permanent marker stain, the easier it will be to remove. 
• Use mild cleaning agents: Opt for mild cleaning agents and natural cleaners like white vinegar, baking soda, or rubbing alcohol. Harsh chemicals may damage or discolor the surface you're trying to clean.
• Think preventatively: For surfaces prone to sharpie marker stains (like desks), consider using a protective coating, cover, or sealant to prevent future damage: a clear coat on wood surfaces, a protective film on electronics, or a washable cover on furniture.
• Test first: Always test your chosen cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire stain. 
• Choose the right method: Different surfaces and materials may require different cleaning methods or precautions. Do your research first to avoid causing any unintentional damage.

How to remove permanent marker from plastic

To remove permanent marker from plastic, dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently rub until the ink begins to lift. Repeat as necessary, replacing the cotton ball as it becomes saturated with ink. Rubbing alcohol is effective, easy to find, quick to evaporate, and doesn't leave a residue.

Supplies you’ll need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• A soft cloth or paper towels
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• A small container or bowl

Steps to clean

Follow these steps to remove permanent Sharpie markers from plastic surfaces. 

Gather your supplies

Pour rubbing alcohol into a small container or bowl, then dip a cotton ball or pad into the rubbing alcohol so it’s damp but not dripping.

Rubbing alcohol is a good option for removing sharpie markers from plastic because it dissolves the ink without damaging it. Plus, it evaporates quickly, reducing the risk of leaving moisture on the surface that might cause damage or encourage the growth of mold and mildew. 

Test a small area

It’s better to be safe than sorry! Before applying the rubbing alcohol to the entire area with a permanent marker, test it on a small, inconspicuous spot on the plastic surface to ensure it won't cause any damage or discoloration.

Gently rub the marked area

If the test spot shows no damage, gently rub the cotton ball or pad with rubbing alcohol over the permanent marker stain, being careful not to scratch the surface. 

Wipe away the residue

As the marker begins to lift, use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away the residue. You may need to repeat the steps above a few times if the marker doesn't come off easily. Also, replace the cotton ball or pad as needed to avoid spreading the marker.

Clean the surface

Once the permanent marker is removed, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Dampen a soft cloth or paper towel with the soapy solution and gently clean the area where the marker was. This will help remove any remaining rubbing alcohol and residue.

Rinse and dry

Finally, rinse the surface with another clean cloth or paper towel dampened with plain water. Pat dry with a dry cloth or paper towel.

How to remove permanent marker from wood

To remove permanent marker from wood, apply a mixture of toothpaste and baking soda to the stain and gently scrub. Next, wipe clean with a damp cloth. Together, toothpaste and baking soda create a paste that is tough on ink stains but gentle on wood surfaces, making it effective and safe for removing permanent marker.

Supplies you’ll need

• White toothpaste (non-gel)
• Baking soda
• A soft cloth or an old toothbrush
• A clean, damp cloth
• A clean, dry cloth

Steps to clean

To remove permanent marker from wood, follow these steps.

• Prepare your cleaning solution: Mix white toothpaste and baking soda to create a mildly abrasive paste. 
• Test a small area: Test the mixture on a small, inconspicuous area of the wood surface. 
• Apply the mixture to the stain: Apply the paste directly onto the marker stain using your finger, a soft cloth, or an old toothbrush. 
• Gently scrub: Gently scrub the past into the stain using a circular motion, taking care not to damage the wood’s finish.  
• Wipe away the mixture: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the toothpaste and baking soda mixture from the wood. 
• Repeat as necessary: If the stain is still visible, repeat the steps above as necessary.

How to remove permanent marker from skin

To remove permanent marker from skin, apply hand sanitizer to the stain and rub it gently. As the alcohol in the hand sanitizer dissolves the ink, it becomes easier to wipe away. At the same time, glycerin prevents irritation, making hand sanitizer ideal for removing permanent marker stains from the skin. 

Supplies you’ll need

• Hand sanitizer (alcohol-based)
• Baby oil or coconut oil
• Cotton balls or pads
• A soft cloth or paper towel
• Warm, soapy water

Steps to clean

These steps will remove permanent Sharpie marker from skin. 

• Apply hand sanitizer: Squirt a small amount of alcohol-based hand sanitizer directly on the permanent marker stain on your skin. 
• Rub gently: Gently rub the hand sanitizer into the stained area with a cotton ball or a pad using a circular motion. 
• Wipe away the ink: As the hand sanitizer begins to break down the ink, you'll notice it start to lift from your skin. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away the loosened ink. 
• Apply oil: Apply a small amount of baby oil or coconut oil to your skin using a cotton ball. This helps moisturize the skin and remove any remaining ink.
• Wash with soapy water: Finally, wash your skin with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining ink and oil residue. 

How to remove permanent marker from white boards

To remove permanent marker from white boards, redraw over the stain with a dry erase marker and wait a few seconds for it to dry, then wipe off with a microfiber cloth. The solvent in the dry erase marker is typically a type of alcohol designed to dissolve the ink, making it easier to wipe away.

Supplies you’ll need

• Dry erase marker
• Microfiber cloth

Steps to clean

• Pick your marker: Choose a dry erase marker in a different color than the stain, so you can easily see when the stain has been removed. 
• Draw over the stain: Draw over the permanent marker stain using the dry erase marker. 
• Wipe with a microfiber cloth: Once you've covered the entire stain with the dry erase marker, use the clean microfiber cloth to wipe it away.

The permanent marker stain should wipe away along with the dry erase ink. If there is still some residue, repeat the process until the stain is completely gone.

How to remove permanent marker from a wall

To remove permanent marker from a wall, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, then use a clean cloth to gently scrub the stain until it lifts away. 

• Gather your supplies: Gather white vinegar, water, a spray bottle, and a clean cloth.
• Mix vinegar and water: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and shake to combine.
• Apply the solution: Then spray the solution on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. 
• Gently scrub the stain: Use a clean cloth to gently scrub the stain until it lifts away, applying light pressure as needed. 
• Repeat if necessary: If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the process a few times. 
• Rinse with water: Finally, dip another cloth in clean water and squeeze so it’s damp and not dripping wet, then use the dampened cloth to rinse the wall.

More ideas: Looking for more ways to remove permanent marker from walls? Check out our complete list of every possible way to get sharpie off your walls.

Remove permanent marker stains without damaging your surfaces

Removing permanent marker stains without damaging your surfaces may seem daunting, but you can do it with the right tools and methods. Whether you use white vinegar, baking soda, or rubbing alcohol, the key is to act fast and persistently treat the stain. 

A pro tip is to always spot-test any home cleaner on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire stain.

Need help keeping on top of your house cleaning tasks? With Homeaglow, you can easily book an affordable, top-rated cleaner in your area. Read reviews, compare your options, and schedule online in minutes.