How to Remove Permanent Marker From Clothes

As a parent, you know kids can be quite messy sometimes. To them, they are Picasso designing the next Guernica. But having to get stains out of their clothes can be a frustrating challenge. The word "permanent" in the marker's name can even make it seem like the stain is there to stay.

However, before you toss out that favorite shirt, we’ll show you how to remove permanent marker from clothes using tips shared by our professional cleaners. 

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How to remove permanent marker from clothes (even after being washed)

There are a number of ways to remove permanent marker from clothes, including: rubbing alcohol, WD-40, hand sanitizer, hairspray, lemon juice and table salt, nail polish remover, white vinegar, baking soda and water, and non-gel toothpaste. 

In this article, we go over a few of these methods (our personal favorites) in more depth. Before we do, remember: a pro tip is to test any of these methods first on an inconspicuous area of your clothing before using it on the entire stained area.

Method 1: How to remove permanent marker from clothes with hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizer contains alcohol that breaks down ink, loosening its bond with the fabric fibers and making it easier to remove. Squeeze a small amount of hand sanitizer on the cloth’s stained area and let sit for a few minutes. Gently dab with a clean cloth, rinse with cold water, and wash as usual. 

Supplies you’ll need

• Hand sanitizer
• A clean, white cloth
• Water
• Laundry detergent

Steps to clean

Follow these steps to remove permanent marker from clothes with hand sanitizer. 

Apply the hand sanitizer

Squeeze a small amount of hand sanitizer onto the stained area of the cloth, making sure to cover it completely. The amount of hand sanitizer needed will depend on the size of the stain, but be careful not to use too much, as this can cause the stain to spread further.

Rub it into the stain

Using a clean, white cloth, gently rub the hand sanitizer into the stain. Avoid using a colored cloth, as this can transfer dye onto your clothes and worsen the stain. 

Also, thoroughly work the hand sanitizer into the fabric using circular motions, and apply pressure to the stain as you rub.

Keep rubbing the hand sanitizer into the stain until you begin to see the marker ink lifting off the fabric. You may need to apply more hand sanitizer and repeat the process several times, depending on the stain’s severity.

Rinse the area

Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with water to remove any remaining hand sanitizer residue. You can do this by holding the fabric under a running faucet or by using a damp cloth to wipe away the excess sanitizer. 

Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly to prevent any remaining hand sanitizer from causing discoloration or damage to the fabric.

Wash as usual

After rinsing, wash the clothes as usual, following any instructions on the label.

Method 2: How to remove permanent marker from clothes with WD-40

The chemicals in WD-40 act as solvents to break down ink molecules in permanent marker. To remove permanent marker from clothes with WD-40, spray WD-40 on the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently blot the stain with a clean, white cloth or paper towel and rinse with cold water. Wash as usual.

Supplies you’ll need

• WD-40
• A clean, white cloth
• Water
• Laundry detergent

Steps to clean

Follow these steps to remove permanent marker from clothes with WD-40.

Lay the stained clothes on a flat surface

Find a clean, flat surface where you can comfortably work on the stain. Make sure the area is well-ventilated, as WD-40 has a strong odor and can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities.

Apply WD-40 to the stain

Shake the can of WD-40 well and spray a generous amount directly on the stain. Allow the WD-40 to sit on the stain for a few minutes to help break down the ink.

WD-40 is a versatile lubricant and an effective stain remover due to its ability to dissolve various substances, including permanent marker ink. It can also remove sticker residue from your car bumper,  and get crayon off your wall.

Blot the stain

Gently blot the stain to lift the ink using a clean white cloth or paper towel. Be sure not to rub the stain, as this can cause the ink to spread further. You should see the marker ink transferring onto the cloth or paper towel.

Apply dish soap or laundry detergent

After blotting the stain, apply a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent directly onto the affected area. This will help to break down the ink further and remove any remaining WD-40 residue.

Rinse the stained area

Once you've treated the stain with dish soap or laundry detergent, rinse the area thoroughly with cold water. Cold water is ideal for rinsing out the stain, as it will help prevent the ink from further setting into the fabric.

Wash as usual

After treating and rinsing the stain, wash the clothes according to its care instructions. Be sure to use your regular laundry detergent and follow the recommended settings for the fabric type.

Method 3: How to remove permanent marker from clothes with rubbing alcohol

Moisten a paper towel with rubbing alcohol, dab it directly on the stain, and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently blot with another towel, rinse with cold water, and then wash as usual with laundry detergent. Rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol, a solvent that effectively breaks down ink molecules.

Supplies you’ll need

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Clean white cloth or paper towel
• Mild dish soap or laundry detergent
• Cold water

Steps to clean

Follow these steps to remove permanent marker from clothes with rubbing alcohol.

Apply rubbing alcohol to the affected area

Dampen a clean white cloth or paper towel with isopropyl alcohol and gently press it on the stained area. Let the alcohol sit for a few minutes to loosen the ink.

Isopropyl alcohol is known to dissolve numerous substances, like permanent marker ink, sticker residue from clothes, sharpie off the wall, scuff marks from floors,  and even slime from carpets, making it a powerful stain remover. 

Dab the stained area

Next, use another clean white cloth or paper towel to dab the stain and lift the ink. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this may cause the ink to spread. 

By now, the marker ink will have started transferring to the cloth or paper towel.

Remember to change the sides of the cloth or paper towel, or use a new one each time to avoid transferring the permanent marker stain to another area.

Treat the stain

Rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove any leftover rubbing alcohol residue. Then, apply a small quantity of mild dish soap or laundry detergent to the area. This helps to break down the ink further and eliminate any residual isopropyl alcohol.

Wash as usual

Finally, wash the clothing item as you normally would with laundry detergent and cold water.

Does permanent sharpie always wash out of clothes?

Permanent sharpie may not always completely wash out of clothes with simple washing, but using stain removal methods like rubbing alcohol or WD-40 can significantly reduce or remove the stain. Also, treating the stain as soon as possible is vital to increase the chances of removing the permanent sharpie.

Will vinegar remove Sharpie from clothes?

Vinegar can help remove sharpie from clothes due to its mild acidic nature, which helps break down the ink. However, its effectiveness may vary depending on the fabric type and the extent of the stain. Start by soaking the stain in vinegar for 5-10 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. Repeat as needed before washing.

How do you get permanent marker off clothes without alcohol?

To remove permanent markers from clothes without alcohol, you can use vinegar, hand sanitizer, hairspray, or a dry erase marker. Simply apply or spray any of the cleaning solutions on the stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then blot with a clean cloth and wash as usual with laundry detergent.

How do you remove permanent marker from fabric couches?

To remove permanent marker from fabric couches:

• Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove excess ink.
• Apply rubbing alcohol or vinegar to the stain with a cloth or sponge.
• Blot the stain using another clean cloth to absorb the ink.
• Repeat until the stain is gone.
• Finally, rinse with water and air-dry.

Remove permanent marker stains and more

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