How to Remove Permanent Marker from Fabric: Quick and Easy Fixes for Tough Stains

We’ve all been there – a permanent marker slips, and suddenly your favorite shirt is covered in a big ink stain. But don’t worry! Just because the marker says “permanent” doesn’t mean it’s going to stay forever. There are actually some simple ways to remove those tough permanent marker stains, and you probably already have the things you need at home. Removing permanent marker from fabric can feel daunting, but it’s often easier than you think.

The key to getting rid of the stain is acting fast! The sooner you treat it, the better your chances of saving your clothes. Before you start, make sure to test whatever permanent marker removal method you choose on a small, hidden part of the fabric, just in case it’s delicate. This is a crucial step in permanent marker stain removal from fabric. Now, let’s explore some easy and effective ways on how to remove permanent marker from fabric.

Fool-Proof Ways To Remove Permanent Marker from Fabric

There are many ways to get rid of permanent marker stains on clothes, such as rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, baking soda mixed with water, or even toothpaste (not gel). Other options include vinegar, hand sanitizer, lemon juice with salt, hairspray, or WD-40.

In this article, we’ll go through some of our favorite methods in more detail. But before you begin always try any of these cleaning methods on a small/hidden spot of your clothing first to make sure it won’t harm the fabric.

Removing Permanent Marker off clothes with Hand Sanitizer

Got a permanent marker stain on your favorite shirt? Don’t worry! You can use hand sanitizer to help get permanent marker out of clothes. Here’s a simple way to clean it up.

What You’ll Need:

• A Hand Sanitizer
• A clean, white towel or cloth
• Water
• Laundry soap or detergent

Step 1: Put Hand Sanitizer on the Stain

Start by squeezing a small amount of hand sanitizer directly onto the marker stain. Make sure the stain is covered well. You don’t need a lot, just enough to cover the spot.

Step 2: Rub It In Gently

Take a clean, white cloth (a colored cloth might make things worse!) and gently rub the hand sanitizer into the stain. Use small, circular motions and press lightly as you rub. The hand sanitizer will start to loosen the marker ink from the fabric.

Step 3: Keep Rubbing Until the Stain Fades

You may need to add a little more hand sanitizer and keep rubbing for a few minutes. The ink will begin to lift off the fabric, but it might take a few tries if the stain is big or strong. Be patient, and keep rubbing gently.

Step 4: Rinse the Fabric

Once you see the marker coming out, rinse the area with cold water. This helps wash away any leftover hand sanitizer. You can hold the fabric under the faucet or wipe it with a damp cloth.

Step 5: Wash the Clothes as Usual

Now that the stain is gone, wash the clothes like you usually do. Follow the care instructions on the label, and your clothes should be good as new!

How to Remove Permanent Marker from Fabric with Rubbing Alcohol

Got a permanent marker stain on your shirt? Don’t worry, rubbing alcohol can help get rid of permanent marker stains from clothes. Here’s a simple way to do it.

What You’ll Need:

• Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
• A clean white cloth or paper towel
• Dish soap or laundry detergent
• Cold water

Step 1: Apply Rubbing Alcohol to the Stain

First, take a clean white cloth or paper towel and moisten it with some rubbing alcohol. Gently press it onto the marker stain. Let it sit there for a few minutes. The alcohol helps loosen the ink so it’s easier to remove.

Rubbing alcohol works really well because it can break down the ink in the marker. It can even get rid of other tough stains like sticky residue stuff or scuff marks!

Step 2: Dab the Stain

Now, grab another clean cloth or paper towel. Gently dab at the stain to lift the ink off the fabric. Don’t rub it, or the ink might spread! You’ll notice the marker ink starting to transfer onto the cloth.

Change to a clean spot on the towel or use a new one each time. This way, you don’t move the stain around and make it worse.

Step 3: Rinse with Cold Water

Once you see the stain getting lighter, rinse the area with cold water. This helps wash away any leftover rubbing alcohol and ink.

Step 4: Treat with Soap

Now that most of the ink is gone, apply a little bit of dish soap or laundry detergent to the stained spot. This helps clean off the rest of the stain and any alcohol left behind. Gently rub the soap into the fabric.

Step 5: Wash Normally

Finally, wash the clothing like you normally would with cold water and laundry detergent. After it’s washed, check to see if the stain is completely gone. If it’s still there, you might need to repeat the steps.

Will the Marker Always Come Out?

Sometimes, permanent marker might not come out completely with just washing. But don’t worry, using rubbing alcohol or another stain remover can help a lot. The sooner you treat the stain, the better your chances of getting permanent marker out of fabric.

Removing Permanent Marker off clothes with WD-40

If you’ve accidentally gotten a permanent marker stain on your clothes, don’t worry! WD-40 can help you get permanent marker out of clothes. This powerful spray is not just for fixing squeaky doors; it can also be used to break down the ink in permanent marker stains.

The chemicals in WD-40 work as solvents, breaking down the ink molecules and making them easier to lift out of the fabric. By following a few simple steps, you can get rid of that stubborn stain in no time!

What You’ll Need:

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Space

Start by finding a clean, flat surface to lay your clothes on. It’s important to make sure the area is well-ventilated since WD-40 has a strong smell. Open a window or work in a room with good air flow.

Step 2: Apply WD-40 to the Stain

Take the WD-40 and shake the can well. Spray a generous amount directly on the stain. Let it sit on the stain for a few minutes to help break down the ink. WD-40 is great for this because it can dissolve all sorts of stuff, including marker ink!

Step 3: Blot the Stain

After waiting a few minutes, use a clean white cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain. Don’t rub, because rubbing can make the ink spread. As you blot, you’ll see the ink transfer from the fabric to the cloth or towel.

Step 4: Add Soap

Now, apply a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent to the stained area. This will help break down the remaining ink and remove any leftover WD-40. Gently rub the soap into the fabric.

Step 5: Rinse with Cold Water

Next, rinse the stained area with cold water to wash away any soap and WD-40 residue. Cold water helps stop the ink from setting deeper into the fabric.

Step 6: Wash the Clothes

Finally, following the care instructions tag wash your clothes. Use your regular laundry detergent, and choose the right setting for the fabric. Once done, check to see if the stain is gone. If it’s still there, you may need to repeat the process.

Using Hairspray to Get Rid of Permanent Marker from Fabric

Hairspray can sometimes help remove permanent marker stains from clothes. However, not all hairsprays work the same. Some brands don’t have enough alcohol in them anymore, so they won’t be as effective. Look for hairspray with alcohol, and avoid the ones labeled “alcohol-free” because they won’t help with the stain.

The best hairsprays to use are the cheap, aerosol kinds with a high alcohol content. These work the best for getting rid of the ink.

Keep in mind, hairspray isn’t good for all fabrics. It works best on materials like polyester, cotton, or denim, but you should never use it on leather or wool.

Here’s how to use hairspray to remove a permanent marker stain from your clothes:

First, lay the clothing flat on a hard surface, like a table or countertop, and put a clean cloth or towel under the stained part. This helps catch the ink that comes off.

Next, soak a cotton ball in hairspray and press it gently onto the stain. You may need to press down a bit to help the hairspray soak in.

Blot the stain with the cotton ball, and you should see the ink start to come off the fabric and onto the cotton ball. Keep doing this until the stain is gone.

If the cotton ball gets dirty, switch it for a clean one. Once the stain is fully removed, wash the clothes like you normally would according to the care label.

Can Permanent Sharpie Stains Always Be Removed from Clothes

Sometimes, a permanent Sharpie stain doesn’t come out with just regular washing. But don’t worry, there are ways to make it much better! Using things like rubbing alcohol or WD-40 can help break down the ink and achieve effective permanent marker removal from fabric.

The most important thing is to treat the stain quickly. The faster you act, the better chance you have of getting rid of the marker marks completely!

Can Vinegar Help Get Sharpie Out of Clothes?

Vinegar can sometimes help to remove permanent marker from fabric because it’s mildly acidic, which helps break down the ink. But it doesn’t always work the same way on all fabrics or stains.

To try it, first pour some vinegar onto the stain and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. After that, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth. You might need to repeat this a few times before washing the clothes as usual.

How to Remove Sharpie From Fabric Couches, Carpet or Walls?

Sometimes, a permanent marker ends up on the couch, carpet, or even on your skin. Don’t worry though! It’s an easy fix with things you probably already have at home.

First, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth to soak up any extra ink. This will help remove some of the marker before you start treating it.

Next, take a clean cloth or sponge and apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or vinegar to the stained area. Be sure to use just enough to dampen the fabric.

After that, use another clean cloth to blot the stain again. This helps lift the ink out of the fabric.

Finally, rinse the area with a little cold water and let it air dry. This will help finish the cleaning process and prevent any remaining ink from setting in.

How to Remove Permanent Marker from Fabric Without Using Alcohol

If you don’t have alcohol at home, there are other ways to get permanent marker off your clothes. You can use things like vinegar, hand sanitizer, hairspray, or even a dry erase marker.

Start by spraying or applying one of these items directly onto the stain. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes so it can work on the ink.

After waiting, take a clean cloth and blot the stain gently. Keep blotting until most of the ink is gone.

Finally, wash your clothes as usual with laundry detergent to make sure the stain is completely gone.

Remove Permanent Marker FAQ