Most of the time, we think about permanent markers as a whiteboard or blackboard tool. It’s great for labeling and creating a temporary message on these surfaces.
But, have you ever accidentally marked up your clothes with permanent marker? Whether it was a white shirt that now has black marks on the front or an expensive dress with big black stains, there is hope. There are many ways to remove permanent marker from cloth; here are some of them:
How to Remove Mark Stain from Clothes
The job of cleaning clothes can be a daunting task with all the stains and dirt on your garments. Here’s some easy way to remove those dark stain-
White Vinegar to Remove Marker Stain
First, mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the stain with this solution and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes before washing as usual. The acidity of the liquid will help break down the marker molecules so they can be washed away during regular laundry cycles.
You could also try spraying some distilled white vinegar directly onto clothing stains while you are wearing them. Blot up any excess moisture after applying by using paper towels or an old t-shirt that has been cut into strips. Repeat until all markers have disappeared from your fabric.
Another option is rubbing alcohol, which contains high concentrations of ethanol and methanol solvents that quickly pull ink out of clothes.
Using Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural product that can be used to remove permanent marker from fabrics. Apply the coconut oil directly onto the fabric and let it sit for about 15–20 minutes before washing as usual.
Another option is rubbing alcohol, which contains high concentrations of ethanol and methanol solvents that quickly pull ink out of clothes.
has been cut into strips. Repeat until all markers have disappeared from your fabric.
Apply Rubbing Alcohol
One thing you can do is to apply rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain. Rubbing alcohol contains high concentrations of ethanol and methanol solvents that quickly remove ink from fabric.
Repeat until all markers have disappeared from your fabric or rub a small amount on a clean white cloth, then run over the stained area with it for about 20 minutes before washing as usual.
You can also use nail polish remover instead of rubbing alcohol to remove marker stain from cloths.
Nail polish remover contains acetone and other solvents that are helpful in removing ink from cloth. Rub a small amount on the stain with your finger or an old toothbrush before washing as usual.
The nail polish remover will react to some types of dyes, so you might want to test it on an inconspicuous area first before proceeding with full application.
If this doesn’t do the trick there is also magic erasers(link) which work well for light marks or stains but not too deep ones like permanent markers tend leave behind- they can even be used on leather shoes!
Using milk to remove Sharpie
It’s an amazing method for removing Sharpie from cloth. Milk contains a mix of water and fats which has been used as ink in the past, with some success. It is also used to remove stains on clothes because it reacts well with oils and proteins that are often found in fabrics or foods.
Rub milk into the fabric where your marker soaked through before washing it again like usual- you may need to repeat this process once if there is still some residual stain left behind. A word of caution: do not use raw milk, as this could lead to infection!
If neither alcohol nor milk work for you then try using toothpaste instead- put a dab on top of the dried sharp.
Will “oxiclean” remove permanent marker from cloth?
Permanent marker is one of the worst stains that can be found in a house. If you are lucky enough to have it on just clothes, you can simply throw them into the washing machine with oxiclean and everything will come out. But if it’s on your couch or carpet, then it might take a lot longer to clean up and may not even work at all.
And of course, you could always use the classic standby: rubbing alcohol. If it is on a hard surface like your countertop or flooring then just rub some on and watch as the sharp disappears before your eyes.
For clothes that have dried marker still in them, soak through before washing it again like usual- you may need to repeat this process once if there is still some residual stain left behind. A word of caution: do not use raw milk, as this could lead to infection!
If neither alcohol nor milk work for you then try using toothpaste instead- put a dab on top of the dried sharp. The enzymes from the paste will help break down the chemical bonds that make up permanent markers so they can be.
Read also: How do you remove permanent marker from a whiteboard
Final Words
There are many ways that you can remove marker stains from cloth easily- I hope that these tips will help! If they still are not working then try finding new sources online.
There’s always something new out there waiting for people like us who love experimenting with different methods and materials!