4 Methods You Can Use to Remove Permanent Marker Stains

Almost every home, office, or classroom has permanent markers. They are helpful tools for labeling, doing crafts, or writing signs. The only downside to using this must-have is the stains. Perhaps you’re asking, “How to get permanent marker out of clothes?” Well, you’re in luck because we’ve rounded up ways to address this challenge.

How to Get Permanent Marker Stains Off Clothes

Most permanent markers are either alcohol-based or oil-based. These liquids are “carriers” that help the ink adhere and stay on any surface. Alcohol and oil are water-resistant, an excellent feature for art projects but not for stain removal.

Water cannot simply break the bond between the surface and the carrier, so you need to use the following particular methods and products to get permanent marker stains out of clothes:

Method 1: Using Alcohol-Based Products

Alcohol-based products are the most common permanent marker stain removers. They can break down the stain molecules better than water-based products. It would be best to keep them handy in your home, office, or school.

● Rubbing Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol, one of the most common forms of rubbing alcohol, is used in homes, hospitals, and other establishments. It can be an effective cleaning and disinfection agent when used properly.

Aside from killing germs, you can also use alcohol to remove permanent marker stains from clothes. Here are the steps:

Steps:

1. Place the fabric with the stain facing down on some paper towels.
2. Wet a clean sponge or cloth in alcohol and gently rub around the stain.
3. Get another alcohol-soaked cloth and dab directly on the affected area. Do this step repeatedly for 10-15 minutes. At this point, the ink will be absorbed by the paper towels underneath.
4. Change paper towels often so absorption will be more effective.
5. Launder the garment in the washing machine and follow the fabric care instructions on the label.

Here is a video to guide you through the whole process:

 

● Hand Sanitizer

Usually, hand sanitizers are the next best thing when neither soap and water nor alcohol are available. They are a must-have in any purse for disinfecting on the go.

hese gel-like substances, usually made from ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, can also be used to get permanent marker stains out of clothes.

Follow these simple steps:

Steps:

1. Apply a dime-sized amount of hand sanitizer on the stain. If the stain is minor, a quarter-sized dollop will do.
2. With a clean sponge, spread the hand sanitizer on the stain using circular motions.
3. Allow the sanitizer to settle for 15 minutes. If there is still some noticeable stain, repeat the process until you can no longer see any stain.
4. Blot a paper towel on the affected area to remove excess ink.
5. Toss the garment in the washing machine and run your usual spin cycle.

Want to know more about how to use hand sanitizer to remove marker stains? Please watch this video.

Method 2: Removing Permanent Marker Stains Using Natural Ingredients

Your kitchen pantry can be a source of ingredients that can act as natural stain removers. These materials are safe to use and contain no harmful chemicals. The best thing is, they’re readily available in your cupboard.

● Milk

Nutrient-rich cow’s milk is one of the most consumed beverages in the US and Europe. Aside from being the main ingredient for cheese, butter, and baked goods, milk can also be a permanent marker stain remover.

Here are the steps for removing marker stains using milk:

Steps:

1. Fill a basin or a large bowl with regular cow’s milk.
2. Place the marker-stained part of the garment into the bowl.
3. Ensure to cover the affected area with milk.
4. Allow the clothing to soak for 10-15 minutes.
5. Wash in the washing machine using your usual spin cycle settings.

Note: Make sure to wash the garment thoroughly since spoilt milk becomes sour and may affect the smell of your clothes.

 

● Baking Soda

For most people, sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is a common ingredient for pastries, cakes, and bread. It is also an effective and generally safe cleaning product.

This natural kitchen helper can also remove marker stains with these simple steps:

Steps:

1. Create a paste from 1 tablespoon baking soda and ⅓ cup cold water.
2. Carefully apply the paste over the stained portion of your garment.
3. In a circular motion, rub the paste gently on the affected area.
4. Leave the paste on for about 15 minutes to one hour.
5. Check the clothing’s care label and follow the washing instructions before tossing it in the washing machine.

Are you thinking of using baking soda to remove permanent marker stains? Watch this video to know more.

 

● Vinegar

Vinegar is a kitchen staple made from acetic acid, water, and other trace compounds. It is an essential ingredient for salad dressings and marinades. You can even use it to make buttermilk. Apart from its culinary uses, vinegar is also a commonly used stain remover and cleaning agent.

We’ve narrowed down the steps on how to use this safe and natural permanent marker stain remover on synthetic fabrics:

Steps:

1. Create a solution by mixing one tablespoon of white vinegar, one tablespoon of liquid dish soap, and two cups of cold water.
2. Moisten a clean sponge with the solution and gently dab onto the stain.
3. Alternately blot the stain with the sponge and a paper towel every 5 minutes. Do this step for half an hour. Remember to wet the sponge when it dries up.
4. Flush out the solution by pouring cold water on the stain.

Method 3: Removing Permanent Marker Stains Using Stain Removers

There are several commercial laundry products that you can buy in supermarkets, drugstores, and even online. They are specially formulated to remove tough stains, including those made by permanent markers. It would be best to follow the label instructions since the steps may vary depending on when the stain happened and the type of fabric.

● Stain Removers

Stain removers have special ingredients that are made to remove tough stains. However, extra precaution is needed when using these products.

Here are the basic steps for using stain removers to get permanent markers off your clothes:

Steps:

1. First of all, manage the stain as early as possible. The longer it stays on clothes, the harder it is to remove.
2. Apply the stain remover directly on the stain. Follow package instructions on the right amount you need to use.
3. Let it sit on the affected area. Again, check the product guidelines for the appropriate time.
4. Wash according to fabric care instructions.
5.  If you can still see traces of the stain, repeat steps one to four.
6. Avoid using the dryer if you still notice any stains.

 

● Bleach

Bleach is a laundry product that helps remove stains. However, in the process of eliminating stains, it also eliminates the fabric’s color due to a chemical reaction. If you’re removing marker stains from white clothing, you may use chlorine bleach. On the other hand, you can use oxygen bleach for colored garments as long as they are colorfast.

Here are the steps on how to use bleach to remove permanent marker stains:

Steps:

1. Check the garment first if it is bleach safe and machine washable. If it is, you can wash the stained clothing in the machine and add bleach based on the package instructions.
2. If the garment is bleach safe but not machine-washable, you need to soak the clothing in bleach for about 10 minutes.
3.  It would be advisable to rinse the stain with cold water.

Method 4: Using Personal Care Products

Sometimes simple personal care products such as hairspray and toothpaste can work beyond their intended functions. These products which are usually available in any home can also be used to remove permanent marker stains off clothes.

● Hairspray

Hairspray, typically in an aerosol can, is a liquid solution of polymers. Not only is it effective in keeping hair in place, but it is also an excellent permanent marker stain remover.

If you have hairspray on hand, here are the steps for using it to remove permanent marker stains.

1. Spray the product directly on the stain.
2. Wait for 30 to 60 seconds before wiping the marker stain off.
3. Use a paper towel or a cotton ball to absorb excess ink. Press it gently on the stain and replace, if necessary.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until you are satisfied with the results.
5. Launder the stained clothes using cold water and the usual spin cycle.

 

● Toothpaste

Toothpaste is an essential part of oral hygiene. For sure, every home has this product in their bathrooms or medicine cabinets. Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that not only remove dental plaque but remove stains as well.

Here are the ways to use toothpaste to eliminate the nasty permanent marker stains on your clothes.

1. Prepare toothpaste and lemon juice. While toothpaste alone may work, adding lemon juice can increase its efficiency.
2. Add 3-4 drops of lemon juice and about three pea-sized amounts of toothpaste in a small bowl to make a paste.
3. Apply the paste on the stained portion of your clothes using a soft-bristled brush. Let the solution sit for about 5 minutes.
4. Wash the garment off with cold water.
5. Toss in the washer and launder using the regular spin cycle.

Summary

Permanent marker stains can be very frustrating, especially on your favorite clothes. However, you won’t have to stop using this essential art and labeling material altogether. There are ways to manage the stain before it gets worse. All you need are materials within your arm’s reach at home or even at work. With some creativity and effort, your stained clothes will come out looking new.