I raised lots of kiddos, and let’s be honest: almost every single one of them got a permanent marker in their chubby little hands at some point and left me some art. Walls, floors, clothing, toys—nothing is excluded when they find a Sharpie. The good news? You can get permanent markers off nearly any surface with the right techniques. Here’s how.
Tips for Success
Always test cleaning methods on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Avoid abrasive scrubbing tools that may damage delicate surfaces.
Act quickly! The sooner you address the stain, the easier it will be to remove.
1. Walls
Method: Magic Eraser or Rubbing Alcohol
- Magic Eraser: Dampen the eraser with water and gently scrub the marker stain in circular motions. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as it might remove the paint.
- Rubbing Alcohol: Dab a cotton ball or cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the stain. This method is especially effective on glossy or semi-gloss painted walls.
2. Wood (Finished or Unfinished)
Method: Toothpaste and Baking Soda
- Mix a small amount of white, non-gel toothpaste with baking soda to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stained area and gently rub using a soft cloth.
- Wipe with a damp cloth to remove residue.
For unfinished wood, test a small area first to ensure the paste doesn’t discolor the wood.
3. Fabrics and Upholstery
Method: Hairspray or Hand Sanitizer
- Spray a generous amount of alcohol-based hairspray or apply hand sanitizer directly onto the stain.
- Blot (don’t rub) with a clean cloth until the marker starts to lift.
- Wash the fabric according to the care label instructions.
Pro Tip: For delicate fabrics, test on a hidden area first.
4. Carpet
Method: White Vinegar and Dish Soap
- Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with one teaspoon of dish soap in a cup of warm water.
- Blot the stain with the solution using a clean cloth.
- Repeat until the marker fades, then rinse with plain water and blot dry.
5. Plastic and Non-Porous Surfaces (e.g., toys, containers)
Method: Dry Erase Marker or Baking Soda Paste
- Dry Erase Marker: Scribble over the permanent marker stain with a dry erase marker, then wipe off with a clean cloth.
- Baking Soda Paste: Create a paste with baking soda and water. Rub the paste over the stain and wipe clean.
6. Glass and Mirrors
Method: Nail Polish Remover
- Apply a small amount of acetone-based nail polish remover to a cotton ball.
- Wipe the marker stain gently.
- Finish with a glass cleaner for a streak-free shine.
7. Leather
Method: Olive Oil or Sunscreen
- Dab a small amount of olive oil or sunscreen onto the stain.
- Gently rub with a clean cloth.
- Wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
8. Metal
Method: Rubbing Alcohol or WD-40
- Apply rubbing alcohol or a small amount of WD-40 directly onto the stain.
- Wipe clean with a cloth.
Pro Tip: For stubborn stains, let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping.
9. Skin
Method: Hand Sanitizer or Coconut Oil
- Hand Sanitizer: Rub an alcohol-based sanitizer over the marker and rinse.
- Coconut Oil: For sensitive skin or children, apply coconut oil to the stain, rub gently, and wash off with soap and water.
10. Stone (Granite, Marble, etc.)
Method: Baking Soda and Water Paste
- Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste.
- Apply to the stained area and let sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
With these tips, you can rescue almost anything from the dreaded permanent marker mishap. Got a stubborn stain that won’t budge? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll try to help!
Happy Cleaning