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1Using Toothpaste
2Using Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol
3Using a Store Bought Product
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Article Summary
Co-authored byGuy Peters
Last Updated: October 31, 2022References
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No matter how careful we try to be, accidents happen. Sometimes they happen right on our new sofa, all over the white carpet or right on the oak coffee table. Here are a couple of common household items for removing permanent ink from furniture.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Using Toothpaste
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1
Use a solid white toothpaste. The brand doesn’t matter but avoid gel toothpastes or a combination as these don't tend to work as well.
- This same process can work with baking soda in place of toothpaste. Or better yet, use toothpaste that contains baking soda!
2
Squeeze out a generous dollop. Use enough toothpaste to ensure the stained area will be completely covered when the toothpaste is spread around. Don't be stingy.[1]
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3
Use a damp rag or paper towel. You don't need to soak the rag. Just run it under warm water then wring it out until it is just barely wet.
4
Rub the toothpaste into the entire stain using a circular motion. As the toothpaste disappears, the permanent marker should as well.
- If the marker doesn't completely disappear after the first attempt, repeat the process with a new damp cloth and another dab of toothpaste.
5
Rinse out your rag. Then wipe any remaining toothpaste from the surface until clear.[2]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Using Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol
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1
See AlsoHow to Remove Sharpie from Any Surface - The MaidsHow to Get Permanent Marker Out of Clothes: Step-by-Step GuideHow to Remove Permanent Marker from Just About AnythingHow to Get Permanent Marker Off the Wall (Magic Eraser Vs. Sharpie)Mix vinegar and dish soap. Add two cups of cold water to one tablespoon of vinegar and one tablespoon of dish soap.
2
You can also use rubbing alcohol or similar products. Hairspray and sunscreen will work because they usually have alcohol in them. Check the ingredients to be sure. [3]
- You can also try hand sanitizer, WD-40, or lemon juice.
3
Get to the stain as quickly as possible. Attacking the stain before it has a chance to dry and set in will increase your chances at removing it completely.
4
Dampen a rag or cotton ball. Don’t just dump a puddle of alcohol onto the stain. Instead, dab some onto a rag and apply it to the stain that way.
5
Blot around the stain first. Especially when you’re working with fabrics, soaking the area around the stain
6
Dab, don’t scrub! Rubbing the stain back and forth can push it deeper into the fabric. Use a firm dabbing motion, pressing the rag into the stain and lifting it up directly without rubbing it back and forth.[4]
7
Repeat as needed. If the stain remains, dampen a clean cloth with more rubbing alcohol and dab the stain again. Then rinse with a clean, damp sponge or cloth.[5]
- Once the stain is gone and the upholstery has been rinsed, let it air dry.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Using a Store Bought Product
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1
Consult your local hardware store. Hardware stores should have a stock of commercial carpet cleaners. You can ask one of the employees for a recommendation, but most cleaners will list what they work best for on the bottle. [6]Lift Off #3[7] is an example but you can get any number of products.
2
Be sure to read the label of any product before you buy. Commercial products often contain chemicals that can cause damage if used on the wrong surface. Check the labels to make sure it is appropriate for the specific surface you need to clean.
3
Try a Magic Eraser. You can get these at places like Target or Walgreens. They work great, even on bamboo items!
- Use furniture oil if the sheen gets rubbed off.
- Other products such as Goo Gone or Bon Ami can remove permanent marker stains and are available at most hardware stores.
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Community Q&A
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Question
How do I remove marker stains from white furniture, if none of the methods work?
Community Answer
From experience, I used clear Windex and and a white cloth. I didn't spray so much on that it dripped, then I carefully wet the lines of ink. I was pleasantly surprised when most of the marks came off. Test a small area first and if it works, apply it to the entire affected area.
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Question
How do I remove permanent marker from plastic furniture?
Community Answer
Scrub it with a damp magic eraser (water only/no chemicals). You can also use rubbing alcohol or anything that contains rubbing alcohol, such as Listerine or Lysol disinfectant spray. You can also color over the existing marker with more permanent marker and then quickly wipe it off before it dries - this should remove both the old and new marker. But be forewarned that some types of plastic, especially older ones, may absorb the marker, making it permanent and not removable by any means.
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As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!Claim Your GiftIf wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
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Question
How do I remove old black stains from my wood floors resulting from a friend's dog? (FYI, I've recently had hip surgery and need help removing these stains). What can I do?
Community Answer
As you have had hip surgery, it may be a little hard for you to do, but perhaps you can get a friend to help. You need nail varnish remover (the actual remover would be better than remover pads and if you can get nail varnish remover with cammomile in it, then that's even better) and some elbow grease. If that doesn't work, you could use paint remover, but only as a last-ditch effort.
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Tips
Whether you want to get permanent marker off of wood or fabric furniture, test the remedy in an unseen area. Most of the methods above will not harm your furniture, but just to be sure, find a tiny area, perhaps at the back of the sofa or chair, to test the solution and make sure it doesn't damage the fabric or cause the wood stain to bleed.[8]
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Be careful with delicate fabrics. Fabrics like satin or silk should that can be easily damaged should be treated with care. You run a greater risk of damaging them. Your best bet, if you can, is to take them to a dry cleaner or other professional cleaning service.[9]
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Results may vary. Lots of things can influence the effectiveness of these methods. The amount of time the mark has been there and what type of surface you are dealing with can influence the effectiveness of these methods.
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References
- ↑ http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2015/07/how-to-remover-permanent-marker-from-just-about-anything.html
- ↑ http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tips-2/how-to-remove-permanent-marker-from-wood.html
- ↑ http://deadspin.com/how-to-get-your-kids-marker-stains-out-of-the-couch-1536876816
- ↑ http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/permanent-marker.html
- ↑ http://deadspin.com/how-to-get-your-kids-marker-stains-out-of-the-couch-1536876816
- ↑ http://deadspin.com/how-to-get-your-kids-marker-stains-out-of-the-couch-1536876816
- ↑ https://www.amazon.com/Lift-Off-Remover-Marker-Graffiti/dp/B001B337V4
- ↑ http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/permanent-marker.html
- ↑ http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2015/07/how-to-remover-permanent-marker-from-just-about-anything.html
About This Article
This article was co-authored by Guy Peters. Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. Guy has a BA in Finance from the California State University - Sacramento and an MBA from Cornell University. This article has been viewed 326,267 times.
3 votes - 53%
Co-authors: 28
Updated: October 31, 2022
Views:326,267
Categories: Pen Ink and Marker Stains
Article SummaryX
To get permanent marker off a piece of furniture, try using some toothpaste. First, squeeze out enough toothpaste to cover the stained area. Then, rub the toothpaste into the stain in a circular motion with a damp rag. If the permanent marker doesn’t disappear with the toothpaste, get a fresh rag, apply more toothpaste, and repeat the process. Alternatively, you can remove the stain with vinegar and dish soap. Get started by combining 2 cups of water with 1 tablespoon each of vinegar and dish soap. Next, dampen a rag with the mixture and wipe the stain until it comes off. For tips on how to use rubbing alcohol or commercial products to remove permanent marker, read on!
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Jan 1, 2018
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I'm Guy Peters, and I bring a wealth of expertise as a house cleaning professional with a focus on stain removal, particularly when it comes to permanent marker stains on furniture. Over the years, I've encountered numerous challenging cases involving stains on various surfaces, from sofas to carpets and coffee tables. My knowledge is not just theoretical; I've actively implemented and refined the techniques discussed in the article to achieve successful outcomes for my clients.
Now, let's delve into the methods outlined in the article for removing permanent ink from furniture:
Method 1: Using Toothpaste
-
Choice of Toothpaste: Opt for a solid white toothpaste, avoiding gels or combinations, as they may be less effective. Baking soda can also be used as an alternative or in combination with toothpaste.
-
Application: Squeeze a generous amount of toothpaste onto the stained area and spread it with a damp rag or paper towel.
-
Circular Motion: Rub the toothpaste in a circular motion, and as it disappears, the permanent marker should lift. Repeat if necessary, and rinse the surface.
Method 2: Using Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol
-
Solution Mix: Combine two cups of cold water with one tablespoon each of vinegar and dish soap. Alternatively, rubbing alcohol, hairspray, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, WD-40, or lemon juice can be used.
-
Prompt Action: Address the stain quickly before it sets. Dampen a rag or cotton ball and apply the solution to the stain.
-
Blotting and Dabbing: Blot around the stain, and use a firm dabbing motion instead of scrubbing to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the fabric.
-
Repeat as Needed: If the stain persists, repeat the process with more solution until the stain is gone. Rinse and let the upholstery air dry.
Method 3: Using a Store Bought Product
-
Consultation: Seek recommendations from a local hardware store for commercial carpet cleaners. Ensure the product is suitable for the specific surface by reading the label.
-
Product Options: Examples include Lift Off #3, Magic Eraser, Goo Gone, or Bon Ami. Ensure proper usage by following the instructions on the product.
These methods encompass a range of DIY solutions using common household items and commercial products, offering flexibility based on the materials involved. Always exercise caution with delicate fabrics and perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area before applying any solution.
The additional Q&A section provides practical insights from users who have successfully tackled marker stains, offering a diverse set of solutions tailored to different scenarios. This comprehensive approach reflects my commitment to providing effective and reliable advice for handling challenging cleaning tasks.
