Stop stressing over wall scribbles and unexpected streaksthe solutions are just a few steps away.
Check out our roundup of how to remove permanent marker from almost any surface.
Blot stain with rubbing alcohol (test on an inconspicuous spot first), rinse, andproperly air-dry.
Credit:Brie Goldman
Wash according to the garment’s or item’s label.
Air-dry, and repeat if necessary.
Check to ensure the stain is gone before drying according to the directions on the label.
Credit:Brie Goldman
Work into permanent marker stain with a soft-bristle brush.
Let sit for five minutes.
Rinse the brick surface.
Credit:Brie Goldman
Wait for a few minutes and rinse with clear water.
Wait 15 minutes before dabbing with warm sudsy water.
After 15 minutes, blot dry with a warm wet cloth and repeat if necessary.
Credit:Brie Goldman
Ceramic Tile
To remove permanent marker fromceramic tile, wipe the stain with warm sudsy water.
Then dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab before wiping with water again.
If you could still see the scribbles, simplyapply white, non-gel toothpasteand baking soda on top.
Credit:Brie Goldman
Let dry and wipe with water until dry.
(Test it first on a tiny spot to see to it colors do not run.)
Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
For washable chenille, rinse the stain under a steady stream of cold water until the water runs clear.
Check to see if the stain remains before drying as directed.
Concrete
To remove permanent marker from concrete, you’d basically follow the instructions for brick materials.
Make a 50-50 solution of baking soda and water.
Work into permanent marker stain with a soft-bristle brush.
Let sit for five minutes.
Rinse the concrete surface with clear water.
Corduroy
Blot the permanent marker stain with rubbing alcohol until it is removed from the corduroy upholstery.
Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
Check to see if the stain remains before drying as directed.
Cork
Buff the permanent marker stain out of the cork surface with a microfiber cloth.
If this doesn’t work, carefully draw over the marker with a dry-erase marker.
Wait a few seconds before wiping clean.
Wipe with a damp cloth, then wipe dry.
Cotton
For permanent marker on cotton upholstery, blot the stain with rubbing alcohol until removed.
(Always test first to avoid further damages.)
Sponge with clear cold water and blot dry.
To treat permanent marker on cotton clothes or towels, place stain facedown on paper towels.
Sponge rubbing alcohol on and around the back of the stain.
Change out paper towels as they absorb the stain.
Rinse with clear cold water.
Laminate Floor
Place a drop of rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and apply to stain.
Be careful to apply to the permanent marker stain only.
Wipe the floor with a barely damp cloth, then immediately wipe dry.
Linen
For permanent marker on linen upholstery, blot the stain with rubbing alcohol until removed.
Then, use a sponge with clear cold water and blot dry.
Blot stain with rubbing alcohol, rinse, and air-dry.
Rinse; let dry.
Blot with water, then pat dry.
Dry immediately with a hair dryer set to low.
Repeat as stain lifts before blotting with water when it’s gone.
Stainless Steel
Carefully draw over the mark with a dry-erase marker.
Wipe with a soft, clean cloth.
If the stain remains, dab the stain with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Suede
This is a tricky stain and is best left to a professional cleaner.
Point out the stain to your cleaner when you drop off the item.
Velvet
Blot the permanent marker stain with rubbing alcohol until it is removed from the upholstery.
Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
Blot stain with rubbing alcohol, rinse, and wash according to the garment label’s directions.
Rinse; let dry.
Wool
For wool, trycleaning with white vinegar.
Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon neutral detergent and 1 teaspoon white vinegar in a quart of warm water.
Blot stain on the wool surface with clear water.
Repeat as long as stain lifts.
If stain remains, blot with rubbing alcohol or a consumer dry-cleaning solvent.
