Permanent markers like Sharpies are great when used correctly, but getting the ink out of surfaces you didn’t mean to mark up can be a hassle.
But don’t worry: Just follow this advice and you’ll be on your way to removing permanent market from a variety of places it shouldn’t be!
How to remove permanent marker from common household items
When it comes to removing Sharpie permanent marker stains, the trick is to know which solvent will do the best job lifting the unwanted ink.
The tips below — courtesy of the Recipes from Heaven Facebook page — will help you remove Sharpie and other permanent marker stains from pretty much any surface. The best part is that you probably already have most of these items in your house, so there’s no need to spend money on expensive solvents.
| Surface to clean | Remedy |
| Clothing | Hand sanitizer |
| Walls | Toothpaste or hair spray |
| Wood | Rubbing alcohol |
| Carpet | White vinegar |
| Furniture | Milk |
| Whiteboard | Dry erase marker or pencil eraser |
| Ceramic/glass | One part toothpaste with one part baking soda |
| Fiberglass | Windex or acetone |
| Plastic | Toothpaste or oil sheen hair spray |
Of course, there’s one ingredient missing from this list: Good old-fashioned elbow grease!
Try using a textured sponge to rub the appropriate solvent into the Sharpie permanent market stain. An old toothbrush or cloth can work just as well, too.
While some stains take a little more effort to remove than other, with the right supplies you can restore pretty much any surface back to normal (or at least get very close).
More tips and tricks for cleaning up messes:
