To remove permanent marker, match the cleaner to the surface: start with isopropyl alcohol on a hidden spot of smooth, non-porous material; use a fabric-specific treatment on washable clothing; and take extra care with paint, varnish and other delicate finishes. Ink that has soaked into porous material may not come out cleanly.
Before you start: test the surface and contain the ink
Test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. Avery recommends this precaution because a solvent can affect the surface as well as the marker. Use a clean white cloth or paper towel, and dab or wipe from the outside of the mark toward the center to help keep pigment from spreading.
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- Begin with the mildest suitable method. For smooth, non-porous surfaces, isopropyl alcohol is a practical first solvent; stronger solvents can damage some finishes and plastics.
- Work carefully on absorbent materials. Ink can travel into pores or fibers, and liquid cleaner may spread the stain.
- On painted or coated surfaces, avoid aggressive rubbing. Abrasion or solvent can remove paint, sheen or a protective finish along with the mark.
- For alcohol or another solvent, follow product directions and provide ventilation. Do not let solvent pool around painted graphics or coatings.
Which method should you try on each surface?
| Surface | First approach | Main caution |
|---|---|---|
| Glass and smooth plastic | Isopropyl alcohol on a cloth; edding also lists ethanol and methylated spirit for smooth, non-porous surfaces. | Test first. Acetone can cloud or damage some plastics. |
| Metal and other non-porous surfaces | Wipe with alcohol on a clean cloth, then wipe away residue. | Keep solvent away from painted graphics and coatings. |
| Finished wood | Try isopropyl alcohol on a hidden spot, then cautiously on the mark. | The finish may react to the solvent. |
| Unfinished or porous wood | Expect limited results; removal may require sanding and refinishing. | Ink may penetrate the pores. |
| Washable clothing | Treat before washing or drying; consider alcohol-based hand sanitizer or a specialty remover. | Use bleach only on compatible white, bleach-safe fabric. |
| Painted walls and woodwork | Try a thin application of Amodex with a dry melamine eraser, then wipe with a damp cloth. | Use very light pressure to reduce the risk of dulling or removing paint. |
| Whiteboards | Try dry-erase cleaner or trace over the mark with a dry-erase marker and erase. | Avoid solvents that can remove the board finish. |
| Skin | Apply baby oil, then wash with soap and water. | Do not use industrial solvents as a skin-cleaning shortcut. |
How to remove marker from glass, plastic and metal
Glass and mirrors
Use a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol on smooth, non-porous glass. edding notes that marker can be removed from glass such as windows or mirrors only when the surface is smooth and non-porous. Textured, etched or otherwise porous glass may retain ink in its surface.
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Start with isopropyl alcohol on a cloth and test an unseen area. edding lists ethanol and methylated spirit as options for smooth, non-porous plastic too, but isopropyl alcohol is the sensible first choice. Do not jump to acetone: it is stronger and can cloud or damage some plastics. Use it only when you know the specific plastic tolerates it.
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Metal and other non-porous surfaces
Wipe the mark with alcohol on a clean cloth, then wipe away residue. If the metal has a painted design, coating or finish, keep the solvent localized and test first; solvent left to pool can affect those layers.
How to remove marker from wood
Finished or sealed wood
A surface mark on finished wood may lift with isopropyl alcohol, but test an inconspicuous spot first: the solvent can react with the finish. Apply it to a cloth rather than soaking the wood, and stop if the finish changes.
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- WORKS WELL: The ink and stain remover works on the toughest stains; from inks and ballpoint to gel, permanent marker, wine, grass, blood, grease, coffee, baby formula, food, and more.
- MULTIPLE USE: The formula is designed for use on clothing, carpeting, furniture, fabric, tablecloths, upholstery, and other delicate surfaces and skin.
- PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH: Ink remover uses the latest innovation for removing stains. The only SHARPIE RECOMMENDED stain remover on the market! Satisfaction guaranteed! Follow bottle instructions; it’s that simple. Bottle size: 1 fluid ounces (0.1 quarts).
- MADE IN THE USA by Amodex, a Woman-Owned family business since the 1950s.
- PRO TIP: Increase effectiveness by allowing Amodex to remain on a stain for 1-12 hours (use your discretion) before laundering. As long as a stain lightens after a long application, you can repeat applications to continue removing the stain.
Unfinished or porous wood
Marker can sink into open wood pores, so wiping may not remove it. edding says ink on porous wood may be impossible to remove without sanding and refinishing. If the mark has penetrated below the surface, avoid repeatedly wetting the area in hopes of lifting it all.
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How to remove marker from clothing and other washable fabric
Treat the stain before washing, and do not put the item in a dryer until you have checked the result. Clorox’s guidance starts with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Its next step is a bleach solution only for compatible white, bleach-safe fabric: 1/4 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water for 5 minutes, followed by washing according to the care label and air-drying. Never bleach wool, silk, mohair, leather or spandex.
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- SAFE TO USE on plastics, fabric, and clothing. Power through stains and marks from messy kids. Stain treater is packaged in an 8-ounce bottle.
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- EASY TO USE: Simply apply Goof Off directly to the stain and allow it to penetrate for at least one minute. Wipe off with an absorbent cloth or wash fabric as directed.
If bleach is unsuitable, Amodex offers a non-bleach route: apply the specialty remover, work it into the stain, then rinse or launder according to the product directions. Check the garment care label and test a hidden area before treating a visible section. On absorbent fabric, solvent can spread ink, and a stain that has been dried may be harder to remove.
How to remove marker from painted walls and woodwork
Amodex recommends applying a thin coat and rubbing with a dry melamine eraser, then wiping the area with a damp cloth. On paint, use very light pressure: a melamine eraser is abrasive and can remove paint or reduce sheen. Test a hidden area first, especially on matte paint or a delicate finish, and stop if the surface starts to change.
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- WORKS WELL: The ink and stain remover works on the toughest stains; from inks and ballpoint to gel, permanent marker, wine, grass, blood, grease, coffee, baby formula, food, and more.
- MULTIPLE USE: The formula is designed for use on clothing, carpeting, furniture, fabric, tablecloths, upholstery, and other delicate surfaces and skin.
- PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH: Ink remover uses the latest innovation for removing stains. The only SHARPIE RECOMMENDED stain remover on the market! Satisfaction guaranteed! Follow bottle instructions; it’s that simple. Bottle size: 4 fluid ounces (0.1 quarts).
- MADE IN THE USA by Amodex, a Woman-Owned family business since the 1950s.
- PRO TIP: Increase effectiveness by allowing Amodex to remain on a stain for 1-12 hours (use your discretion) before laundering. As long as a stain lightens after a long application, you can repeat applications to continue removing the stain.
How to remove permanent marker from a whiteboard
- Try a dry-erase board cleaner, or trace over the permanent mark with a dry-erase marker and erase it.
- If residue remains, use isopropyl alcohol on a cloth.
- Rinse the area with clear water and dry it.
These steps follow Steelcase’s whiteboard guidance. Avoid acetone, MEK, lacquer thinner and nail-polish remover: Steelcase warns they can remove the board’s finish.
How to remove permanent marker from skin
Sharpie Consumer Care recommends applying baby oil and washing it away with soap and water. Its answer, dated June 15, 2022, does not recommend industrial solvents for skin. Do not use a surface-cleaning solvent on skin simply because it works on glass or metal.
When permanent marker may not come out
Removal depends on whether ink is sitting on a smooth surface or has been absorbed into it. Avery notes that absorbed ink can be impossible to remove cleanly, and that solvents may spread stains on absorbent materials. Porous wood, unsealed stone, some fabrics and delicate painted finishes are especially difficult cases. There is no validated success-rate figure in the cited guidance, so no method can promise complete removal.
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