If you have kids, you are bound to get a permanent marker stain on a surface it shouldn’t be. And on dark surfaces it may not be a worry, however, on lighter surfaces and carpets it is more noticeable, and you may be wondering how to get it out. Here are a few tips and tricks to remove marker stains on various surfaces. It is always a good idea to test the desired method on a small inconspicuous space before applying it to the entire area.

 

 

 

Clothing, Fabric & Upholstery:

There are various options to choose from including: rubbing alcohol, hand sanitiser, hairspray, nail polish remover, white vinegar, and regular toothpaste (not gel). Start by putting an old towel on top to prevent the stain from spreading. Dab a bit of your stain remover of choice onto the stain and rub until the stain begins to fade. Rinse with water and repeat as necessary.

 

Wood furniture and wood floors:

Rubbing alcohol or toothpaste works best on these surfaces. Dab onto a cloth and rub until the stain fades.

 

Leather:

Leather furniture should be treated as soon as possible with hairspray or white vinegar. Apply the stain remover of choice directly onto the stain and then with a damp cloth rub the stain until it fades.

 

Carpets:

Rubbing alcohol works best on carpets but be sure to blot the stain with the alcohol rather than rubbing it to prevent the stain from spreading further into the fibers. Blot with a clean, damp cloth to lift the stain out of the carpet.

 

Walls:

Kids love walls – probably because they are a large canvas to show off their masterpiece ;). The best methods to remove these are hairspray, rubbing alcohol, or regular toothpaste (not gel). Be careful to rub gently to ensure you do not rub the paint off the wall.

 

Tiles:

Permanent marker comes off relatively easy off tiles by using hairspray, regular toothpaste, or hand sanitiser. For textured tiles, you may need to use a little more elbow grease and perhaps an old toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies.

 

No matter what item or material you’re dealing with you will be able to try one of these methods to get that stain right out and give you a little more piece of mind when your child has a marker in their hand.