Fighting with a stain from a Sharpie or permanent marker? We can help!
When you’re in a rush, it’s all too easy to leave a permanent marker uncapped and catch it later on a sleeve or skirt. And then you’re stuck with a stain that feels almost impossible to remove.
But if you’re struggling, read on to learn how to remove permanent marker stains.
6 Quick & Easy Ways to Get Sharpie Out of Your Clothes
In this article, we’ll explain how you can remove Sharpie stains from your clothes, and what products can help make that process easier. Before you apply any chemical to your clothes, test it on a small obscure area to check that it doesn’t damage the fabric.
Different chemicals can have different effects depending on the fabric, the permanent marker brand, how long the stain has been there, and the ink color. Be careful when removing stains, and place a paper towel under the stain before applying any kind of chemical to it to stop the dye from transferring.
Rubbing Alcohol
If you have a first aid kit nearby, you might be able to use rubbing alcohol. Most brands of rubbing alcohol are made with 70% isopropyl alcohol, so it’s an ideal choice for this. They’re also anti-septic, so they can help you keep your clothes clean at the same time. Many of our first aid and health supplies include rubbing alcohol and other vital supplies to help you keep yourself safe (and clean your clothes).
Dampen a cotton ball or cloth with rubbing alcohol and carefully dab the stain from the outside. The ink should transfer from your clothes onto the cloth or cotton ball. It’s best to use a paper towel or microfibre towel to soak up the alcohol and ink from the stain.
Hairspray
Hairspray is another commonly found product that can remove permanent marker stains. Spray the area liberally with hairspray and let it sit for 15 minutes, then dab or blot the stain to remove the ink. Hairspray is also much more effective on synthetic fabrics like polyester.
Before applying it to larger stains, you should always test the hairspray in a small, obscure spot. Some brands of hairspray can leave odd marks or stains on the fabric, so be careful. Try to avoid hairsprays with strong scents or colors, as you don’t want to bleach or damage the fabric further.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is another effective option, but you need an alcohol-based sanitizer for the best effect. Purell’s gel has no parabens, phthalates or preservatives, so it is less likely to damage your clothes when you apply it. It also has moisturizing properties.
To remove the stain, just apply a small amount of hand sanitizer to the stain and use a cloth or tissue to blot away the ink. It should lift away with the cloth. Avoid sanitizers with additional scents or colorings, as those can transfer to the fabric.
At BuyDirect we offer a wide range of hand sanitizers and dispensers perfect for any workplace.
Baking Soda Paste
You can also use baking soda and water to remove a stubborn permanent marker stain: mix the two into a thick paste, then gently apply it to the stain, rubbing it in a circular motion. You can let this sit for up to an hour.
Once that hour is up, rinse the paste away with cold water. You can then wash your clothes as you usually would to remove any remnants of ink or baking soda paste from the fabric. The stain should have disappeared or faded.
You can find baking soda options in our Odor Control section on our website.
White Vinegar
If you don’t have access to rubbing alcohol or baking soda, you can always try white vinegar. Dampen a cloth or cotton ball in undiluted white vinegar, then dab it onto the stain. Switch out the cloth as the ink transfers.
You might have to repeat the process a few times, but once the stain is gone, you can rinse out the vinegar with cold water and wash your clothes as usual.
For very tough stains, try using a mix of white vinegar and dish soap. This technique is especially effective on synthetic materials. We sell a range of cleaners and detergents at Buy Direct, so you’re sure to find something you can use to remove a stain with us.
Stain Remover
You can also use a high-quality stain remover on permanent marker stains, though some brands are less effective than others. Most stain removers are designed for whiteboards and hard surfaces, but can also be used on clothing. They can usually also remove nail polish and other harsh chemicals from clothing and upholstery.
Always check the label before you use a stain remover. Make sure you understand how to use it, how long to leave it on for, what materials it can be used for, and any potential issues it could cause. You should also be aware that some harsh chemicals can damage fragile fabrics like silk or linen.
Get Stain Removal Solutions at BuyDirect
Worried about a permanent marker stain? The quicker you act, the more likely you are to be able to get rid of it entirely. And stains can have a huge impact on your self-image, and affect how professional you look in the workplace, so it’s vital that you sort them before they become a larger problem.
At BuyDirect, we offer a wide range of office and janitorial supplies designed for any workplace. And it’s easy to order anything you need. If you’re a Mission customer, you can even get exclusive discounts.
FAQs
Need some clarification? Don’t stress. We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about permanent marker stain removal to help you out.
How Do I Increase My Chances of Getting Rid of a Sharpie Stain Entirely?
You need to act quickly. When permanent ink comes into contact with fabric, it seeps into the fibres. The ink often uses an alcohol-based formula that dries quickly and holds dyes more effectively than water-based alternatives.
That’s also why rubbing alcohol works so well on permanent marker stains: the dyes are designed to dissolve in alcohol. If you can, use an alcohol-based solution (either rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer) to remove the stain, as it will be more effective than other techniques.
Once the stain has been removed, wash your clothes as usual. That’ll remove harsh chemicals and may even lift some of the remaining ink from the fabric.
Why Are Permanent Marker Stains So Hard to Remove?
Anyone who’s ever fought to remove a particularly resistant stain knows that it’s incredibly difficult to remove permanent marker stains completely. But why?
Put simply, the pigments in permanent marker ink are designed to stick. They won’t dissolve in water and won’t transfer easily to a cloth or piece of cotton.
Can a Permanent Marker Stain Other Materials?
It can! Permanent marker ink can stain porous materials like fabric and wood, and non-porous materials like ceramic or glass (which is why you shouldn't use permanent markers on a dry-erase board).
Permanent markers can even stain your skin, though that should fade within a few days thanks to your body's natural processes.