The ink or the solvent used in permanent markers is water resistant. So, the permanent marker stains cannot be wiped away with water. Rather, you will need some special products, like acetone, rubbing alcohol, or paint thinner for permanent marker stain removal.
A permanent marker is a type of marker pen with a liquid or ink that is water resistant. So, you can imagine how difficult it would be to remove permanent marker stains from clothing, walls, and furniture, with the regular cleaning methods. However, this task is difficult, but not impossible. A marker pen usually contains a solvent, like toluene, xylene, or alcohol. Nowadays, alcohol like ethanol or isopropanol is primarily used as a solvent in permanent markers, and these pens can be used to write on a variety of surfaces, including paper, metal, glass, and stone.
Getting Rid of Permanent Marker Stains
Though difficult, it is possible to remove these stains with the help of high pressure cleaning and some paint thinning solvents like acetone. The products that can be used to remove stains from clothes, walls, and other surfaces are, pencil erasers, hair sprays, nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, acetone, etc. However, some of these products may not be able to completely remove the stains left by the permanent marker pens. But, they can help lighten the stain considerably, so that it becomes less noticeable.
From Walls and Other Surfaces
Permanent marker stains can look particularly unsightly on your walls. To remove these stains, you can employ rubbing alcohol. Just apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the stain, and place a paper towel on it. The towel would absorb the stain. If the stain is still there on the wall, you have to repeat the same procedure. Another common household product that can be used for this purpose is a hair spray, as it also contains alcohol.
If these products fail to remove the stain, you can try acetone and paint thinners, like mineral spirits and turpentine. However, if used on a colored wall, paint thinners can lighten the color of the wall on that particular area. Pressure washers can also help, but make sure that the surface is not made of a delicate material like marble. A homemade stain remover can be made by combining a small amount of toothpaste and baking soda, which can be used on both walls and furniture.
From Clothes
You can use acetone, nail polish remover, bleach, and even citrus fruits like lemons and oranges to remove permanent marker stains from clothes. If the clothes are not colored, you can easily remove the stains with bleach. But bleach cannot be used on colored clothes, as it can ruin the color. You can also use acetone or rubbing alcohol for removing stains from clothes. But do not pour it directly on the cloth. Instead, soak a cotton ball in acetone or rubbing alcohol, and then gently rub the stain with it.
Even nail polish remover can be used for this purpose. But be sure to put a cloth on the underside of the stain while applying nail polish remover. Make sure that the clothing is not made from delicate fibers, before using chemicals like alcohol, acetone, or nail polish remover for stain removal. Another effective product is citrus fruits. Just pour some lemon or orange juice on the stain, and rub it gently. But be sure to dilute the juice before using it on silk or satin garments.
From Leather
Leather products are always a bit difficult to clean, as substances like alcohol are not very suitable to be used on leather. But a body spray with a slightly high concentration of alcohol can be used to remove tough stains from leather. However, do not scrub your leather item in an attempt to take those stains off. If it is not a very tough stain, you can also use a sunscreen lotion for this purpose. After cleaning the stained area, condition it with a suitable leather conditioner. Another product that can be used for removing marker stains from leather and wooden furniture is melamine foam sponge.
To remove stains from smooth surfaces, like computer and TV screen, and the refrigerator door, you can use a pencil eraser. Substances like rubbing alcohol, sunscreen lotions, hair sprays, body sprays, and nail polish remover can also be used for stain removal from skin. To sum up, this task can be a bit tricky, but not impossible. While applying any kind of cleaning products on delicate clothing and leather items, be sure to apply it first on an inconspicuous area to make sure that it can be used safely.
