Permanent Marker Stain Removal

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, removing permanent marker is difficult, but not impossible. The 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 marker pens. The pen can be used to write on a variety of surfaces, including paper, metal, glass and stone.

Permanent Marker Stain Removal
Though difficult, permanent marker stain removal can be carried out with the help of high pressure cleaning and some paint thinning solvents like acetone. The household products that can be used for permanent marker removal from clothes, wall and other surfaces include, pencil eraser, hairspray, nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, acetone, etc. However, some of these products may not be able to completely remove the stain, left by permanent marker pens. But, they would be effective to lighten the stain considerably, so that, it no longer remains noticeable.

Permanent Marker Removal from Walls and other Surfaces
The stains left by permanent marker can look particularly unsightly on your wall. To get them off, 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 and you can observe that the stain on your wall is fading. If the stain is still there on the wall, you have to repeat the same procedure. Another common household product that can also be used to achieve this purpose is, hairspray. The spray contains alcohol and hence, it too can remove permanent marker stain.

If these products fail to remove the stain, you can try acetone and paint thinners like, mineral spirit and turpentine. However, if used on colored wall, paint thinners can lighten the color of the wall at that particular area. Pressure washers can also help, but make sure that the surface is not made of a sensitive or delicate material like, marble. A homemade permanent marker remover can be made, by combining toothpaste and baking soda and it can be used on both walls and furniture. More on marble stain removal.

Permanent Marker Removal from Clothes
For permanent marker stain removal from clothes, you can employ several products, including acetone, nail polish remover, bleach and even citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. If the clothing is not colored, then you can easily remove those permanent marker stains with bleach. But, if your garment is colored, then you have to think about some other ways to get rid of these stains. You can use acetone or rubbing alcohol on the spot. But, do not pour it directly, instead soak a cotton ball in acetone or rubbing alcohol and then gently rub the stain.

In the same way, nail polish remover can also be used. But put a cloth on the underside of the stain while applying nail polish remover. Make sure that it is not a delicate piece of cloth before applying chemicals like alcohol, acetone or nail polish remover. Another effective natural cleaning products are citrus fruits. Just pour some lemon or orange juice on the stain and then rub it gently. If it is silk or satin garment, then dilute the juice before applying on the stain. Find out more information on removing stains from clothes and stain removal from clothes.

Permanent Marker Removal from Leather
Leather products are always a bit difficult to clean, without causing any damage. This is because, substances like alcohol are not very suitable to be used on leather, as it would lighten the color of leather. But, a product with a slightly high concentration of alcohol can be used, especially to remove tough stains. Such a product is body spray, that can be used for permanent marker stain removal. But do not scrub your leather item, in an attempt to take those stains off quickly. If it is not a very tough stain, you can also use sunscreen lotion on it. After cleaning the stained area, condition it with a suitable leather conditioner. Another product that can be used for removing marker stain from leather and wooden furniture is, melamine foam sponge. Know more about leather cleaning.

For permanent marker stain removal from smooth surfaces like computer and TV screen and refrigerator door, you can use a pencil eraser. The above mentioned substances, like rubbing alcohol, sunscreen lotion, hairspray, body spray and nail polish remover, can also be used for permanent marker stain removal from skin. To sum up, permanent marker stain removal can be a bit tricky, but not impossible. While applying any kind of cleaning product on delicate clothing and leather items, be sure to apply it first on an inconspicuous area of the object, to ensure that it can be used safely.