How to Remove Sharpie From Clothing, Walls and More

Wondering how to remove sharpie from objects in your home? Permanent markers are great tools, but they can also create tough stains. Read on to learn natural methods for getting rid of sharpie marks.

Permanent marker stains can be a pain to clean, particularly if they stain items which are not often washed, like walls or furniture. There are several natural ways to remove the stain from a variety of places, but the method you use will depend on the material affected by the stain. Read on to find out how to remove sharpie stains from skin, fabric, furniture and more.

1. Furniture: How to Remove Sharpie From Upholstery

Baking soda is your best friend when it comes to couch covers, as well as other textiles and upholstery that have been stained by permanent marker. Sprinkle some baking soda on the textile then use a toothbrush or small cleaning brush to scrub it into the permanent marker stain before vacuuming or wiping it off. You may have to repeat this process several times. Baking soda is a natural ingredient that will not leave harmful chemicals behind and is often already in your cupboard.

2. Skin

Permanent marker stains on skin can be easily removed by dabbing a bit of coconut oil or natural sunscreen on the stain and rubbing in a circle until it starts to come off. The oil should bind with the sharpie to help remove it. Coconut oil has many benefits beyond sharpie removal and, most importantly, will not harm your skin. 

3. Walls

In order to remove the permanent marker stain without peeling away the wall paint, swap your chemical cleaner for lemon oil. A few dabs on a clean rag will remove that stain. Wipe the stain with the rag in circular motions until the stain has dissipated. A chemical cleaner is often so strong that it will peel the paint from the walls, but lemon oil is less harmful and its natural acidity should remove that tough permanent marker stain without the paint coming away. 

4. Leather: How to Remove Sharpie from Chairs, Backpacks, and Shoes

You can remove a permanent marker stain from leather by using a dab of white vinegar and a clean rag. Dab the rag into the vinegar and then let the rag with vinegar sit over the permanent marker stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with a different clean, dry rag. Vinegar is a natural substance that can penetrate the leather’s pores to remove the stain but shouldn’t harm the leather itself. 

5. Laminate and Plastic

If the permanent marker stained laminate or plastic, use a rag and a dab of vegetable oil. Dab the rag into a bit of vegetable oil. Cover the stain with the rag for a few minutes to let the oil soak down. Rub the spot in circles in order to wipe away. If there is an oily film left over, wipe down with a clean rag and soapy water.

6. Wood

If permanent marker has ended up on your cabinets or on other wooden furniture, dab some orange essential oil on a clean rag and then dab the rag onto the stain. Let the oil from the rag sit on the wooden surface for a few minutes. Then wipe the stain away with a new rag (or a clean part of the orange dabbed rag). Orange oil is a natural substance that should not harm the wood and will also usually leave a pleasant odor behind and a slight shine on the wood.

7. Tile

If your permanent marker stain is on tile, you can use white natural toothpaste to clear it away. Simply dab the toothpaste on the spot and use a small brush or toothbrush to work it into the tile. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then wipe away.

8. Clothes: How to Remove Sharpie From T-Shirts, Jeans and More

If you already have milk at home, you can try putting the garment in a bowl with some milk (fill to cover the garment) and let it soak overnight. Use a small toothbrush or cleaner brush and dip it in the milk to scrub the stain away. Then wash the garment as usual. Milk works like dish soap in that it pulls out contaminants, which makes it a simple, but effective cleaner.

Note: We do not recommend you buy milk specifically for this purpose. If you wish to avoid using chemicals, milk is a possible solution for stains. However, be sure to always check where your milk is coming from. Milk production can be harmful to animals and the environment.

Read on:

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Tags: Cleaning DIY Guide Remedy