Remove Permanent Marker from a Smooth Surface

Permanent ink can be difficult to remove, but it doesn't have to be permanent after all. Provided the surface isn't too porous, one of these methods should prove useful in removing most, if not all, permanent marker stains.

Steps

  1. Check the surface before proceeding. The suggested methods should only be used on non-porous surfaces, otherwise there is a risk of making the stain even worse or damaging the surface. Test the method or product you choose on a sample where any damage caused won't be noticeable. Do this test before using on a wall or other exposed area of furniture, items, the floor, etc.
    • Do not attempt to use the suggested methods on porous surfaces, including unfinished or lightly finished wood, fabric, unpolished stone, paper, plaster walls, leather, unfinished ceramics, rough paint, etc. Each of these surfaces will likely have absorbed the stain already and you'll only be making things messier.
    • It's recommended that you start with the least invasive solvent/cleaner first. Some of the solvents/chemicals below will destroy certain surfaces. Others may even allow the ink to go deeper into the surface, making it more difficult to remove later. Anything that deals with dry powders, toothpaste, or abrasive cleaners may permanently scratch the surface. Some solvents listed will "melt" certain plastics.

Dry erase marker

  1. Get a hold of any normal dry erase marker.
  2. Test the dry erase marker on an inconspicuous area of the surface you want cleaned to see if it wipes off cleanly. Wait a minute or so before testing, so that the ink has time to dry.
  3. Rinse off with a cloth dipped into boiling soap water.
  4. Draw over the entire dried permanent marker stain with the dry erase marker. Give it 5 or so seconds for the marker to dry completely, otherwise it will smear.
  5. Wipe both marks away with a lint free cloth or micro fiber. Never use paper towels.
  6. If the mark has been dried on for several days, repeat steps 3 and 4 more than once and perhaps with more pressure to wipe it off.

Whiteboard Marker

  1. Use a whiteboard marker to remove permanent marker on smooth surfaces. It is very easy and quick. But only do this if you're okay about tossing the marker, as the the marker used will be spoiled.

Mr Clean Magic Eraser® Sponge

If you have access to this product where you live, it can be a quick solution for smooth surfaces such as plastic.

  1. Purchase a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge. If your local stores don't have it, look for online sellers who can send to where you live.
  2. Follow the package instructions. It should take less than 10 seconds to fix. Don't use either item alone or else it will not work; combine both.

Pencil Eraser

This method only works on very smooth surfaces.

  1. Find a normal pencil eraser. Make sure that the eraser is clean (no pencil rubbings/color on it).
  2. Try gently erasing the surface to make sure that the eraser will not damage the surface.
  3. Erase the permanent marker area.
  4. Note that this method may not completely remove all of the ink that has permeated thru imperfections in the surface.

Rubbing alcohol

  1. Pour some rubbing alcohol on the surface and dab a clean dry paper towel in the alcohol. Rub and dab paper towel over the permanent marker area until the ink is fully absorbed by the alcohol and paper towel, or until no more ink will absorb. You may repeat the process with a new paper towel and alcohol multiple times. Some ink still may remain.

Toothpaste

  1. Rub a small dollop of toothpaste on the ink spot on the wall. Let it dry. Once dried, take a toothbrush and rub the toothpaste in a circular motion over the ink spot, periodically rinsing the toothbrush in clean warm water. Baking soda or toothpaste with baking soda may also be used.

Aftershave

Aftershave can work well, thanks to its alcohol content.

  1. Spray a little aftershave on the surface. Leave it for a minute, then wipe clean with a wet clean cloth or paper towel. Multiple applications may be necessary.

Hair Spray or Body Spray

  1. Choose a hair spray or body spray that has a high alcohol content to spray on the ink spot. This may be a spray previously purchased at a discount store. Spray it well. Some ink may begin to run, so be ready with a wet cloth or paper towel to wipe it clean. Multiple applications may be necessary.

Sunscreen

  1. Apply one or two sprays of sunscreen on the ink spot and wipe it away with a clean cloth or paper towel. A regular kitchen cleanser or dish detergent and warm water on a cloth or paper towel will remove the sunscreen.

Nail Polish Remover

  1. Use nail polish remover and a cotton swab. The acetone in the nail polish remover will take off the ingredients in the marker.

Coffee

  1. Use plain old coffee. Brew the coffee and do not add anything to it. Apply it the same way as a cleanser. The acid in the coffee will take off the ingredients in the marker.

Window Cleanser

  1. Use a regular window cleanser or kitchen cleanser. Spray a little on a paper towel or spray directly on the spot. If sprayed on the spot, be prepared to wipe away ink that runs down the wall.
  2. Press and hold the dampened paper towel on the surface. Wipe. It should be gone.

WD40

  1. Use WD-40. Spray onto a soft cloth.
  2. Wipe over the permanent marker.
  3. Finish with dish soap to remove the residue of the WD-40.

Tips

  • Other general household items that might work include:
    • Foaming hand soap and body splash might work.
    • Try using a rag with a touch of gasoline (petrol)––it works wonderfully, although it's not the healthiest option.
    • Tea tree oil can work on some surfaces.
    • Try plain hand sanitizer such as germ-ex––not the creamy hand lotion types. Simply squirt it on, let it sit for a few seconds, and wipe it off.
    • Deodorant can work really well. Try spraying some deodorant on the smooth surface and wipe it off with a paper towel.
  • For unpainted wood, sprinkle some baking soda over the area and then wipe it off with a paper towel soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
  • Some specific commercial products that might work include:
    • 409 and other kitchen cleaners but only for certain surfaces (for example, video game cartridge surfaces).
    • Dow scrubbing bubbles also works, yet depending on the surface, it might damage the finish if left too long.
    • Spray-on bug repellent with a 20% DEET or more concentration. It dissolves easily and be sure to clean the surface with soap afterward.
    • Goof Off. Goof Off removes marker from plastic toys: Red marker comes off easily, blue marker needs a few more applications. Black marker will stay on very light. Try baking soda and an old toothbrush once it is as light as it gets with Goof Off.
    • Hoppes Number 9 gun cleaning solvent is also a great solvent for such tasks. It can be found in any store that sells cleaning kits for guns. (Walmart, hardware stores, etc.).
    • A useful alternative is Lysol(R) disinfectant spray. Spray a liberal amount on the marker, allow to set for a few seconds and wipe clean. Repeat if necessary to remove any remaining marks. Also try removing any excess marker with steel wool with the Lysol but do not rub too hard or you'll scratch the surface.
    • Whiteboard cleaner spray will often do the trick.
    • Use carburetor cleaner, but be careful, this is toxic. You can buy it in any auto supply store; just spray it on the marked surface and it will wipe off clean. Beware though––it will "eat" some surfaces.
    • Using rubbing compound can remove the marks. This is an automobile polishing product used to rub small scratches out of an enamel painted surface.
    • When all else fails buy MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) at Home Depot––it will take off the permanent marker.
  • Disinfectant liquids work well. Take a few drops and put it on a cotton cloth. Rub it on the permanent marker stain and the stain disappears. Only for very very smooth surfaces.

Warnings

  • Take extreme caution before trying any of the above tips for your computer monitor if your monitor is a flat screen plasma type. Using certain chemical based products may cause more damage. When cleaning, do not press down either with a cloth, your finger, the dry erase marker, or anything else, as this may cause damage to the screen as well as possible injury to yourself. It may be better to seek professional help or even simply replace your monitor instead of trying to clean it. These tips may work better for non-flat screen monitors.
  • Do not leave dry erase marker on the surface for an extended period of time, otherwise that might stain too.

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