| How to Remove Permanent Marker from a Smooth Surface Aug 19th 2012, 08:00 Fortunately, permanent ink isn't always permanent when it comes to smooth surfaces. Provided the surface isn't too porous, one of these methods should prove useful in removing most, if not all, of the permanent marker stains. - 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. 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 method - Get a hold of any normal dry erase marker.
- 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.
- Rinse off with a cloth dipped into boiling soap water.
- 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.
- Wipe both marks away with a lint free cloth or micro fiber. Never use paper towels.
- 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 method - 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 (one time use).
Mr Clean Magic Eraser® sponge method If you have access to this product where you live, it can be a quick solution for smooth surfaces such as plastic. - 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.
- 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 method This method only works on very smooth surfaces. - Find a normal pencil eraser. Make sure that the eraser is clean (no pencil rubbings/color on it).
- Try erasing the surface to make sure that the eraser will not damage the surface.
- Erase the permanent marker area.
- Note that this method may not get permanent marker completely off. It tends to work only on really smooth surfaces––walls, unpolished wood, printing paper, and such, will usually not work.
Rubbing alcohol method - Obtain some rubbing alcohol (~70% Isopropanol) and a few paper towels.
- Either spill some rubbing alcohol on the surface or dab some of the paper towel in the alcohol. Then, start rubbing over the permanent marker area until it comes out (it may take a few reapplications) or it won't come out any more. (If the surface is not a tile or a hard surface, then you will want to possibly repaint walls or surfaces.)
Toothpaste method - Rub a small dollop of toothpaste on the wall. Let it dry. Once dried, take a toothbrush and rub the mark off. It should work.
- Toothpaste with baking soda in it works well. Just rub it over with an old toothbrush and then wipe the toothpaste off. It leaves a nice clean surface and smells nice too.
Aftershave method Aftershave can work well, thanks to its alcohol content. - Spray a little aftershave on the surface. Leave it for around a minute, then wipe clean. It may take a couple of applications.
Hair or body spray method - Get some spray––it can be any sort of spray. Hairspray or body spray will work, as will anything that lets out a gas when you spray it.
- Spray it over the mark. Then clean off the spray and mark with a cloth. Hopefully it's now completely clean.
Sunscreen - Simply put a little sunscreen on that permanent marker and wipe it away. A little kitchen cleaner will remove the sunscreen and you're back in business!
Nail polish remover - Use nail polish remover and a cotton swab. The acetone in the nail polish remover will take off the ingredients in the marker.
- 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 tooth brush 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. (Wal-mart, 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.
- 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.
Edit Warnings - Do not leave the dry erase marker on the surface for an extended period of time, otherwise that might stain too!
- 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.
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