Permanent markers are great for routine tasks and crafts, but it can be frustrating when they make marks on places where they don't belong, like walls and doors. You can use Magic Eraser for walls and doors to get out the stains, and there are other tricks that can work too. These methods will depend on the type of surface with which you are working.
Magic Eraser for Walls and Doors
Video of the Day
Even though Magic Erasers look like sponges, they are actually made from sodium bisulfite, formaldehyde and water mixed into melamine form and molded into a white rectangular shape. The abrasive surface of a Magic Eraser can clean virtually anything, but you have to be careful when using them on some kinds of surfaces.
Video of the Day
Magic Erasers work best on nonporous wall and door surfaces, like varnished wood, glass, tiles, plastics and metals. They can even remove dry-erase permanent marker stains. Who hasn't used a permanent marker on a dry erase board? If you want to use Magic Eraser for walls and other surfaces, though, do not use it on untreated wood, stainless steel, cloth, cardboard or paper.
Removing Sharpie Marks From Wood
To remove Sharpie stains from wood surfaces, there are a few recommended methods that use common household products. One is hair spray. Just spritz some hair spray onto the ink; once it dissolves, you can wipe it off with a clean cloth. Acetone-based nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol will also work but be sure to rub gently because scrubbing can damage the wood.
Baking soda or baking-soda-based toothpaste will also work but avoid gel-based toothpaste. You can combine baking soda with some water to make a paste and then rub it onto the marker spot. This is also safe for wood.
If you have a dry-erase board cleaning spray, this may also work to remove permanent marker stains. Do not use this on unfinished or natural wood surfaces, though. Finally, alcohol-based hand sanitizer gels can also be effective for removing Sharpie stains. Drop a little bit onto the stain and wipe it with a clean, soft cloth.
Removing Sharpie Stains From Clothing
If you got permanent marker stains on your favorite top or another article of clothing, don't despair. You may be able to clean it off so no one is the wiser. You can try to put the stain face down on clean paper towels and dip a clean sponge into rubbing alcohol.
Sponge it into the area surrounding the stain first to prevent the ink from spreading and then apply the sponge right on the stain. The ink should transfer into the paper towels, which can be replaced with fresh ones as you are working.
Wash the garment as usual but do not put it in the dryer. Let it air dry and see if there is any stain remaining. If there is, apply an ink stain remover product and rub it in with your nail or a stiff brush. Keep at it until the stain is gone. Wash it again and repeat the process if need be.