How to Remove Sharpie from Almost Any Surface

Got a Sharpie stain? Don't panic! From clothes and walls to furniture and glass, this helpful list of cleaning methods shows you the easiest ways to remove permanent marker from nearly any surface.

Sharpies are among the best permanent markers you can buy-but that's also the problem. They’re permanent! If you accidentally get Sharpie on a surface it shouldn't be on, it can be tough to remove.

Luckily, there are some tried-and-true tricks for getting rid of Sharpie stains from almost any material. Here are some of the most effective methods:

Sharpie Removal Tips by Surface or Material

• Clothing:
  Hand Sanitizer works well. Apply it over the stain, let it sit, and gently dab (don't scrub!). Wash the item afterward to remove any residue.
• Skin:
  Use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover to clean Sharpie off skin easily.
• Countertops (non-porous):
  Nail polish remover is effective, but test a small area first to ensure it won't damage the surface.
• Wood:
  Try tea tree oil, rubbing alcohol, or non-gel toothpaste. These work well without staining the wood.
• Walls:
  Use non-gel toothpaste or a magic eraser. Hairspray (water-soluble) can also work-just be careful not to create a sticky mess!
• Upholstered Furniture:
  Your best option to try first is blotting with rubbing alcohol, but test first on an inconspicuous spot. Another good option, especially for microsude, is to dab a cloth in a small amount of milk and gently blot the stain. Don't soak it-rinse well afterward.
• Plastic (e.g. binders, toys):
  Use acetone or try the dry erase marker trick: Color over the Sharpie with a dry erase marker, let it dry, then wipe clean.
• Whiteboards:
  The dry erase marker trick is very effective here. Just write over the Sharpie with a dry erase marker and wipe it off!
• Carpet:
  Apply white vinegar, dab until the stain lifts, then rinse with water using a clean cloth.
• Glass or Ceramics:
  Mix equal parts toothpaste and baking soda. Scrub gently and rinse clean.

Final Tips

• Always test a small, hidden area first before applying any cleaning product to a surface.
• Dab, don't scrub, especially on fabric or soft materials to prevent spreading the stain.
• Consider wearing gloves when working with alcohol or acetone.