10 Clever Hacks To Remove Permanent Marker From Any Surface

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By Cloie Moore

Family Handyman's Editorial Process

Updated on May 28, 2025

What removes permanent markers? These expert-approved hacks use everyday items to erase stains from walls, plastic, fabric and more.

Using permanent markers can be risky—one small slip up and suddenly you’re frantically searching for what removes permanent markers from your furniture, walls or clothing.

But don’t panic! Just like dealing with tough vinyl stains, removing permanent markers is completely doable with the right approach. Here, you’ll find effective ways to remove permanent markers when it ends up on unintended surfaces in your home.

How to Clean Permanent Marker With Common Household Items

When a permanent marker goes rogue on your countertops, clothes or cabinets, don’t worry—just head to your kitchen or bathroom. What removes permanent markers might already be in your cabinets. Vinegar, rubbing alcohol, baking soda and even hand sanitizer are all surprisingly effective at removing permanent marker stains.

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Laminate Countertop and Kitchen Cabinets

Vegetable oil works perfectly to carefully remove permanent marker stains from laminate surfaces without harming the finish or leaving a cloudy residue. It’s one of the easiest DIY permanent marker removal hacks, especially when used with a soft cloth and a bit of patience.

It also works wonders on other surfaces like painted kitchen cabinets. Use a cotton ball to apply it to the stain and scrub it off with circular motions. Repeat as needed until the marker is gone; then wipe off the excess oil with a damp cloth.

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Leather Surfaces

How to clean permanent marker from leather items? Distilled white vinegar is a great way to remove stains without damaging the material.

Let a small amount sit on the stain for a few minutes so it can break down the ink, then gently wipe it away using a damp cloth and circular motions. This method works well for leather furniture and complements other natural cleaning techniques, if you’re learning how to clean permanent markers and keep delicate surfaces looking their best.

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Clothing

Before tossing your permanent marker-stained clothes into the trash, try dabbing the spot with hairspray that contains alcohol. It will help to break down the stain more aggressively than your normal laundry detergent. Let the hairspray sit on the stain for several minutes before washing in the washing machine.

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Couch and Chair Cushions

Accidentally getting permanent marker on your upholstery may seem like a disaster, but sprinkling some baking soda on the mark and scrubbing it with a toothbrush will do the trick. Repeat this simple process until the stain is fully removed.

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Carpet

Removing permanent markers from carpet is simple with a little nail polish remover. Be sure to dab (not smear) it over the stained area, and swap out for a clean cloth as you go so you don’t put marker back into the carpet you have just cleaned.

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Whiteboard

Accidentally using a permanent marker on a whiteboard is a common mistake, and it’s actually easy to fix. To remove the stain, color over the permanent marker stain with a whiteboard marker, and it should easily wipe away with a whiteboard eraser. Bonus tip: This trick also works to remove permanent markers from stainless steel appliances!

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Plastic

Go ahead and label your plastic containers with a permanent marker. When you want to remove it, just reach for some hand sanitizer. A small squirt of hand sanitizer rubbed over the stain with a paper towel should take it right off.

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Walls

Lemon is a well-known natural cleaner for your home, and lemon essential oil is great for removing permanent markers on painted walls. The acidic lemon and oil work together to gently coax the stain off of the surface without removing the paint. Plus it smells great!

FAQs About Removing Permanent Marker

What removes permanent markers from skin safely?

Ever have a Sharpie leak on your hands while writing? It’s frustrating, for sure, but it’s also easy to erase with makeup remover wipes. Simply rub the wipes in a circular motion over the stain to lift the stain off the skin. Another option is standard rubbing alcohol, but that may irritate sensitive skin.

When it comes to what removes permanent markers safely from skin, gentle, alcohol-based solutions tend to work best without causing dryness or discomfort.

According to Healthline, baby oil, olive oil, whitening toothpaste, and sea salt scrub can also help remove permanent marker stains from the skin.

How do you clean permanent markers off wood?

Rubbing alcohol is excellent when applied with a soft cloth—simply dab gently on the stain and wipe away as the ink dissolves. Hand sanitizer contains similar active ingredients and can be used in a pinch with the same dabbing technique.

For stubborn stains, try an alcohol-based hairspray or acetone-based nail polish remover. After treatment, consider using natural furniture cleaners to restore the wood’s shine without harsh chemicals.

Can I remove permanent markers from walls without stripping paint?

Yes, you can safely remove permanent markers from walls without damaging the paint. For best results, try rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth or a cotton ball, gently dabbing the mark rather than scrubbing hard. For a gentler approach, especially on matte or flat finishes, try a baking soda paste or a few drops of lemon essential oil on a cotton ball.

Sources:

• Healthline: “Removing Permanent Marker from Your Skin”
• HGTV: “How to Get Permanent Marker Off Wood”
• Dengarden: “How to Remove Permanent Marker From a Painted Wall”