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How to Remove Permanent Marker from Your Shoes Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Using Distilled White Vinegar on Fabric 2 Removing Stains from Leather with Sunscreen 3 Using a Magic Eraser to Remove Stains Other Sections Expert Q&A VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Rio Jongsae Kim
Last Updated: December 19, 2024
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This article was co-authored by Rio Jongsae Kim. Rio Jongsae Kim is a Designer Shoe and Bag Repair Specialist and the Owner of Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair in Vancouver, BC, Canada. With over 40 years of experience, Rio and Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair specialize in the repair and reconstruction of leather and luxury goods including shoes, handbags, and accessories. Rio’s experience and dedication to quality repair and restoration have led to his work being featured on Yahoo, Insider, and MSN. This article has been viewed 243,465 times.
Shoes can be made up of a variety of materials such as leather, nylon, polyester, and acrylic. If you need to remove a permanent ink stain from the fabric of your shoes, then use the distilled white vinegar method. On the other hand, if you need to remove a permanent ink stain from leather, then try sunscreen. Alternatively, the magic eraser is a great solution to removing stains from both fabric and leather.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Using Distilled White Vinegar on Fabric
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1 Combine the ingredients. Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of distilled white vinegar, 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of dishwasher soap, and 2 cups of cool water. Use a large mixing spoon to combine the ingredients. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.[1]XResearch source
2 Test on a discreet spot. Use a clean, white rag or cloth to test the solution on a small, hidden part of the shoe. Let the solution set for one minute. Then, blot the spot with a wet, clean cloth to remove the solution. Look for any discoloration, residue, or stains left by the solution. Choose a different method if there are any unwanted effects.[2]XResearch source
Alternatively, test the solution on an old shoe first before using it on the shoe in question.
You always want to test any cleaning solution on a small surface before applying it to larger surfaces. This way you can avoid any unwanted effects.
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3 Dab the solution onto the affected area. You can do this by using a clean sponge, cloth, or rag. Let the solution set for 30 minutes. While the solution is setting, dab the stain with more solution every five minutes.[3]XResearch source
4 Rinse the stain with cool water. Run a clean dry cloth or rag under cool water. Then, remove the solution by sponging the stain with the wet cloth. Sponge until the stain is removed. Re-wet your cloth if necessary.[4]XResearch source
Use a clean dry cloth to blot the fabric until it is dry.
If the stain remains, use a clean cloth to blot the stain with rubbing alcohol until it is removed. Sponge the stain with clean, cool water and blot until dry.
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Removing Stains from Leather with Sunscreen
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1 Squeeze a pea-sized amount of sunscreen onto a clean cloth. Make sure to use white, creamy sunscreen as opposed to colored or spray sunscreen. Use a white rag or cloth so you will be able to see if the sunscreen is removing the coloring of the leather.[5]XResearch source
If you start out with a small amount of sunscreen, removing the coloring of the leather should not be a problem.
2 Rub the stain in small, circular motions. Use gentle pressure when rubbing the stain so as not to remove any coloring of the leather. If it is a large stain, only work on small sections at a time.[6]XResearch source
While removing the stain, use more sunscreen as needed.
3 Rinse with warm water and soap. Once the stain is removed, clean the area with mild soap and water. Use a clean cloth or rag to clean the area. Also use a clean, dry cloth to dry the area.[7]XResearch source
You may need to use a leather conditioner to restore the affected area. A conditioner will also protect the leather from further damage.
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Using a Magic Eraser to Remove Stains
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1 Purchase the magic eraser. You can find a magic eraser in the cleaning section of your grocery store or pharmacy. The magic eraser is a great way to remove permanent marker stains from fabric and leather.[8]XResearch source
If the stain on your shoes covers both fabric and leather parts, consider using this product.
2 Wet the magic eraser. Run the sponge under cool water. Before using it, squeeze out any excess water. Use small, circular movements to rub the stain. While rubbing the stain, use gentle, but firm pressure.[9]XResearch source
Do not rub too hard. Rubbing too hard may lift the coloring of the leather, which you do not want.
3 Rinse with water and soap. Once the stain is removed, clean the affected area with water and mild soap. Use a clean cloth to do this. Then use a clean, dry cloth to dry the area.[10]XResearch source
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Question What can I use to get marker off of suede? Rio Jongsae Kim Shoe Care Specialist Rio Jongsae Kim is a Designer Shoe and Bag Repair Specialist and the Owner of Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair in Vancouver, BC, Canada. With over 40 years of experience, Rio and Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair specialize in the repair and reconstruction of leather and luxury goods including shoes, handbags, and accessories. Rio’s experience and dedication to quality repair and restoration have led to his work being featured on Yahoo, Insider, and MSN. Rio Jongsae Kim Shoe Care Specialist Expert Answer I would just use suede gum. That's going to be the most efficient way to get the marker off. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 11
Question What if my shoes are leather? Rio Jongsae Kim Shoe Care Specialist Rio Jongsae Kim is a Designer Shoe and Bag Repair Specialist and the Owner of Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair in Vancouver, BC, Canada. With over 40 years of experience, Rio and Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair specialize in the repair and reconstruction of leather and luxury goods including shoes, handbags, and accessories. Rio’s experience and dedication to quality repair and restoration have led to his work being featured on Yahoo, Insider, and MSN. Rio Jongsae Kim Shoe Care Specialist Expert Answer For leather, use a magic block or thinner to get the marker off. You may need to touch the shoes up after the marker is removed, since the stained area may resemble the original color of the leather after you've cleaned it, which can give the shoes a weird look overall. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9
Question What do I use to get black sharpie off the pink lettering off a rubber sole of Nike Air shoes without ruining the pink? Community Answer The best solution is nail polish remover. If that doesn't work get a 'cloth bleach' cleaner and remove the mark very softly with cotton buds. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 23
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Tips
The faster you can treat a stain, the easier it is to remove. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
There are professional cleaning products that may be able to remove permanent ink stains from leather such as Leather Magic, Ink Off, and Guardsman. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Do not use hair spray or nail polish remover on leather. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 3
Do not use nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol on triacetate, acetate, or rayon fabrics. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Do not use distilled white vinegar on cotton or linen. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
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Co-authored by: Rio Jongsae Kim Shoe Care Specialist This article was co-authored by Rio Jongsae Kim. Rio Jongsae Kim is a Designer Shoe and Bag Repair Specialist and the Owner of Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair in Vancouver, BC, Canada. With over 40 years of experience, Rio and Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair specialize in the repair and reconstruction of leather and luxury goods including shoes, handbags, and accessories. Rio’s experience and dedication to quality repair and restoration have led to his work being featured on Yahoo, Insider, and MSN. This article has been viewed 243,465 times. 11 votes - 82% Co-authors: 10Updated: December 19, 2024 Views: 243,465 Categories: Featured Articles | Care of Shoes | Shoe RepairsArticle SummaryX
To remove permanent marker from your shoes, try using white vinegar if they’re made of fabric. First, mix 1 tablespoon each of distilled white vinegar and dishwasher soap with 2 cups of cool water. Apply the solution to the affected area for 30 minutes, then dab off the stain with a wet cloth. If your shoes are made from leather, you can use sunscreen. Rub a pea-sized amount of sunscreen onto the stain in a circular motion. Once the stain is removed, clean the area with soapy warm water. For tips on how to use a magic eraser to remove permanent marker stains, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Anonymous
May 20, 2017
"The magic eraser helped a lot, and knowing what type products to use on the different fabrics and leather."
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Rio Jongsae Kim Shoe Care Specialist Co-authors: 10Updated: December 19, 2024 Views: 243,46582% of readers found this article helpful. 11 votes - 82% Click a star to add your vote
Anonymous
May 20, 2017
"The magic eraser helped a lot, and knowing what type products to use on the different fabrics and leather." Share yours!
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Using Distilled White Vinegar on Fabric 2 Removing Stains from Leather with Sunscreen 3 Using a Magic Eraser to Remove Stains Other Sections Expert Q&A VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Rio Jongsae Kim 
How toClean White Flip Flops 
7 Ways to Clean Permanent Marker off Ceramic Tile 
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Co-authored by: Rio Jongsae Kim Shoe Care Specialist This article was co-authored by Rio Jongsae Kim. Rio Jongsae Kim is a Designer Shoe and Bag Repair Specialist and the Owner of Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair in Vancouver, BC, Canada. With over 40 years of experience, Rio and Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair specialize in the repair and reconstruction of leather and luxury goods including shoes, handbags, and accessories. Rio’s experience and dedication to quality repair and restoration have led to his work being featured on Yahoo, Insider, and MSN. This article has been viewed 243,465 times. 11 votes - 82% Co-authors: 10 Updated: December 19, 2024 Views: 243,465 Categories: Featured Articles | Care of Shoes | Shoe Repairs Article SummaryX
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1 Combine the ingredients. Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of distilled white vinegar, 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of dishwasher soap, and 2 cups of cool water. Use a large mixing spoon to combine the ingredients. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.[1] 
1 Squeeze a pea-sized amount of sunscreen onto a clean cloth. Make sure to use white, creamy sunscreen as opposed to colored or spray sunscreen. Use a white rag or cloth so you will be able to see if the sunscreen is removing the coloring of the leather.[5] 
1 Purchase the magic eraser. You can find a magic eraser in the cleaning section of your grocery store or pharmacy. The magic eraser is a great way to remove permanent marker stains from fabric and leather.[8] 
3 Rinse with water and soap. Once the stain is removed, clean the affected area with water and mild soap. Use a clean cloth to do this. Then use a clean, dry cloth to dry the area.[10] Advertisement 
Rio Jongsae Kim Shoe Care Specialist Rio Jongsae Kim is a Designer Shoe and Bag Repair Specialist and the Owner of Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair in Vancouver, BC, Canada. With over 40 years of experience, Rio and Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair specialize in the repair and reconstruction of leather and luxury goods including shoes, handbags, and accessories. Rio’s experience and dedication to quality repair and restoration have led to his work being featured on Yahoo, Insider, and MSN. 
Community Answer The best solution is nail polish remover. If that doesn't work get a 'cloth bleach' cleaner and remove the mark very softly with cotton buds. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 23 
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