It's easier to create permanent marker stains than it is to get rid of them but luckily, you can remove Sharpie from plastic items around your home using items in your pantry. Everything from Expo markers to rubbing alcohol to kitchen vinegar can help you eliminate a stubborn marker stain.
Read on to learn more tips on how to remove Sharpie stains from plastic, whether it's a container, bin or box, a decorative item, or a piece of furniture.
What to Consider Before Removing Sharpie From Plastic
While many of the methods described in this article don't use harsh chemicals, keep in mind that all of these substances are strong stain removers. While they remove the permanent marker, they may also remove the color and pigment from the plastic.
This isn't a concern if your plastic is white or clear, but for other colors, be mindful before you start scrubbing. Leaving the cleaner on the plastic surface too long can damage the surface or color. Avoid getting any of these stain solutions on your clothes, and if you do, rinse them or throw them in the wash right away to prevent damage.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- 2 cotton rounds
- Microfiber towel
Materials
- Dry-erase marker
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Magic Eraser (optional)
Instructions
How to Remove Permanent Marker Stains from Plastic
Clean Sharpie Stains With Rubbing Alcohol
Remove stubborn Sharpie stains from plastic by dipping a cotton pad or microfiber towel in rubbing alcohol, then gently rubbing the stain until it lifts off of the plastic. Rubbing alcohol dissolves the alcohol in the ink, breaking it down and allowing you to wipe it away.
Color Over the Stain with a Dry-Erase Marker
Dry-erase markers contain rubbing alcohol, which eats through permanent marker stains. The tip of the marker acts like a finely concentrated scrubber brush, lifting and removing the marks.
- Gently color over the stain with your dry-erase marker. You shouldn't need to press hard.
- Let the marker sit for a minute, then gently wipe it off with a microfiber towel (or, if you're in a pinch, any type of rag will do). Microfiber material is great at picking up small particles like specks of dry-erase marker.
- The marker should come up easily. If any is left over, repeat this process until the marker is erased.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
If the extra rubbing alcohol isn't yielding the desired results, try hydrogen peroxide. Sold at any drug store, hydrogen peroxide has myriad uses, from killing mold to whitening teeth and, notably, removing stains.
Grab another cotton pad or corner of your microfiber cloth and soak it in hydrogen peroxide before gently rubbing the Sharpie stain.
Be very careful not to get any on your clothes or carpet—hydrogen peroxide is quite powerful and can strip the color out of fabric in the right circ*mstances.
Try a Magic Eraser
Dip a Magic Eraser (melamine foam) in water, then gently scrub the stain until it is removed. Do not scrub too hard or vigorously.
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Tips for Removing Sharpie from Hard Plastics
- As with laundry, the sooner you attack a stain, the better. Things like time, temperature, and exposure to weather can all impact how long Sharpie may or may not stay on plastic. As soon as you see a mark, get to work on cleaning it or stain treatment for the best possible results.
- If you'd like to opt for more gentle options, vinegar and baking soda make great stain removers and all-around household cleaners. You can use them for everything from removing odors from carpet to cleaning your dishwasher.
- If you're trying to become a better stain fighter, there are plenty of ways to use several items you likely have at home. They'll help you get stubborn stains out of all sorts of things, without a call to the pros, and without cumbersome trial and error. You canremove crayon with vinegaror make your own bleach alternative. You can also easily makehomemade carpet cleanerwith white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and plain old water.
FAQ
Is Sharpie permanent on plastic?
Permanent markers are not actually permanent on plastic and their marks can be removed with a little bit of help from such products as dry-erase markers, rubbing alcohol, hairspray, and more.
Does rubbing alcohol remove permanent marker from plastic?
The marks and writing from a Sharpie will disappear from plastic with the use of rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball, paper towel, or a rag.
How long does Sharpie stay on plastic?
Time, exposure to weather, and fingers running over the writing all contribute to the length of time that permanent marker will stay on plastic. The marker will eventually fade but should last for months and possibly longer.
How to Get Permanent Marker Out of Clothes
