How to Remove a Permanent Marker Stain
Due to the unique contents of various inks, not to mention the
color and materials of a garment, no one solution works for all
clothing or all types of markers. Remember when trying to remove
a permanent marker stain, that you should first check the
garment for its content, as well as any manufacturer's
instructions.
Make sure you have a pad of paper towels underneath the area of
material that you are trying to get the stain out of. Lay the
item face down and work from the back of the stain, to avoid
pushing the marker contents further into the fibers. Whatever
stain removal method you choose, there are two basic rules: test
it first on an area that will not show, to see if it stains or
damages the fabric/color, and always air dry the garment after
laundering, in the event the stain is not gone, and needs to be
treated again. The heat from a dryer can set the stain so deeply
that removal may not be possible.
Some treatments used for ballpoint ink may help, although the
substance is entirely different. You can try sponging with
rubbing alcohol and then laundering, or if the stain is in a
viable location, soak the area (cuff, shirt sleeve, etc.) in a
cup or dish of milk for several hours, then launder.
If the permanent marker is on your carpet, you may be able to
remove most of it by using hairspray or rubbing alcohol. Put a
small amount on a cloth and dab the spot. It may help to put a
thin piece of cardboard such as the backing of a calendar,
underneath, so you can dab with a bit of pressure and not spread
the stain. The ink will come off on the wet cloth, at which time
you should blot with a clean piece of dry cloth. Repeat this
process of wet blot, dry blot, until you have gotten all the ink
you can. Rinse the spot with clean water, or use a Shop Vac or
other appliance to clean only that spot. Do not rub around
marks, as you will only spread any ink that is left in the
fibers.