Proven Methods to Erase Permanent Marker Stains from Skin, Clothes, Furniture, and More

Permanent marker stains are notoriously stubborn, living up to their name with ink designed to last. As cleaning experts who've tackled countless tough spots, we know commercial removers often fall short, especially on set-in marks. The good news? Simple household solutions can banish them from nearly any surface.

Follow this reliable guide to effortlessly remove permanent marker stains anywhere. Watch the video for visuals:

Contents

• 1. On the skin
• 2. On clothing
• 3. On upholstery
• 4. On a rug or carpet
• 5. On plastic
• 6. On wood
• 7. On glass
• 8. On leather
• 9. On the body of a car
• Bonus Tips

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1. On the skin

For skin stains, grab rubbing alcohol (70%). Soak a paper towel and gently rub the area. Alternatively, use a gritty exfoliating soap, cleansing milk, or even milk-soaked cotton balls for mild abrasion.

To discover: 24 Uses of 70% Alcohol Everyone Should Know.

2. On clothing

Layer thick paper towels under the stain, fabric side down. Douse with 70° alcohol from edges inward, letting the towels absorb the ink—replace as needed. Rinse thoroughly, then launder normally.

3. On upholstery

Mix 1 tbsp dish soap, 1 tbsp white vinegar, and 500 ml water. Apply with a cloth, re-wet every 5 minutes for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water and blot dry. Follow with 70° alcohol on a sponge, then rinse and blot again.

4. On a rug or carpet

Start with dish soap and white vinegar mix; soak, rub gently, rinse, and dry. For stubborn spots, apply 70° alcohol with a sponge, air dry, then blot with cold water using a clean cloth.

This method works great on carpets too.

5. On plastic

Combine equal parts toothpaste and baking soda into a paste. Apply overnight, then scrub in circles with a damp cloth. A little effort yields spotless results.

6. On wood

Mix toothpaste and baking soda paste. Rub on with a cloth in circles, adding more as needed. Rinse with soapy water and dry. For unvarnished wood, test nail polish remover first in a hidden spot.

7. On glass

Use the toothpaste-baking soda paste: rub in circles, rinse with soapy water, and dry thoroughly.

8. On leather

Spray hairspray directly on the stain, then rub with a damp sponge—the alcohol in it dissolves the ink. Finish with cleansing milk to condition the leather.

9. On the body of a car

Act fast: soak with fountain pen eraser fluid, then scrub with dish soap sponge. Finish with a magic eraser or polish if needed. Effective on all metal surfaces.

Bonus Tips

For persistent stains, try Amodex stain remover:

On clothing: Apply dry, scrub with a stiff brush until faded, rinse, and wash.

On plastic: Thin layer overnight, wipe with damp cloth.

On upholstery: Drops on stain, gentle toothbrush rub, rinse, and dry (hair dryer optional to prevent rings).

On wood: Thin layer, rub, rinse, and dry.