If you’ve got a box of sharpies, chances are that your kids will inevitably draw all over the place – the walls, furniture, clothes. But what do you do when they decide to use their new markers on something you can't wash or dry? Whether it's plastic or glass (or even metal), there is an easy way to remove Sharpie marks from any surface.
In this article, I'm going to show you how to remove sharpie permanent markers from almost any plastic surface.
Let's get started.
Choose a Method of Removal for the Mark on Plastic
Here are various methods you can use to remove sharpie marks from plastic.
Method 1. Nail polish remover to remove marks on plastic
One of the easiest ways would probably be to use some nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol, but I'm going to show you some other options too. Keep in mind that while this works well on most plastic surfaces, it can cause some surface damage if used on certain ones. Try it out first in an inconspicuous area if possible.
Method 2. Making the Stain Disappear with Toothpaste, Baking Soda and Salt
Toothpaste is one of our most versatile beauty products. It can be used in hundreds of ways to make your life easier, cleaner, and more efficient. But did you know that toothpaste has many other uses not related to oral hygiene?
One of them is getting rid of sharpie on plastic. Just rub some paste over the marker stain, rinse it with lukewarm water, then pat dry with a paper towel or cloth. You'll see how easy it is.
Method 3. Two-in-One Method
Mix baking soda and salt with a little water or alcohol to make a paste. Apply it generously on the marker stain and leave aside for 10 minutes. Then scrub the mixture off with an old toothbrush, rinse and dry.
Method 4: How to Remove Sharpie from Plastic Using Olive Oil
Olive oil is also useful in removing sharpie on plastic because of its natural acids which will help break down any stains without requiring too much effort on your part. Don't worry if you don't have olive oil at home – any other vegetable-related oil such as canola or sunflower works just as well. Pour some onto a cloth and rub over the stain until it's completely gone.
Method 5: How to Remove Sharpie from Plastic Using Acetone
Acetone is a very effective solvent that can remove sharpie on plastic easily, but it can be harmful to your skin and should not be used around children. Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area with proper protection (goggles or face masks). Pour some acetone into a bowl and dip the stained part of the plastic into it for several minutes until all of the markers have been dissolved off. Then leave it outside to dry overnight.
Method 6: How To Remove Sharpie From Plastic Using Mineral Oil and Alcohol
This method works because mineral oil and alcohol both evaporate quickly, pulling the Sharpie pigment up with them. Simply pour a little mineral oil onto a cloth and rub it over the stain. Then wipe with some alcohol on another clean cloth. Repeat this process until both of the liquids have been absorbed by the paper towel or cloth and then leave for overnight to dry.
How can I remove general stains from clothes?
Removing stains from clothes is much like removing stains from other surfaces, but with certain special considerations for different types of materials.
For washable fabrics, use hydrosulfite bleach; hydrogen peroxide; or sodium perborate, following the instructions on your specific product's label. If none of these are available in your area, blot the stain dry and apply a paste made up of baking soda and water. Let this dry for an hour before rinsing it off in cold water; then rub in liquid detergent. Rinse thoroughly in warm to hot water and rewash in warm or hot water using mild laundry soap (without bleach).
How do I clean upholstery at home?
Cleaning your upholstery at home is no different from cleaning any other surface. You will need an upholstery cleaner, which you can buy from most stores, as well as a stiff brush and some water. For especially dirty areas, mix the solution in equal parts with warm water and pour it directly onto the stain, making sure not to over-wet the area. Then scrub with the brush until stains disappear.
To complete your DIY cleaning, leave everything to dry naturally – do not use a blow-dryer or anything that generates heat to speed up the drying process.
For hard surfaces: To clean rust stains on hard surfaces such as countertops or bathtubs, mix one tablespoon of lemon juice in two cups of salt and rub it into the stained area with steel wool or sandpaper. Then, wash with baking soda and water.
How do I get ink out of clothes?
First, blot up as much of the pen or marker ink as possible using paper towels; then use hydrogen peroxide (which you can buy from any supermarket). Dab some onto each fresh black mark (and add more if necessary). Leave for–2 minutes and wash as normal. Alternatively, you could use a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water on the fabric.
How do I remove permanent markers from the carpet?
To remove permanent markers from the carpet with a homemade solution, start by blotting up as much of the ink as possible using paper towels. Then, mix equal parts white vinegar and isopropyl alcohol to create a cleansing solution for your stain. If stains remain, dip a cotton swab into baking soda; apply this directly to the affected area; cover it with aluminum foil; then leave overnight. Wipe away the residue in the morning with warm water and soap.
Is there any way to clean the permanent marker off leather?
It's always best if you can dampen the leather with water before attempting to remove the permanent marker. Afterward, put some rubbing alcohol onto a paper towel and wipe it out of your carpet. Then, mix dishwashing liquid in warm water to create a soapy solution; blot this onto the affected area; leave for 30 minutes; then rinse thoroughly. If this doesn't work, you can use white vinegar or even hairspray to help break down the ink before wiping it out again using soap and warm water.
What is the best way to clean pens off walls?
If you want an instant fix for pen stains on walls, follow these steps: First, dampen cotton wool with methylated spirits (dip it into a bowl). Second, rub this along the edges of the pen mark on your wall. Finish by wiping it off with a clean cloth. If you have a lot of ink to remove, you may need to repeat this process several times before fully removing the stain.
Final thoughts on how to remove sharpie from plastic
In conclusion, there are a variety of ways to remove sharpies from plastic. Consider these methods the next time you need to remove ugly looking marks from your plastic to ensure that the plastic looks as good as new in no time.
