How To Get Sharpie Out Of A Shirt

Permanent marker stains are incredibly difficult to get out and, sometimes, impossible. "That's why they're called permanent," says Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. Whether you're able to get the stain out or not depends on many factors, including the material, the color of ink, and how much time has passed since the mark was made (less is better!). That said, these are your best shots at removing a permanent marker stain on common surfaces.

Skin

Pour rubbing alcohol onto a paper towel, then use it to rub off the ink. You can use a gritty hand soap or cleansing cream to do the job, too. One homestyle hint is to dip a cotton ball into milk and swipe over the stain.

You can also try Amodex Ink and Stain Remover ($11, amazon.com), a Sharpie-approved product. Just apply a few drops directly on skin or apply to a wash cloth, then rub the stained area. Rinse with water and repeat until the stain is gone. repeat application. Note: You should never wet the stain on your skin before using Amodex.

Clothes

Place the stain face down on clean paper towels. Sponge rubbing alcohol into the area around the stain, and then apply it directly to the stain. Continue sponging the stain with alcohol, transferring as much ink as possible to the paper towels, and replacing the towels as needed. Rinse thoroughly and launder.

If that doesn't work, wait for the garment to dry, then apply Amodex to the stain, but do not wet the area. Rub it in well with a stiff brush or your fingernail. Continue rubbing until the ink is almost gone. Rinse or launder. The center area of marker stains will disappear first. Keep rubbing until the edges are clean.

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Upholstery

Mix one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent, like Dawn Dish Soap ($11, amazon.com), and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of cool water. Sponge the stain with the solution and a white cloth. Leave the solution on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every five minutes with more solution. Flush with cool water and dab until the liquid is absorbed. Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol and blot. Then, sponge with cold water and dab until the liquid is absorbed.

If the stain remains, apply a few drops of Amodex to your stain and rub it in with a toothbrush or cloth. Continue rubbing stained area until the stain disappears. Be careful not to rub too hard on delicate surfaces. Rinse the Amodex and air dry (or dry with a hairdryer) to avoid any watermarks on delicate fabric.

Carpet

Start by trying the same liquid hand dishwashing detergent, white vinegar, and water solution as used for upholstery. If the stain remains, sponge it with rubbing alcohol, let it air dry, and dab with cold water. Blot until the liquid is absorbed. And if that doesn't work either, try Amodex, again using the same method as used on upholstery.

Plastic

Apply a thin coat of Amodex to the stained area and leave it on for several hours or overnight. In the morning, wipe the spot clean with a damp cloth.

Wood

Apply a thin coat of Amodex to the stained area. Rub it in with a dry Good Housekeeping seal Holder, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser ($6, amazon.com). Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

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