HOW TO GET PERMANENT MARKER OUT OF CLOTHES
No one wants stains on their clothes, but permanent marker can be a particularly challenging one. However, appropriate cleaning techniques and alcohol-based solutions can help address permanent marker on your clothing so you can keep laundry day moving.
If you need help with how to get permanent marker out of clothes, keep reading to find methods that may streamline the cleaning process.
IS PERMANENT MARKER REALLY PERMANENT?
Removing marker stains from clothes is possible, in some situations, but can be intimidating. Permanent marker ink is designed to resist fading and washing, as it contains pigments, resin and alcohol-based solvents. Depending on fabric type and how quickly you act, some methods may be able to help lift the stain.
5 METHODS TO HELP REMOVE PERMANENT MARKER FROM CLOTHES
Removing permanent marker stains from clothes can be tricky, but there are several methods you can try to help tackle the problem. Keep reading to find five approaches that may help with how to get permanent marker out of fabric, but always check care labels for optimal cleaning guidelines.
1. RUBBING ALCOHOL
Due to its high concentration of isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol can help remove ink-based stains. The alcohol can help break down the ink and release it from fabrics. Follow these steps when trying to remove permanent marker from clothes with rubbing alcohol:
First, test the rubbing alcohol on a hidden area on the garment before continuing.
Place a paper towel under the stained area to absorb the ink.
From the back side of the fabric, drip rubbing alcohol onto the stain.
Replace the paper towel as the stain transfers, and continue to replace it until the stain fades.
Be sure to rinse the garment completely to remove all rubbing alcohol.
- Treat the stain with detergent before handwashing the garment in the warmest water that is safe for the fabric according to its care label.
- Be sure to hand wash the item thoroughly before putting your garment in a washer or a dryer. Garments treated with flammable substances can not go directly in the washer or dryer.
2. WHITE VINEGAR
Vinegar is a natural cleaning alternative that may be helpful when pretreating ink-based stains, such as permanent marker. Refer to these steps to get started:
Create a vinegar and water solution.
Soak the stained garment in the solution.
Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or sponge to lift the ink. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
Rinse the treated area to completely remove any vinegar before placing it in the washer.
Once the stain is gone, wash the garment as directed by the care label.
3. HAIRSPRAY
Hairspray can also be helpful when attempting to purge permanent marker stains from clothing, especially if the spray has a significant isopropyl alcohol content. Follow this step-by-step process to get started:
Test the stain removal method on an inconspicuous area of the garment first.
Place a paper towel beneath the stained section to catch any ink.
Spray hairspray directly onto the back of the fabric where the stain is located.
As the ink begins to lift, switch out the paper towel for a fresh one to continue absorbing the stain. Keep spraying and blotting until the ink has faded.
Rinse the garment completely to remove any remaining hairspray.
Continue to treat the stain by applying detergent directly to the stained area.
- Handwash the garment in the warmest water recommended by the care label to finish the process.
- Be sure to hand wash the item thoroughly before putting your garment in a washer or a dryer. Garments treated with flammable substances can not go directly in the washer or dryer.
4. HAND SANITIZER
Similar to rubbing alcohol and hairspray, hand sanitizer also contains isopropyl alcohol, which can make it helpful when removing ink-based stains from fabrics. Follow these steps when using hand sanitizer to help remove permanent marker from clothes:
Test the stain removal method on a hidden area of the garment before proceeding.
Place a paper towel underneath the stained section to catch any excess ink.
Apply hand sanitizer directly to the back of the fabric where the stain is located.
As the ink lifts, replace the paper towel with a fresh one to continue absorbing the stain. Repeat the process of applying hand sanitizer and blotting with a new paper towel until the ink fades.
Rinse the garment thoroughly to remove any remaining hand sanitizer before washing.
Continue to treat the stain by applying detergent directly to the stained area.
- Handwash the garment in the warmest water allowed by the care label to complete the stain removal process.
- Be sure to hand wash the item thoroughly before putting your garment in a washer or a dryer. Garments treated with flammable substances can not go directly in the washer or dryer.
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Get the ideal amount of detergent with Swash® Laundry Detergent1. The Precision Pour Cap dispenses the detergent for you, so you only pour what you need. The 8x concentrated formula means you can use less per load while getting the clean you want.
5. BAKING SODA
More than just a common pantry staple, baking soda can help break up ink-based stains, such as permanent marker. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Combine baking soda with water to create a paste.
Apply the paste directly to the stained area and work it into the stain to remove ink or residue.
- Rinse thoroughly before washing the garment on the warmest washing setting permitted by the care label.
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TACKLE SPOTS AND STAINS
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Maytag® washing machines bring the performance you need on laundry day. Select models feature the Extra Power Button, which boosts stain-fighting performance on any wash cycle with a dual-temperature wash.
TOP TIPS TO HELP REMOVE MARKER STAINS
If you discover marker pen on clothes, address it quickly before it dries and sets into the fabric.
Try blotting at stains rather than rubbing them to help prevent them from spreading further into the fabric.
- Test stain fighting solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of clothing or fabric before cleaning the larger affected area.
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Power and durability work better together
Maytag® laundry sets deliver dependability with compatible features, shared capacity, stackability and more
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHERS AND DRYERS
Removing tough stains calls for dependable appliances. Select Maytag® washers and dryers offer features that take stain fighting seriously, like the Steam Option, which you can combine with the Extra Power button or use on select cycles to help fight stubborn stains. Steam permeates deep into fibers for potent cleaning action.
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1. Swash® products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
