How to Remove Sharpie: Tips and Tricks

Sharpie markers are a ubiquitous tool found in offices, schools, and homes everywhere, making them an easy and convenient choice for writing on any surface. But when that marker accidentally ends up on a surface it shouldn’t, such as a wall, desk, or clothing, it can be a difficult and frustrating problem to solve. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to remove sharpie stains from almost any surface. This article will explore the most common and effective methods for removing sharpie from various surfaces, including rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar, window cleaner, and hairspray.

Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol works by breaking down the ink and dissolving it. It is a potent and effective solvent that can remove ink stains from most surfaces, including clothing, walls, and even leather. Here’s how to use rubbing alcohol to remove sharpie marks:

1. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or cloth.
2. Gently rub the sharpie mark with the cotton ball or cloth.
3. The sharpie mark should start to disappear immediately.
4. Continue to rub the area until the mark is completely removed.
5. Rinse the area with water or wipe it clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Note: Rubbing alcohol is safe to use on most surfaces but should not be used on plastic or painted surfaces as it can cause damage or discoloration.

Using Nail Polish Remover

Acetone-based nail polish remover is another effective solution for removing sharpie marks. Like rubbing alcohol, acetone breaks down the ink and dissolves it away. Here’s how to use nail polish remover to remove sharpie marks:

1. Apply a small amount of nail polish remover on a cotton ball or cloth.
2. Gently rub the sharpie mark with the cotton ball or cloth.
3. The sharpie mark should start to disappear immediately.
4. Continue to rub the area until the mark is completely removed.
5. Rinse the area with water or wipe it clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Note: Nail polish remover should not be used on delicate fabrics or surfaces, such as silk or leather, as it can cause damage or discoloration.

Using Toothpaste

Toothpaste, specifically non-gel toothpaste, can also be used to remove sharpie marks. The grittiness of toothpaste helps to scrub away the ink while the non-gel consistency acts as a gentle solvent. Here’s how to use toothpaste to remove sharpie marks:

1. Apply a small amount of toothpaste onto the sharpie mark.
2. Gently rub the area with a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
3. Continue to scrub the area until the mark is completely removed.
4. Rinse the area with water or wipe it clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Note: Toothpaste can be used on most surfaces, but it should not be used on delicate surfaces, such as silk or leather, as it can cause damage or discoloration.

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is another effective way to remove sharpie marks, particularly from hard surfaces. Baking soda has abrasive properties, which helps to scrub away the ink while its alkaline properties act as a solvent. Here’s how to use baking soda to remove sharpie marks:

1. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste onto the sharpie mark.
3. Gently rub the area with a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
4. Continue to scrub the area until the mark is completely removed.
5. Rinse the area with water or wipe it clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Note: Baking soda can be used on most surfaces, but it should not be used on delicate surfaces, such as silk or leather, as it can cause damage or discoloration.

Using Vinegar

Vinegar is a mild acid that works by breaking down the ink and dissolving it. It is a natural and non-toxic solution that can remove sharpie marks from most surfaces. Here’s how to use vinegar to remove sharpie marks:

1. Apply a small amount of distilled white vinegar onto the sharpie mark.
2. Gently rub the area with a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
3. Continue to scrub the area until the mark is completely removed.
4. Rinse the area with water or wipe it clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Note: Vinegar can be used on most surfaces, but it should not be used on delicate surfaces, such as silk or leather, as it can cause damage or discoloration. Additionally, vinegar has a strong odor that may linger.

Using Window Cleaner

Glass cleaner or window cleaner is another effective solution for removing sharpie marks, particularly from glass or similar surfaces. Most window cleaners contain ammonia, which is a potent solvent that breaks down the ink and dissolves it. Here’s how to use window cleaner to remove sharpie marks:

1. Spray a small amount of window cleaner onto the sharpie mark.
2. Gently rub the area with a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
3. Continue to scrub the area until the mark is completely removed.
4. Rinse the area with water or wipe it clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Note: Window cleaner can be used on most surfaces, but it should not be used on delicate surfaces, such as silk or leather, as it can cause damage or discoloration. Additionally, window cleaner may leave streaks on glass surfaces.

Using Hairspray

The alcohol content in hairspray can be an effective solution for removing sharpie marks. Hairspray dissolves the ink and helps to lift it away from the surface. Here’s how to use hairspray to remove sharpie marks:

1. Spray a small amount of hairspray onto the sharpie mark.
2. Gently rub the area with a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
3. Continue to scrub the area until the mark is completely removed.
4. Rinse the area with water or wipe it clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Note: Hairspray can be used on most surfaces, but it should not be used on delicate surfaces, such as silk or leather, as it can cause damage or discoloration.

Conclusion

Removing sharpie marks from surfaces can be a frustrating and time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be. By using one of these effective solutions, such as rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar, window cleaner, or hairspray, you can quickly and easily remove sharpie marks from almost any surface. Just remember to follow the specific instructions for each solution, use caution on delicate surfaces, and always test a small, inconspicuous area first. With these tips and tricks in mind, you can confidently tackle any sharpie stain that comes your way.

Additional tips include using a magic eraser for hard surfaces like walls or using a professional cleaning solution for delicate fabrics or surfaces. Remember to act quickly when dealing with sharpie marks, as the longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove.