How to Remove Sharpie Stains

The fact that many inks would run and eventually fade, was very frustrating. Then in 1964, along came the Sharpie, one of the first "permanent" ink markers, designed primarily for writing on glossy surfaces. Prior to this time, ink on a glossy or non-absorbent surface, tended to smudge and wipe off easily.

So popular was the pen, that it has entered our lexicon as representative of any permanent marker. And it remains a big seller today, with seven varieties utilizing different shaped tips, in two dozen colors of ink. Where people find themselves stymied, is when their Sharpie leaks. Because it is not like trying to remove the ink stains of a regular ballpoint pen. After all, they don't call it permanent ink for nothing.

Whether or not you are successful in removing a Sharpie stain, will depend on the formula of the ink in the marker. In many cases you cannot remove the entire stain, but may be able to reduce it to an acceptable level with one of these tips.

An old favorite, is soaking a stained item, such as a shirt sleeve, in milk. A few old-timers even recommend cream. Take the area of the garment and tuck it into a container of milk. When there is quite a bit of color in the milk, empty your container and refill it. Repeat this until there is no more visible stain. If it is severe, the process can take several days and the garment may smell a little sour by the end of it. Launder as soon as the stain is gone, but do not put in the dryer, as the heat can set a stain further. While this works on regular ink, its success varies on Sharpie stains. It usually does not work at all, if other cleaners have been tried first, or the garment has already been washed.

One alternative is to dab the stain with a solution of half water, half bleach. Apply with a sponge or cloth, while the stained area is laid over another piece of cloth or paper towels. Wait a few minutes then launder.

Many people report successful stain removal, including Sharpies, with hairspray. Spray the stain, and blot with a clean cloth, then launder as soon as possible. If there is still a mark, try the bleach application and then blot with hairspray, and launder again.