How to Get Magic Marker Stains out of Clothes

While some permanent marker stains may never come out, there are some at-home remedies you can try to salvage your stained clothing. Remember to act as soon as possible on the stain; if you can get to the stain before it dries, you greatly increase your chance of success.

1. Rinse the clothing in cold water from the back of the stain to the front to wash out some of the ink stain.



2. Saturate the stain with hair spray. Let the hairspray sit for about a minute to work on the stain, and then rinse thoroughly with cold water.



3. Soak a plain white cloth in rubbing alcohol, and dab the alcohol onto the stain. Apply alcohol until the stain is saturated. Let the alcohol stand for at least thirty minutes so that it has time to work on the stain. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.



4. Soak a plain white cloth in clear nail polish remover, and apply to the stain. Let stand for at least ten minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Repeat as needed until the stain is removed.

Tip

Always spot-test chemicals such as acetone (nail polish remover) or any specialized cleaner you try to use on an unseen part of the garment to be sure it will not cause color fading or more staining.

Warning

When working with large amounts of aerosols such as hair spray, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.