How to Get Sharpie Off Converse Sneakers

How to Get Sharpie Off Converse Sneakers
Published: Aug 11, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Even though Converse shoes will last for years, certain items -- such as Sharpie ink -- can leave unsightly stains on your footwear. Fortunately, not all hope is lost, and you may be able to remove the possibly permanent ink with a few common items.

Things You Will Need

  • Hair spray
  • Paper towels
  • Cloths
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Water-displacing spray

Hair Spray

  1. Mist the Sharpie ink lightly with hair spray and let sit for several minutes. Do not let the hair spray dry on the Converse.

  2. Gently rub the Sharpie ink off the Converse with a paper towel. Repeat the process as needed.

  3. Wipe the hair spray off the shoes with a cloth dampened in cool water.

Rubbing Alcohol

  1. Dampen a lint-free cloth with rubbing alcohol. Rub the Sharpie stain in a gently circular motion.

  2. Flip the cloth to a clean area, and add several more drops of rubbing alcohol. Continue rubbing until you have removed the ink.

  3. Wipe the rubbing alcohol off the Converse footwear with a paper towel dampened in cool water.

Water-Displacing Spray

  1. Cover the Sharpie ink lightly with water-displacing spray, and wait five minutes.

  2. Dampen a cloth with water, and rub the stain gently. Apply more water-displacing spray if needed, and continue rubbing until you have removed the ink stain.

  3. Wipe the shoe clean with a paper towel.

The Drip Cap

  • Even though Marquis Mills Converse opened his footwear store in early 1908, it was not until 1917 that the now famous Converse designed became available.
  • Repeat the process as needed.
  • Wipe the hair spray off the shoes with a cloth dampened in cool water.
  • Apply more water-displacing spray if needed, and continue rubbing until you have removed the ink stain.

Photo Credits

Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images

Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images

Amanda Flanigan

Amanda Flanigan began writing professionally in 2007. Flanigan has written for various publications, including WV Living and American Craft Council, and has published several eBooks on craft and garden-related subjects. Flanigan completed…

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