How to Remove Permanent Marker on Bricks
Made from clay and other natural materials fired to form a hard, stable product, bricks are porous, which makes them susceptible to stains from food, mold or even the errant permanent marker. To remove permanent marker stains, start with basic household cleaning products.
Made from clay and other natural materials fired to form a hard, stable product, bricks are porous, which makes them susceptible to stains from food, mold or even the errant permanent marker. To remove permanent marker stains, start with basic household cleaning products. If those don't work, though, consider using a power washer set at a very low setting. Angle the stream of water across the bricks, rather than straight at them, so you don't cause damage.
Things You Will Need
- 2 tbsp. dish detergent
- 1 cup pumice powder or baking soda
- 2 tbsp. ammonia
- Hot water
- Paper towel
- 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate
- Scrub brush
- 1/2 cup chlorine bleach
- Bucket
Tip
If the permanent marker stain is on outdoor bricks, it will eventually fade somewhat in the sun. Consider painting the bricks, if the other methods don't work and the marker covers a large area. Always test any cleaning product, especially chlorine bleach, in an inconspicuous area to make sure it won't damage or lighten the bricks. Old bricks soften with age. Don't scrub these as vigorously to avoid damage.
Dish Soap and Baking Soda
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Mix dish detergent, baking soda or pumice, ammonia and enough hot water to make a thick paste. Brush it on the stains with a scrub brush.
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Wait 10 to 20 minutes until the paste is dry. Scrub the area vigorously with a scrub brush.
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Wipe the paste off with a paper towel and rinse it with clean water. Dry with a dry paper towel.
Trisodium Phosphate
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Mix 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate with 1 gallon hot water in a bucket.
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Dip a scrub brush in the solution and vigorously scrub the stains.
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Rinse with clean water and dry.
Chlorine Bleach
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Mix 1/2 cup chlorine bleach with 1 qt. of hot water in a bucket.
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Dip the scrub brush in the solution and soak the stain with it. Wait 10 to 20 minutes.
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Rinse the area with clean water and dry.
The Drip Cap
- Made from clay and other natural materials fired to form a hard, stable product, bricks are porous, which makes them susceptible to stains from food, mold or even the errant permanent marker.
- Angle the stream of water across the bricks, rather than straight at them, so you don't cause damage.
- Mix 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate with 1 gallon hot water in a bucket.
- Dip the scrub brush in the solution and soak the stain with it.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes."
Photo Credits
- Brick image by Luke Haverkamp from Fotolia.com
- Brick image by Luke Haverkamp from Fotolia.com
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