How to Get Black Permanent Marker Out of Clothes

Homemade Laundry Degreaser
Written By
Mario Calhoun
Mario Calhoun
Published: Jan 27, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

When laundering, always spot test in an unnoticeable area to determine the safety of the cleaning product.

Things You Will Need

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Paper towels
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Laundry detergent
  1. Lay two to three paper towels onto a flat surface, and place the clothing onto the paper towels with the stain against the paper towels.

  2. Dampen the cleaning cloth with alcohol, and blot the area around the stain. By blotting the area around the stain you prevent the permanent marker stain from bleeding.

  3. Sponge the stain with the alcohol-soaked cloth, and change the paper towel frequently to soak up as much of the ink stain as possible.

  4. Rinse the clothing with cool water in the sink, and wash the garment as directed on the cleaning instructions.

  5. Air dry or place the clothing in the dryer on a low heat setting.

The Drip Cap

  • A black spot on your favorite shirt or pair of pants from a permanent marker isn't a lost cause as long as you treat the stain as soon as you notice it.
  • Sponge the stain with the alcohol-soaked cloth, and change the paper towel frequently to soak up as much of the ink stain as possible.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images

Mario Calhoun

A Chicago-based writer, Mario Calhoun has been writing professionally since 2007, with work appearing in local publications such as "Mint Magazine" and "Echo Magazine," Columbia College Chicago's student magazine. Calhoun currently works…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.