How to Get Permanent Marker Out of a Backpack

How to Get Permanent Marker Out of a Backpack
Published: Jan 7, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

You can significantly lighten and even completely remove permanent marker stains from a backpack if you treat them quickly and with the right method.

Things You Will Need

  • Hairspray
  • Cloths
  • Rubbing alcohol
  1. Empty the backpack of its contents.

  2. Spray enough hairspray directly onto the stain to thoroughly dampen the area.

  3. Press down on the stain with a clean, white cloth to blot out the hairspray and ink. Continue doing this until you don't see anymore marker ink transferring to the cloth.

  4. Dab the area with another cloth that is wet with clean water.

  5. Blot dry again.

  6. Dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain if any marks remain.

  7. Blot dry once more.

The Drip Cap

  • It's all too easy to carry around a permanent marker in a backpack only to find out later that the cap was off and you've been left with a nasty stain on the fabric.
  • Press down on the stain with a clean, white cloth to blot out the hairspray and ink.

Photo Credits

George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images

George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Charlotte Johnson

Charlotte Johnson is a musician, teacher and writer with a master's degree in education. She has contributed to a variety of websites, specializing in health, education, the arts, home and garden, animals and parenting.

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.