How to Remove Permanent Marker From Ceramic Sinks

How to Remove Permanent Marker From Ceramic Sinks
Published: Dec 30, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Step 1

Provide ventilation to the room and extinguish sources of open flame, such as cigarettes and candles--the chemicals you’ll be using are very flammable.

Step 2

Put on a pair of rubber or vinyl gloves to protect your hands from ink stains and from the chemicals to remove the stains. Spray WD-40 directly over the marked area or apply fingernail polish, using a cotton swab or ball.

Step 3

Rub the ink mark with a dry cotton ball or swab (whether you choose to use a swab or ball depends on how big the stain is. For small stains, use the swab--it will be easier to avoid spreading the marker stain).

Advertisement

Step 4

Reapply the fingernail polish remover or WD-40 if necessary. If the ink did not fully come off the first time, leave the WD-40 or nail polish remover on the stain for up to a minute.

Step 5

Rinse the ceramic sink and then wash it with regular detergent or hand soap to remove residue from the stain-dissolving chemicals. Buff the sink dry with a soft towel.

Tips

Avoid touching the sink with marker-stained gloves or the soiled cotton swabs/balls or you may transfer marker ink back to the surface.

If your sink is unglazed ceramic, you can still try these products to remove the ink stain but it may take longer.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

Corey M. Mackenzie

Corey M. Mackenzie has been a professional freelance writer for more than two decades. She received a B.A. with honors from Wichita State University. Corey specializes in writing about pets, interior decorating, health care, gardening,…

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.