7 Ways to Clean Permanent Marker off Ceramic Tile

Whether you just dropped a Sharpie or noticed that someone drew a beautiful portrait on your floor, removing permanent marker from ceramic tile can be quick and easy. We’ve collected the best stain-fighting solutions that all use cleaning supplies you can find at home. Keep reading to learn how you can tackle permanent marker stains and make your floor blemish-free once again.

Things You Should Know

Place a few drops of rubbing alcohol on a cloth and wipe away the marker stain, then dip a clean cloth in warm water and dish soap and wipe away any residue.
Apply toothpaste and baking soda to the mark and wait until it dries. Use a damp sponge to wipe away the toothpaste and the stain.
Trace the area with a black dry-erase marker and wipe it away with a clean dry cloth. Dip a cloth in warm water and dish soap to remove any leftover marker.

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:

Removing Permanent Marker Using Rubbing Alcohol

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1
Place a few drops of rubbing alcohol on a cloth and wipe away the stain. Isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol, can break down the chemicals in permanent inks.^{[1]
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Research source} Try to apply the rubbing alcohol only to the marker stain and wipe along the area. Reapply and repeat as necessary until the marker is completely gone.
- Read the label on the rubbing alcohol before using it and test it in a small hidden area before applying it to larger areas.^{[2]
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2
Wipe the floor with a cloth, warm water, and dish soap. Dip a clean cloth in a sudsy mixture of warm water and a drop of dish soap. Wipe away any excess marker or rubbing alcohol with the cloth.
- If any permanent marker remains on the tile, try one of the methods below.

Method 2

Method 2 of 7:

Removing Permanent Marker Using Toothpaste

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In a small cup, mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of white toothpaste with 1 tablespoon (6 g) of baking soda and apply it to the top of the stain.^{[3]
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Research source} Let the mixture set for at least 5 minutes or until it dries.
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Use a damp sponge to wipe off the toothpaste. If your tile is textured, use a toothbrush or a scrubbing brush to remove traces of the stain from smaller crevices in the tiles. Once the stain is gone, remove any toothpaste residue with the sponge, dish soap, and warm water.
- If the permanent marker still stays on the tile, try one of the other methods.

Method 3

Method 3 of 7:

Removing Permanent Marker Using a Dry Erase Marker

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Trace the area with a black dry-erase marker and wipe it away. Trace a small part of the stain and wipe it away with a clean cloth or paper towel. If the stain isn’t completely removed the first time, re-trace the remaining spots with the dry-erase marker and wipe until the stain is removed.^{[4]
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- This method might work best on smooth tiles. If you have textured tile, the toothpaste, rubbing alcohol, or homemade cleaning solution methods may be more effective.
- After the stain is gone, dip a cloth in warm water and dish soap to wash away any marker residue.
- If the permanent marker still stays on the tile, try one of the other methods.

Method 4

Method 4 of 7:

Remove Permanent Marker Using a Magic Eraser

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Use a melamine foam sponge for a quick option. Melamine foam sponges, or “Magic Erasers,” can quickly remove permanent marker from hard surfaces.^{[5]
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Research source} Wet the foam and scrub the stained area until all the marker is removed.
- If the permanent marker stain is fresh, try using a dry melamine foam sponge first.^{[6]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 7:

Remove Permanent Marker Using Vinegar, Washing Soda, and Dish Soap

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Dip a cloth in vinegar, dish soap, and hot water and wipe the stain. Combine ¹⁄₄ cup (59 mL) of white vinegar, ¼ cup (35 g) of washing soda, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of liquid dish soap, and 2 gallons (7.6 L) of hot water in a bucket. Dip a rag or cloth into the solution and wipe the stain until it’s completely gone.^{[7]
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- If this recipe produces too much solution, then half the recipe.
- Apply the product to a hidden spot and let it set for three seconds before applying it to a large area. If there are stains, discoloration, or residue left by the product, choose a different method.
- If the permanent marker still stays on the tile, try one of the other methods.

Method 6

Method 6 of 7:

Remove Permanent Marker Using Nail Polish Remover

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Try using nail polish remover to wipe away the marker stain. Be sure to test this product on an inconspicuous area first, as it might damage your tile. If it doesn’t damage the tile, apply a little nail polish remover to a cloth or cotton ball and rub the marker stain.^{[8]
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Research source} Use a damp rag to wipe away any remaining residue.
- Alternatively, squirt a little hand sanitizer on the mark and use a clean cloth to rub at the stain. Repeat until the stain is gone and use a damp rag to remove any residue.^{[9]
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Method 7

Method 7 of 7:

Remove Permanent Marker Using Hairspray

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Spray aerosol hairspray if that’s what you have on hand. Spray it directly on the marker or spray it onto a cloth and wipe the ink down.^{[10]
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Research source} Let the hairspray sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then use a damp rag to scrub the stain away.
- Hairspray can be an effective cleaner because it contains alcohol, which can dissolve the marker ink.^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Should you use a black dry erase marker as opposed to a colored one no matter what color the stain is? I have blue permanent marker stains on my tiles, should I use black regardless? Thank you.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Yes, the black dry erase marker should work with your blue stain. The dry erase marker works as a solvent, eating away at the stain, regardless of the color of the stain.

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Question

How can I erase permanent marker from a floor tile?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Start with the directions above using vinegar, washing soda, dish soap, and hot water. If that doesn’t work, try the toothpaste method, or a dry erase marker.

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What is the best and easiest way to remove soap spots from glass shower doors?

Community Answer

I always use shaving cream and it works great.

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Tips

Try to treat stains as soon as possible. In general, the longer a stain sets, the harder it is to remove.

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If one method doesn’t work, wash and dry the affected area before trying a different method.

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Warnings

Apply each product to a hidden spot and let it set for three seconds before applying it to a large area. If there are stains, discoloration, or residue left by the product, choose a different method.

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Try to avoid mixing household cleaning products (like bleach and rubbing alcohol or bleach and vinegar) that can create toxic chemicals.^{[12]
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