How to Remove Permanent Marker from a Smooth Surface

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: August 20, 2024 References

Permanent marker can be difficult to remove from smooth surfaces, but despite its name, it doesn't have to be permanent. Most permanent marker can be removed from smooth surfaces with common household substances like vinegar or toothpaste. Before trying a more abrasive method like bleach or nail polish remover, test it on a small and less visible area of the smooth surface you want to clean. If it causes damage, find a less abrasive alternative.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Gentle Products

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1
Wipe the surface with vinegar. Dampen a clean cloth with distilled white or cleaning vinegar. Wipe the cloth around the smooth surface you wish to clean several times.^{[1]
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- This technique works well when removing permanent marker from smooth stovetops.
2
Clean the affected area with toothpaste. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto a napkin or paper towel. Wipe the affected area with a vigorous back-and-forth motion. After the permanent marker has been completely removed, wipe the affected area with a damp cloth, then dry it with a dry cloth.
- For stubborn stains, apply the toothpaste and let it sit for five minutes before wiping it away.
- This will work best with a toothpaste that contains baking soda as a main ingredient. Gel toothpastes will probably be ineffective.
- This method is most effective when cleaning wood, televisions, dishes, and painted walls.
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3
Remove the marker with baby wipes. Damp and slightly soapy, baby wipes are perfect for removing permanent marker from smooth surfaces. Simply pluck a baby wipe from the container and gently wipe the smooth surface you’re interested in cleaning.^{[2]
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- This is the preferred method when removing permanent marker from televisions or computer screens.
4
Use a specialty product. There are a variety of specialty products available to help remove permanent marker from smooth surfaces. Specific directions for use vary with the product you’ve chosen to use. Generally, however, you can apply the product to the smooth surface that has permanent marker on it, then wipe it away with a paper towel or clean cloth.
- Popular products include Goo Gone, Watch Dog All Purpose Graffiti Remover, and Shadow Max Multi-surface Permanent Marker Remover.
5
Try melamine foam. Melamine foam—commonly available as the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser—is a popular product for removing permanent marker from smooth surfaces. It works exactly like a sponge. Simply wet the product, wring it out, then wipe the smooth surface from which you wish to remove permanent marker.^{[3]
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- If the melamine foam proves ineffective on its own, trace over the permanent marker with a dry erase marker, then wipe it away with a Magic Eraser or similar melamine foam product.
- This works best when cleaning smooth painted walls.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Trying More Abrasive Solutions

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Clean the permanent marker with rubbing alcohol. Saturate a washcloth with rubbing alcohol. Wipe the affected area with it. After you’ve removed a good deal of the marker ink, scrub the rest of the color off with a damp sponge, or a sponge soaked in more rubbing alcohol.^{[4]
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- You may need to repeat the process multiple times. Some ink may remain.^{[5]
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- If you don’t have any rubbing alcohol, you could substitute a hard liquor like vodka instead.^{[6]
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2
Spray the area with hairspray. Choose a hairspray with a high alcohol content. Spray it on the affected area. Wipe the area with a wet cloth or paper towel. Multiple applications may be necessary.^{[7]
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- This method is effective when cleaning walls, leather, and tile.
3
Use WD-40. To remove permanent marker from smooth surfaces using WD-40, spray a bit of it on a paper towel. Wipe the smooth surface that you wish to clean using a gentle back-and-forth motion. Repeat as needed.^{[8]
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- This works best on glass, dishes, and smooth furniture.
4
Wipe the area with nail polish remover. Wet a paper towel or a cotton ball with some nail polish remover. Wipe the affected area with the paper towel using a gentle back-and-forth motion.^{[9]
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- Only use a nail polish remover that is free of any moisture additives or fragrances.
- This method is especially effective when cleaning countertops.
- Do not use nail polish remover on any smooth, painted surface. It might cause the paint to come off.
5
Clean the affected area with bleach. Dampen an old rag or paper towel with bleach. Wipe the affected area with a gentle back-and-forth motion.
- Do not use bleach on any smooth surface that is covered with paint, as bleach may cause the paint to come off.
- Don heavy rubber cleaning gloves before using bleach, as it can irritate the skin.^{[11]
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How do you remove permanent marker from porcelain?

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

Spraying the permanent marker with hairspray works well on porcelain. Let the hairspray sit for 30-60 seconds before wiping the area with a soft cloth. If the ink still remains, you can either repeat this process or use products like a Magic Eraser or acetone nail polish remover.

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How do you get permanent marker off a plastic surface?

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

Rubbing alcohol and hairspray typically work well for removing permanent marker off of hard plastic surfaces. You can also try acetone nail polish remover.

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Question

How do you get permanent marker off of a countertop?

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

Usually a liquid bleach product, like Soft Scrub, easily removed permanent marker. You can also try acetone nail polish remover or hairspray to lift the ink off of your countertop.

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Once you decide that you do not want permanent marker on a particular smooth surface, act quickly to remove it. It is often more difficult to remove permanent marker from a smooth surface after the ink has dried.^{[12]
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You can also use correction fluid on white surfaces.

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