How to Remove Permanent Marker from Clothes After Washing: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Accidentally getting permanent marker on your clothes can be incredibly frustrating. It’s even more stressful when the marker has been through the wash. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to try to remove the marker from the fabric. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to remove permanent marker from clothes after they have been washed.

Use Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is one of the most effective solutions for removing permanent marker stains from clothing. To use it, follow these steps:

• Place the stained garment on a flat surface.
• Dip a cotton ball into rubbing alcohol and apply it directly to the stained area.
• Gently rub the stained area with the cotton ball until the stain begins to fade. Do not scrub too hard or the fabric may become damaged.
• Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with cold water and blot dry with a paper towel.

The benefit of using rubbing alcohol is that it is very effective at removing permanent marker stains. However, it can also be very drying, so it is important to rinse the area thoroughly after use. Additionally, rubbing alcohol should only be used on fabrics that are colorfast.

Apply White Vinegar

White vinegar is another great option for removing permanent marker stains from clothing. To use it, follow these steps:

• Mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm water in a bowl.
• Soak the stained area in the solution for several minutes.
• Gently rub the stained area with a soft cloth to help lift the stain.
• Rinse the area with cold water and blot dry with a paper towel.

The benefit of using white vinegar is that it is relatively gentle on fabrics. However, it may not be as effective as other solutions, so it is important to test it on an inconspicuous area first. Additionally, white vinegar should only be used on fabrics that are colorfast.

Try Hair Spray

Hair spray can also be used to remove permanent marker stains from clothing. To use it, follow these steps:

• Spray the stained area with a generous amount of hairspray.
• Let the hairspray sit for a few minutes.
• Gently rub the stained area with a soft cloth to help lift the stain.
• Rinse the area with cold water and blot dry with a paper towel.

The benefit of using hair spray is that it is usually very effective at removing permanent marker stains. However, it can also be very drying, so it is important to rinse the area thoroughly after use. Additionally, hair spray should only be used on fabrics that are colorfast.

Use Nail Polish Remover

Nail polish remover can also be used to remove permanent marker stains from clothing. To use it, follow these steps:

• Place the stained garment on a flat surface.
• Dip a cotton ball into the nail polish remover and apply it directly to the stained area.
• Gently rub the stained area with the cotton ball until the stain begins to fade. Do not scrub too hard or the fabric may become damaged.
• Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with cold water and blot dry with a paper towel.

The benefit of using nail polish remover is that it is usually very effective at removing permanent marker stains. However, it can also be very drying, so it is important to rinse the area thoroughly after use. Additionally, nail polish remover should only be used on fabrics that are colorfast.

Use Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda paste can also be used to remove permanent marker stains from clothing. To use it, follow these steps:

• Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste.
• Apply the paste directly to the stained area.
• Let the paste sit for several minutes.
• Gently rub the stained area with a soft cloth to help lift the stain.
• Rinse the area with cold water and blot dry with a paper towel.

The benefit of using baking soda paste is that it is relatively gentle on fabrics. However, it may not be as effective as other solutions, so it is important to test it on an inconspicuous area first. Additionally, baking soda paste should only be used on fabrics that are colorfast.

Try a Commercial Stain Remover

If all else fails, you can always try a commercial stain remover. To use it, follow these steps:

• Read the instructions on the package.
• Follow the instructions to apply the stain remover to the stained area.
• Let the stain remover sit for the recommended amount of time.
• Rinse the area with cold water and blot dry with a paper towel.

The benefit of using a commercial stain remover is that it is usually very effective at removing permanent marker stains. However, it can also be very harsh, so it is important to read the instructions carefully before use. Additionally, commercial stain removers should only be used on fabrics that are colorfast.

Conclusion

Removing permanent marker from clothes after being washed can be a challenge, but it is possible. In this article, we’ve outlined the steps for using rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, hair spray, nail polish remover, baking soda paste, and commercial stain remover to remove permanent marker stains from clothing. While some of these solutions may be more effective than others, it is important to remember to always test them on an inconspicuous area first.

For more information on how to remove permanent marker stains from clothing, check out the Good Housekeeping website.