Removing Sharpie Stains From T-Shirts: Effective Methods

Getting a permanent marker stain on your favourite T-shirt can be frustrating, but there are a few ways to tackle it. The most common method is to use an alcohol-based product, such as hand sanitiser, hairspray, or rubbing alcohol, to break down the marker stain. You can also try a fixative product designed for fabric dyeing, or a stain remover formulated for ink stains. If you're looking for a more natural solution, milk can help reduce the appearance of fresh ink stains, and baking soda mixed with water can be used to create a gentle stain remover.

Use hairspray

If you've accidentally gotten Sharpie on your favourite t-shirt, don't worry—hairspray can be a great way to remove it! Here's what you need to do:

First, place your t-shirt on a flat, hard surface with a clean cloth or towel underneath the stained part of the fabric. This will help to absorb the hairspray and any ink that comes out. Next, soak a cotton ball with hairspray and press it firmly against the stain. Blot the stain with the cotton ball repeatedly, as needed. You should notice the stain transferring from the t-shirt to the cotton ball. Continue doing this, replacing the cotton ball when it gets dirty, until the stain is fully removed. Finally, wash the t-shirt as indicated on its label.

It's important to note that not all hairsprays are created equal when it comes to stain removal. The best hairsprays for removing Sharpie stains are cheap, aerosol ones with a high alcohol content. Avoid hairsprays that are labelled "alcohol-free", as these will not effectively remove the stain. Additionally, hairspray is not suitable for removing Sharpie stains from all surfaces. It generally works best on polyester or poly-blend clothes and most cotton or denim fabrics. You should never use hairspray to remove stains from leather or wool.

Try hand sanitiser

Removing Sharpie Stains from a T-Shirt with Hand Sanitiser

Step 1: Prepare the T-Shirt

Place the t-shirt on a flat surface and locate the Sharpie stain. Before applying any products, it is important to put paper towels or an old towel underneath the stain to prevent the dye from bleeding through to the other side of the fabric. This way, if the dye starts to spread, it will be absorbed by the paper towels or towel, protecting the rest of the t-shirt.

Step 2: Apply Hand Sanitiser

Now it's time to get to work on the stain! Squeeze a small amount of hand sanitiser onto the Sharpie stain. The amount of hand sanitiser you use will depend on the size of the stain—a quarter- or dime-sized amount should be enough for most stains.

Step 3: Work the Hand Sanitiser into the Fabric

Using a clean sponge, gently spread the hand sanitiser over the stain, working it into the fabric in a circular motion. Make sure to cover the entire stain and the area around it.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Let the hand sanitiser sit on the stain for about 15 minutes. During this time, the alcohol in the hand sanitiser will start to break up the ink, making it easier to remove.

Step 5: Repeat if Necessary

If the stain is still visible after the first application, don't worry! Simply repeat the process until the stain is removed. Gently work a little more hand sanitiser into the stain and let it sit for another 15 minutes.

Step 6: Rinse and Wash

Once the stain is no longer visible, rinse the fabric with cold water to remove any remaining hand sanitiser. If the t-shirt is machine washable, you can then run it through the washing machine with your usual detergent. Always follow the care instructions on the t-shirt's label.

Tips and Tricks

• Always test any cleaning products on a small, discreet area of the fabric first to ensure they won't damage or discolour the fabric.
• When working with hand sanitiser, avoid rubbing the fabric vigorously as this can spread the stain or cause it to set deeper into the fabric. Instead, use a gentle dabbing or circular motion.
• For particularly stubborn stains, you can also try pre-treating the stain with an alcohol-based hairspray before applying hand sanitiser.
• While hand sanitiser is a great option for removing Sharpie stains, it may not completely remove very large or heavy stains. In this case, you may need to repeat the process multiple times or try a different method.
• Always avoid using heat, such as an iron or dryer, on the stained area as this can set the stain and make it even more difficult to remove.

Now you know how to remove Sharpie stains from a t-shirt using hand sanitiser! Remember to act quickly when treating stains, as the longer they have been on a surface, the more difficult they can be to remove.

Apply acetone nail polish remover

To get a Sharpie stain out of a T-shirt, you can try using acetone nail polish remover. Nail polish remover contains acetone, which is a powerful stain remover that can quickly break down permanent marker stains on many fabrics.

Step 1: Prepare the T-shirt

Before you begin, put a disposable towel or a few paper towels between the stain and the other side of the T-shirt. This will help prevent the stain from transferring to another area of the fabric.

Step 2: Apply the Acetone Nail Polish Remover

Dip a clean sponge or cotton ball in acetone nail polish remover until it is soaked but not dripping. Gently dab the nail polish remover directly onto the stain, switching to a clean part of the sponge or a new cotton ball as needed. Continue dabbing until the stain is removed.

Step 3: Rinse the Fabric

After removing the stain, rinse the fabric thoroughly to get rid of any residue from the acetone. You can also throw the T-shirt in the washing machine to finish up.

It is important to note that acetone is a strong solvent, so it is best to use this method on thicker, sturdier fabrics. Avoid using acetone nail polish remover on delicate fabrics such as silk, thin cotton, or linen, as it may damage or discolour the fabric. Always test on an inconspicuous area first to be sure.

Additionally, while acetone nail polish remover can be effective, there are other methods you can try to remove Sharpie stains from a T-shirt, such as using rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or hand sanitizer.

Soak in milk

Soaking a t-shirt in milk is an "old-school" way to remove ink stains. It is important to note that milk can sour and cause a bad smell, so it is important to ensure that the milk is thoroughly cleaned from the fabric after the stain has been lifted.

To use this method, fill a bowl with regular cow's milk and then place the stained part of the t-shirt into the bowl, ensuring that it is completely saturated in milk. Let the stain soak for 15 to 20 minutes, and then gently wipe the fabric with a damp cloth. Finally, wash the t-shirt in the washing machine as usual.

Use a stain remover

Using a stain remover is an effective way to get Sharpie marks out of a T-shirt. It is important to act quickly, as fresh stains are easier to remove than old ones.

Firstly, place the stained area of the T-shirt on a stack of paper towels, with an old towel between the stain and the opposite fabric to prevent the stain from bleeding onto the other side of the fabric. Then, apply a liquid stain remover to the underside of the stain, pushing it out rather than working it deeper into the fabric.

Let the stain remover sit on the fabric according to the packaging instructions, then wash the T-shirt in cold water by hand or in the washing machine.

If the stain remains, try a product specifically formulated for ink stains, such as Amodex Ink and Stain Remover. Apply a few drops directly to the stain and rub the area with a stiff brush or your fingernail. Rinse with water and repeat until the stain is gone.

For coloured fabrics or white items with spandex, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser to break up the ink, then apply a colour-safe laundry stain remover such as Clorox 2® for Colours.

Frequently asked questions