Removing Permanent Marker Stains From T-Shirts: Effective Methods

Getting permanent marker stains out of a T-shirt can be a tricky task, but it's not impossible. The key is to act quickly and to use products that can break down the oils and alcohols in the ink. Here are some methods you can try:

- Using alcohol-based products such as hand sanitiser, hairspray, or rubbing alcohol. Apply the product to the stain and blot with a cloth or paper towel.

- Soaking the stained area in milk for about 15 minutes, then washing the T-shirt as usual.

- Applying a mixture of baking soda and water to the stain, letting it sit, and then washing the T-shirt.

- Using a commercial stain remover, such as Amodex Ink and Stain Remover.

Hairspray

• Place the garment on a flat, hard surface and put a clean cloth or towel underneath the stained part of the clothing. This will help absorb the treatment and any ink that is removed.
• Soak a cotton ball with hairspray and press it firmly against the stain.
• Repeatedly blot the stain with the cotton ball, replacing it when it gets dirty. You should notice the stain transferring from the garment to the cotton ball.
• Continue blotting as necessary. Once the stain is fully removed, wash the garment as indicated on its care label.

It is important to note that hairspray is not suitable for removing permanent marker stains from all surfaces. It generally works best for stains on polyester or poly-blend clothes and most cotton or denim fabrics. It should not be used on leather or wool.

Hand sanitiser

Place the garment on a flat, hard surface:

Place the stained part of the clothing on a flat, hard surface, preferably with a clean cloth or towel underneath to absorb the treatment and any ink that comes out.

Apply hand sanitiser to the stain:

Squeeze a quarter- or dime-sized amount of hand sanitiser onto the stain, depending on its size.

Rub the hand sanitiser into the stain:

Gently spread the hand sanitiser over the stain in a circular motion using a clean sponge.

Let it settle:

Let the hand sanitiser sit on the stain for about 15 minutes.

Repeat if necessary:

If the stain is still there, repeat the process until it is removed.

Rinse the fabric:

After removing the stain, rinse the fabric with cold water to get rid of the hand sanitiser.

Wash the clothing:

Finally, wash the clothing item as usual in the washing machine, following the care instructions on the label.

Additional Tips:

• Always test the hand sanitiser on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it does not cause discolouration.
• Avoid using heat, such as an iron or dryer, on the stain as this may set it.
• For delicate fabrics, consider using an alternative method or a gentler hand sanitiser designed for sensitive skin.
• If the stain is fresh, act quickly! The longer it sits, the more permanent it becomes.

Rubbing alcohol

Here's a step-by-step guide to removing permanent marker stains from a T-shirt using rubbing alcohol:

Preparation:

Before applying any cleaning products to the stain, it's a good idea to test the substance on a small, inconspicuous part of the fabric to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration or damage.

Place a few paper towels or an old towel underneath the stained area of the T-shirt. This will help to absorb the stain and prevent it from bleeding through to the other side of the fabric.

Treating the Stain:

• Soak a clean cloth or sponge in rubbing alcohol. The ideal ratio is 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to 30 percent water.
• Dab the cloth or sponge around the stain first to prevent it from spreading, then apply it directly to the stain.
• Continue dabbing the stain with alcohol for about 1 to 5 minutes, dipping the cloth or sponge in more alcohol as needed.
• If the paper towels underneath the stain become soaked, replace them with clean ones to prevent the dye from transferring to another part of the fabric.
• After the stain is removed, wash the T-shirt as directed on the care label.

Additional Tips:

• Delicate fabrics such as silk may be damaged by alcohol and should be dry-cleaned instead.
• For thicker, tougher fabrics like upholstery, carpets, or leather, an alcohol-based hairspray can be used in the same way as rubbing alcohol.
• To remove permanent marker stains from polyester comforters, apply rubbing alcohol, let it sit for about 3 minutes, then wipe it off with paper towels. Follow up by washing the comforter in the washing machine with laundry detergent.

Vinegar and dish soap

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar and Dish Soap Solution

Mix one tablespoon (15 mL) of dish soap, one tablespoon (15 mL) of white vinegar, and two cups (470 mL) of cold water in a bowl. Stir the solution until the vinegar and dish soap are fully combined.

Step 2: Apply the Solution to the Stain

Using a clean sponge, gently dab the solution onto the stained area of the fabric. Ensure that the sponge is soaked but not dripping, and focus on applying the solution directly to the stain.

Step 3: Blot the Stain

Using a clean paper towel, blot the stain every five minutes for a duration of 30 minutes. This process helps to lift the stain from the fabric. Allow the solution to rest on the fabric between each blotting session.

Step 4: Rinse the Fabric

After 30 minutes of blotting, pour cold water over the stain to flush out and remove any remaining solution. Use a clean paper towel to gently dab and dry the area.

Additional Tips:

• Test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure that it can withstand the vinegar and dish soap solution.
• This method is generally effective for synthetic fabrics, such as upholstery fabrics and synthetic carpets.
• For other types of fabrics, consider using alternative methods such as rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or hand sanitizer.
• Always treat the stain as soon as possible for the best results.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove permanent marker stains from synthetic fabrics using vinegar and dish soap.

Bleach

Here's a step-by-step guide to removing permanent marker stains from your white clothes using bleach:

Step 1: Dilute the Bleach

Firstly, you'll need to dilute a small amount of bleach with water. Always make sure to follow the instructions on the bleach packaging and never use it undiluted.

Step 2: Soak the Garment

Next, soak the stained area of the garment in the bleach and water solution. Depending on the severity of the stain, you may need to soak it for several minutes or longer. Keep an eye on the fabric to ensure the bleach doesn't cause any discolouration.

Step 3: Rinse and Wash

If the stain has vanished, be sure to rinse the item immediately. Then, you can wash the garment as normal, following the care instructions on the label.

It's important to note that bleach should not be used on wool, silk, mohair, leather, or spandex. Always check the care label of your garment before using bleach.

For coloured fabrics or white fabrics with spandex, you can try using an oxygen bleach soak or other methods such as hand sanitiser, rubbing alcohol, or hairspray.

Frequently asked questions