How to Get Marker Out of Kids’ Clothes? Easy Tools & Steps

How to get marker out of kids’ clothes without any commercial stain remover in 5 easy steps.  

• As soon as you spot the stain, don’t wait! The sooner you treat it, the easier it will be to remove.  

• Place a clean towel or microfiber cloth under the stain and gently blot it with another cloth or cotton ball. Avoid rubbing otherwise, it will spread the stain.  

• Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol, or white vinegar, or use an alcohol-based anti bacterial hand soaps. These help break down the marker ink. 

• Once the stain is treated, toss the clothing into the washing machine with regular detergent. Make sure to use cold water, as hot water can set the stain.  

• Before putting the clothes in the dryer, inspect the stain. If it’s still visible, repeat the process. Drying with heat can make the stain permanent.

Last weekend, my daughter was doing a school project. She was super excited with her project and got all her markers out. She worked so hard on her project, but by the time she finished, her t-shirt was covered in marker stains. Red, green, and blue lines were everywhere!  

At first, I thought, this shirt is ruined. But I wasn’t ready to give up. I’ve had to deal with marker stains before (result of having four kiddos). So, I decided to try a few tricks. I did some experiments with items that I already have in the kitchen. After some serious scrubbing, I managed to get the stains out. 

That’s when I thought, this probably happens to so many parents. If your kids love markers as much as mine, you’ve likely dealt with this too. So, I decided to share the simple steps I used. 

Next time you wonder how to get marker out of kids’ clothes, you’ll be able to easily apply these ideas. These ideas are easy, quick, and will save your kid’s clothes. I’ll also share how to remove markers from leather couch, wall, skin, and so on. I hope after reading this blog permanent marker stains or Sharpie stains will not be a problem at your home anymore. 

Types of Stains: 3 Common Marker Stains

You have to know what kind of marker stain you are dealing with before you apply any solution. All marker stains are not the same and you have to deal with them differently. 

1. Water-Based Markers  

Kids use water-based markers most of the time because they are easy to clean. The good news is, with a little soap and water you can quickly remove the marker stains from clothing. But my suggestion is, don’t wait too long. If you wait for too long these stains can still set.

2. Permanent Markers 

These are the troublemakers. Permanent markers are a little bit tricky to remove. Permanent markers are designed to last. That’s why their stains are a challenge to remove. The stain sinks deep into fabrics. But don’t worry. You still can get rid of these fresh stains or tough stains. Rubbing alcohol or acetone, alcohol-based antibacterial hand soaps can easily tackle those stubborn stains. 

3. Dry-Erase Markers   

Dry-erase markers are made to write on whiteboards, not fabric (of course!). Still if your kids get this on their clothes, you’ll need specific techniques to remove them. You’ll need to use stronger solutions to remove them. In this case rubbing alcohol or white vinegar will be helpful. They will lift the stain and will not cause any damage. 

How to Get Marker Stains Out of Kids’ Clothes: Easy Steps   

I’ve been through dealing with marker stains plenty of times, so trust me, these steps work! It’s not disastrous to deal with marker stains. 

I’ll share with you how to get marker out of kids’ clothes, whether it’s washable markers, dry-erase, or the dreaded permanent ones. There are ways to fix every marker stain. Follow these stain removal process.

Remove Water-Based Marker Stains: Step-by-Step  

These are the easiest to tackle (thank goodness). Most kids’ washable markers fall into this category. So, if your little artist got a bit carried away, here’s what to do:  

Step 1 

Start by rinsing the stain with cold water. Hold the shirt under the faucet, letting the water run through the back of the fabric to push the ink out instead of driving it deeper.  

Step 2 

Grab some dish soap or liquid laundry detergent, whatever you have handy. Gently rub a small amount into the stain.

Step 3

Use a soft toothbrush (or your fingers) to gently scrub in circles. Be gentle, though; no need to punish the fabric!

Step 4 

Rinse it out with cold water and check if the stain is gone. If it’s still hanging on, repeat the steps. Once it looks good, toss it into the washer for a regular cycle.  

Quick tip: For tougher stains, soak the shirt in soapy water for 30 minutes before scrubbing. It gives the detergent time to work its magic.

Remove Permanent Marker Stains: Step-by-Step 

Ah, permanent markers, those are every parent’s worst nightmare. But don’t throw in the towel just yet. But the good news is these permanent markers are also easily manageable if you act fast.  

Step 1 

Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol or acetone (yep, nail polish remover works too). These break down the ink.  

Step 2 

Slip a towel or an old rag under the fabric. This catches the ink as it lifts, so it doesn’t bleed through to the other side.  

Step 3

Use a cotton ball soaked in the alcohol or acetone and blot the stain gently. Don’t scrub! Scrubbing spreads the ink and makes things worse.  

Step 4 

Rinse the area with cold water to see if the stain is fading. If there’s still some left, repeat the process. When it looks good, toss the shirt in the wash and let the machine finish the job.   

Quick tip: Hairspray can help too! Spray it on, blot it with a cloth, and rinse.

Remove Dry-Erase Marker Stains: Step-by-Step

You can easily wipe dry-erase markers stains from whiteboards, but they’re surprisingly stubborn on fabric. They are a little bit trickier to remove. Still you can fix it with vinegar or rubbing alcohol.  

Step 1 

Grab some white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. You can also use hydrogen peroxide if available. Dab a little onto the stain with a cloth or cotton ball.  

Step 2 

Let it sit for a few minutes. This gives the solution time to loosen the ink.  

Step 3 

Gently scrub the area with a soft toothbrush. Little circular motions work wonders.  

Step 4 

Rinse it out with cold water and check your progress. If the stain is still there, try again. Once it’s gone, pop the item in the wash.  

Quick tip: Always check the fabric label. Delicate materials like silk or wool need a gentler approach.

DIY and Natural Solutions, Easily Found at Home Products

You always don’t have to use harsh chemicals to remove marker stains. Some of the right products are sitting right in your kitchen or bathroom. These eco-friendly and DIY methods will help tackle ink stains. They are very budget-friendly and kind to the environment. You can use these items to remove permanent marker inks and ballpoint pen stains. Plus, they’re so simple that even the busiest parents can give them a try.  

Lemon Juice and Sunlight

They say, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” but you can also use those lemons to fight stains!  

How does it work? 

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. Combined with sunlight, it can lift light permanent marker stains from everyday cottons.

How to use it?

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain, making sure to soak it well. 
• Then, place the fabric out in direct sunlight. 
• Check it every 10-15 minutes to see if the stain is fading. 
• Once it lightens, rinse it out and toss it in the washing machine.  

Pro tip: This works best for lighter fabrics and is great for kids’ school uniforms that have seen better days.

Baking Soda and Water Paste

Baking soda is like the “Swiss Army knife” of cleaning products. It does a little bit of everything, and removes stains too.  

How does it work?

Baking soda gently scrubs away dried stains. It can slightly damage the fabric, so be careful while using it. 

How to use it?

• Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with clean water to form a paste. 
• Apply it to the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes. 
• Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub the area in small circles. 
• Rinse thoroughly with cold water and wash as usual.

Pro tip: If you’re dealing with stubborn ink stains, sprinkle a bit of rubbing alcohol on the stain before applying the baking soda paste.

Milk Soak for Delicate Fabrics

This one might sound odd, but milk is surprisingly effective on water based marker stains. Milk works best for delicate fabrics like silk.  

How does it work?

Milk’s natural enzymes break down the ink, loosening it from the fibers. The best part is it doesn’t damage delicate fabrics or other types of fabrics. 

How to use it?

• Pour some milk into a bowl and soak the stained fabric overnight. 
• For a deeper clean, gently rub the fabric with your fingers every few hours. 
• Rinse thoroughly and wash in cold water.  

Pro tip: Don’t use this on large stains unless you’re ready to part with a lot of milk!

Bleach for Whites Only

Bleach is like the “big guns” of stain removal, so use it only when all else fails.  

How does it work?

Bleach breaks down the dye in permanent marker inks but is best suited for white clothes.  

How to use it?

• Dilute one part bleach with four parts water. 
• Soak the stained area for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. 
• Follow up with a regular wash in the washing machine.  

Pro tip: Always test on a small inconspicuous area first as bleach and colored fabrics don’t play well together.

Hairspray

Hairspray isn’t just for keeping hairstyles in place. Alcohol-based hairspray can work wonders on permanent ink stains. Hairspray also removes regular ballpoint pens ink. 

How does it work?

The alcohol in hairspray breaks down the ink. You can use a hairspray as it is easily available at house

How to use it?

• Spray the stain with a generous amount of hairspray.
• Let it sit for a minute or two, then blot it with a clean towel. 
• Repeat until the stain is gone, then wash the fabric as usual.  

Pro tip: Look for alcohol-based hairsprays; newer liquid forms without alcohol won’t be effective.

Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer

If there’s one thing that can save the day with permanent marker removal, it’s good old rubbing alcohol.  

How does it work?

Alcohol dissolves the permanent ink, making it easy to blot away.  

How to use it?

• Dab the stained area with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Place an absorbent towel under the fabric to catch the ink as it lifts. 
• Gently blot the stain, avoiding any harsh rubbing. 
• Rinse thoroughly and wash as usual.  

Pro tip: For dried stains, let the alcohol sit for 5–10 minutes before blotting.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is an all-purpose cleaning item. White vinegar is gentle and eco-friendly. It’s surprisingly very effective on marker pen and ink stains.  

How does it work?

The acidity in vinegar helps break down the ink while being safe for most fabrics. White vinegar is also a very common household item. So, you can easily grab it when you need to face a tough stain.  

How to use it?

• Mix one part vinegar with two parts water. 
• Soak the stained area for 30 minutes, then scrub gently with a toothbrush. 
• Rinse and wash with laundry detergent.  

Pro tip: For stubborn stains, combine vinegar with baking soda to create a fizzing action that lifts ink faster.

Pre-Treatment Steps: Take before Removing Stains

If you can react to the stain quickly then it’ll be easier to remove. Your quick action can make all the difference. So, before you start removing the stain you’ll need to follow these pre-treatment straps. 

1. Act Quickly 

Quickly reacting to the stains is very important. The longer the stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove. As soon as you spot a marker stain, drop everything (okay, maybe not literally!) and get to work.  

2. Don’t Rub the Stain  

Rubbing is a rookie mistake. It spreads the ink. It makes the stain even larger and harder to handle. Instead, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth. Don’t use paper towels. Paper towels can leave tiny paper particles on the clothes. This absorbs some of the excess ink and doesn’t push it deeper into the fabric.  

3. Test First

I suggest you test any stain remover or home remedy before using. You can easily test it on a small and hidden area of the fabric, like the inside seam or hem. If you follow this pretreatment step this will help you make sure it won’t damage the fabric or cause any discoloration. Better safe than sorry.  

How to Get Marker Out of Skin, Wall, Couches, and More

Kids not only stain their clothes, sometimes they also stain their skin, wall, couches, or even carpet. So, you’ll always have to be ready to tackle those stains also. 

How to Remove Permanent Marker from Skin 

Removing permanent marker stains from skin is not a hassle. Follow these simple steps to effectively remove permanent markers.  

• Fresh ink stains are easier to remove. Don’t let the stain set into the skin. Grab the right products, like rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based antibacterial hand soaps.  

• Soak a cotton ball or microfiber cloth in rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Gently dab the stained area. You have to avoid scrubbing harshly to protect delicate skin.  

• If you want to use a more gentle solution then apply coconut oil or olive oil to the stain. Massage it in circular motions to break down the marker pen ink, then wipe clean with towels.  

• Mix baking soda and water into a paste. Apply it to the stain, rub gently, and rinse with warm water. This works well for dried stains and is safe for delicate fabrics.  

• Rinse with warm water and mild soap or detergent to remove any remaining residue.  

• Alcohol and soaps can dry out your skin, so finish by applying lotion to keep it hydrated.  

How to Remove Permanent Marker from Walls

My kids always prove their master art skill on the wall. So, often I deal with those stains. Thankfully, it’s fixable! Follow these simple steps to get your walls marker-free.  

• First, figure out the type of wall you’re dealing with. Is it painted, textured, or wallpapered? This will determine the best cleaning method. Always test any solution on a small, inconspicuous area to avoid damage.  

• Rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitizers are great for permanent ink stains. Dab a microfiber cloth with alcohol and gently rub the stained area. Avoid scrubbing too hard, especially on delicate surfaces, to prevent removing paint.  

• Mix non-gel toothpaste with a bit of baking soda. Apply this paste to the stain and gently scrub using a soft clean sponge or white cloth. This is a great option for painted or everyday walls.  

• For ink stains on more stubborn surfaces, soak a cloth in white vinegar and dab it on the marker stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping clean.  

• After removing the marker, use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue. Then, dry with a clean towel to prevent streaks.  

• If all else fails, use a melamine foam magic eraser. These work wonders on tough stains but may slightly dull glossy finishes, so use carefully.  

How to Remove Permanent Marker from Carpet 

Once my son made our living room carpet his canvas. He drew everything he learned at school on the carpet. I had to remove those marker stains (it was an expensive carpet!). You can also remove marker stains from your carpet.   

• If the marker stain is fresh, gently blot it with a towel or microfiber cloth. Don’t rub, otherwise this will spread the ink deeper into the fibers.  

• Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth or cotton ball. Gently blot the stain, working from the outside in to prevent spreading. Place a towel under the stained area to absorb excess ink.  

• Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Dab this solution onto the stain with a clean sponge or cloth. Gently scrub the area in circular motions and focus on the stained fibers.  

• Sprinkle baking soda over the stain. Then pour a small amount of white vinegar on top. Let it fizz for a few minutes. Then blot with a damp cloth.  

• Use a clean cloth dampened with plain water to rinse away cleaning residues. Blot the area dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.  

• If the stain is stubborn, repeat the process until the marker ink is completely gone.  

How to Remove Permanent Marker from Leather Couch

When you can easily treat marker stains on your leather couch why live with them? You can remove those pesky ink stains and it will not damage your leather.

• Gently blot the stain with a microfiber cloth to remove any excess ink. Avoid scrubbing as it could push the ink deeper into the leather.  

• Dab a cotton ball or soft cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Gently blot the marker stain. You’ll need to test in a small inconspicuous area first. That’s how you can ensure the alcohol won’t damage or discolor your leather.  

• Apply a tiny amount of non-gel toothpaste to the stain and gently rub it in with a soft cloth or your finger. Wipe off with a damp cloth, and repeat if needed.  

• If the stain persists, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Dampen a cloth with the solution and gently rub the stained area. This can help lift stubborn ink stains without harming the leather.  

• After removing the stain, clean the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Then, apply a leather conditioner to restore the couch’s natural shine and prevent drying or cracking.  

• If the stain refuses to budge, don’t risk damaging your leather. Contact a professional cleaner who specializes in leather furniture.  

How to Prevent Stains? Easy Tips

Prevention is always better than cure. Taking a few proactive measures can save you a lot of time and hassle later. Here are some easy and practical tips:  

1. If you’ve got little ones at home then choose washable markers for them. They’re much easier to clean up. And they are also perfect for school projects or arts and crafts sessions.  

2. Let your kids wear old clothes or an art smock while they are drawing. This way, you won’t have to worry about ruining their everyday outfits.  

3. Set up a specific area for your kids where they will do their art activities. Choose easy-to-clean surfaces like laminated tables or plastic mats.  

4. Clean up any spills or marks as soon as they happen. Your quick response can prevent the stain from setting and becoming harder to remove.  

5. Avoid placing items like silk or delicate upholstery in areas where kids might get carried away with their marker pens.

When to Seek Professional Help  

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a stain refuses to budge. That’s when it’s time to call in the pros. Professional cleaners have tools and expertise to tackle even the toughest stains.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 Conclusion

So now you know how to get marker out of kids’ clothes. Marker stains are sometimes difficult to remove but they don’t have to ruin your kid’s clothes or your day. You can tackle even the toughest stains with these simple tools and steps. 

Next time, you little one leaves any mark on their clothing item, skin, wall, or your couch, you’ll know exactly what to do. I hope one of these cleaning remedies and stain removal methods will help you to clean the marker stains. 
Also, check out How to Get Stains Out of Kids Clothes-Easy Tips and How To Get Kids Paint Out of Clothes to tackle other tough stains and stubborn paint stains with some easy and effective methods.