Vivian Marlowe
Removing alcohol-based marker stains from fabric can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The key to removing these stains lies in breaking down the alcohol and oils in the ink, and there are several household products that can help with this. For example, rubbing alcohol, hairspray, hand sanitiser, and nail polish remover all contain alcohol and can be effective in lifting marker stains from fabrics. It's important to test these products on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure they won't damage the material. Once a suitable product is selected, it can be applied directly to the stain and allowed to work for several minutes before blotting or wiping away. With the right approach and a little patience, those stubborn marker stains can be a thing of the past.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stain removal products | Rubbing alcohol, hand sanitiser, hairspray, acetone, ethyl alcohol, ethanol, bleach, white vinegar, nail polish remover, coconut oil, baby oil, vegetable oil, sea salt, makeup remover wipes, milk, dry erase markers, window cleaner, magic eraser sponges, WD-40, toothpaste, liquid soap, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, pure vegetable cooking oil, Clorox™ Clean-Up™ Cleaner + Bleach |
| Application method | Apply directly to the stain, press firmly, don't rub, leave for 15 minutes, ventilate the area, blot, scrub, rinse with warm water, repeat if necessary, test on a small area first |
| Stain removal techniques | Use a cotton ball, paper towel, cloth, cotton wool pads, cotton pad, microfiber cloth, sponge, cotton pad, clean cloth |
| Stain removal considerations | Check the fabric care label, keep items out of a hot dryer until the stain is removed, repeat the process if necessary, don't use an oil-based hairspray, don't rub markers on skin, act quickly |
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What You'll Learn
Using rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a highly effective way to remove alcohol-based marker stains from fabrics. It contains a high concentration of isopropyl alcohol, which breaks down the ink and releases it from the fabric.
Before attempting to remove the stain, test the rubbing alcohol on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it won't cause damage or discolouration. Everyday cottons and synthetic fibres are usually quite durable and can withstand harsh cleaning products, but delicate fabrics like wool and silk may be damaged.
To remove the stain, place a paper towel or cloth under the stained area to absorb the ink. From the back of the fabric, drip, or soak the rubbing alcohol onto the stain. Use a clean paper towel or cloth to blot the stain, replacing it as the stain transfers, and continue until the stain fades.
Once the stain is removed, rinse the garment thoroughly with water to remove any remaining alcohol. Treat the stain with detergent and handwash the garment in the warmest water that is safe for the fabric, according to its care label.
For fabrics that cannot handle alcohol, such as leather, a gentler alternative is to use white vinegar. Dab the stain with a vinegar-soaked cloth and wait five minutes. Blot the area, replacing the cloth as needed until the stain is removed.
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Hairspray
To use hairspray to remove marker stains, start by spraying the hairspray directly onto the stain. Hold the bottle a few inches away from the fabric and aim the sprayer at the stain. Spray until the stain is completely saturated. Then, allow the hairspray to soak into the stain for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Next, use a clean paper towel or cloth to blot or wipe away the stain. You may need to apply more hairspray and blot or wipe the stain multiple times until it is completely removed. If using a cloth, ensure it is a white cloth to avoid any potential colour transfer.
It is important to use an alcohol-based hairspray for this process. Many brands have changed their formulations to reduce or eliminate alcohol, so read the label before purchasing. Avoid using hairspray that is labelled "alcohol-free", as it will not effectively remove the stain. Instead, opt for cheap, aerosol hairsprays with a high alcohol content.
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Bleach products
If you are using bottled bleach, pour a small amount into a bowl and dip a cotton ball into it. Gently blot at the stain with the cotton ball and bleach, working from the outside of the stain inwards. Rinse the item of clothing in cool water, paying special attention to the stained area to ensure no bleach remains. Then, launder the item as normal.
For bleach pens or bleach fabric sprays, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Before using bleach, it is recommended to pretreat the stain with an alcohol-based product, such as hand sanitiser, to break up the ink. Hand sanitiser is gentler than other alcohol-based options and is a good choice for delicate fabrics. Apply a small amount of hand sanitiser to the stain and gently spread it in a circular motion with a clean sponge. Let it settle for about 15 minutes. If the stain is still there, repeat the process.
After using an alcohol-based product, rinse the fabric with cold water to remove the product. Then, apply the bleach as instructed above.
It is important to avoid bleaching clothing that contains spandex, wool, silk, mohair or leather.
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Soaking the fabric
One method is to soak the fabric in a solution of water and rubbing alcohol, which is an excellent solvent for breaking down the oils and alcohols in marker ink. You can also use isopropyl alcohol, which is very effective at removing marker stains. Soak a cotton pad or cloth in the solution and gently rub or blot the stain, being careful not to spread the ink to other areas of the fabric. Keep pressing or blotting until the ink is gone, changing the cotton pad as needed.
Another option is to use hairspray, which often contains alcohol. Apply the hairspray generously to the stain and leave it to soak for a few minutes before washing the fabric in cool water and air-drying it. Repeat the process if necessary.
For fabrics that can't handle alcohol, such as leather, a solution of white vinegar and water can be used. Dab the stain with a cotton ball or cloth soaked in the solution and wait a few minutes before blotting the area with a clean cloth. Repeat the process until the stain is removed, then launder the garment according to its care instructions.
It is important to note that while these methods are effective for removing alcohol-based marker stains, they may not work for all fabrics or stain types. Some fabrics may require professional cleaning if the stain is particularly stubborn.
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Using hand sanitiser
Alcohol-based hand sanitiser can be used to remove alcohol-based marker stains from fabric. The alcohol in the sanitiser dissolves the ink, breaking up the stain so that it can be more easily removed.
To use hand sanitiser to remove marker stains, start by placing paper towels or an old towel underneath the stain to keep it from bleeding through the fabric. Then, apply a small amount of hand sanitiser to a cotton ball, cloth, or sponge, and gently rub it onto the stain. Allow the sanitiser to sit on the stain for a few minutes—this gives the alcohol time to break down the bonds of the ink. Finally, rinse the fabric with cold water. Repeat the process if the stain is still visible.
Hand sanitiser is a good option for removing marker stains from fabric as it is designed for use on skin, so it is gentler than other alcohol-based products. However, it is still important to test it on a small area first, as it may not be suitable for all fabrics.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use products that contain alcohol to break down the marker stain, such as hand sanitiser, hairspray, or rubbing alcohol. Apply the product to the stain and leave it for 15 minutes. Then, wash the fabric in the washing machine with a laundry detergent designed to tackle stains. Wash at 30 degrees or as high as the care label recommends.
Other products that can be used to remove alcohol-based marker stains include acetone (nail polish remover), liquid soap and toothpaste, or coconut oil, baby oil, or vegetable oil.
Yes, avoid using bicarbonate of soda and vinegar together as they will neutralise each other. If you want to use these products, use them sequentially—bicarbonate of soda in the wash and vinegar in the rinse.
