Remove Permanent Marker from Counters and Appliances

Written by Amy Gordon (last updated July 29, 2019)

Permanent marker is a great tool for many things, from making posters to labeling supplies. The problem with permanent markers is how difficult they are to wipe off surfaces where you do not want them to be. We all know that mistakes can happen, and it is easy to get marks where you don't wan them. For instance, sometimes people will use permanent markers to write on paper and it will bleed through the paper. The result can be marks on your counter or table that are almost impossible to remove.

Even though advertised as a permanent marker, most markers are not really permanent. The ink from the markers is just very tenacious and difficult to remove. If you follow this tip, though, the permanent marker mark should become a thing of the past. You still may have to scrub a little bit, but it will become much easier than it has ever been before.

All you need to do is apply a little rubbing alcohol to the mark with a paper towel. If you choose, you can use a cloth instead of a paper towel, but the problem with this is that the permanent marker will then stain the cloth. Just rub the paper towel covered with rubbing alcohol over the stained area. The alcohol should dissolve the permanent marker ink. If that is not enough, soak an area of the paper towel with the rubbing alcohol and lay it on the affected area. Let it set for a few minutes while it dissolves the mark on the area.

This tip works great on countertops, but it is not limited to just that. Try it on any place that you want to remove permanent marker. Use it on that appliance you want to donate to the local thrift store or sell at a garage sale that still has your name written on it. Or use it on a backpack that your child has written all over. You will be amazed how much less permanent the "permanent" markers will become in your mind.

Author Bio

Amy Gordon

Amy Gordon loves keeping things simple, natural, and safe so she can spend more time having fun. Every day she learns new things about making life at home easier and she loves to share it with you! ...

MORE FROM AMY

Caring for Perennials

Perennials are plants that can survive for multiple growing seasons. Before planting your perennials, you should prepare ...

Discover More

How to Get Rid of Couch Grass

Couch grass can ruin your lawn and choke out the plants in your garden. Make sure to remove couch grass before it starts ...

Discover More

Tips for Taking Cuttings

Plant cutting is a great way to get new plants out of your old ones. Hang your cuttings in a bag of soil to protect them ...

Discover More

The Power of Microfiber! Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloths will become your favorite tool for every cleaning task. This 36-cloth package is perfect for hundreds of uses in the garage, kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and all around the house. Each cloth is tough, streak-free, lint-free, reusable, and washable. Check out Microfiber Cleaning Cloths today!

More Cleaning Tips

Removing Wine Stains from Stone Countertops

Stains in stone countertops can usually be lifted out with a stone cleaner or a mild detergent and some warm water. For ...

Discover More

Use Club Soda for Sparkling Countertops

Countertops become dull and stained after years of use. This tip, which recommends using club soda to add sparkle back to ...

Discover More

Removing Wine Stains from Tile Countertops

Wine stains quickly and should be cleaned immediately with warm soapy water. A solution of water, peroxide, and soap ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 6 + 5?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.