Sharpie on Clothing

Updated on March 06, 2009
E.S. asks from Los Angeles, CA
33 answers

Does anyone know how to get a black sharpie mark out of a piece of clothing??? I tried spray and wash, but that didn't work..... I did not dry, just washed...

5 moms found this helpful

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K.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello! I love "SOILOVE". It comes in a small green little bottle, and there is a red heart in the "o" for love. This takes out blook, red wine, spaghetti, blueberries and strawberry stains. And best of all, it costs about a buck. However, if you have already washed the clothes once, I don't know if it will take it out. But it's cheap enough to try. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Sharpie is tough, the only thing i know that gets it out is alcohol, liking rubbing alcohol. Good Luck

1 mom found this helpful
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A.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi,
I have used Goof Off from Home Depot. It has taken out "Sharpie" out of my children's clothes in the past. Only use in a well ventilated area though!
Good Luck
Mommy of three!

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C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi ES,
I have cut and paste an article from the Sharpie website with their suggestion of how to remove Sharpie marker stains from clothing. A link for a product they recommended is also attached. Good luck!
"The successful stain removal of ink stains differs from case to case because of the many types of fabrics, colors, inks and time elapsed before stain removal. We cannot guarantee stain removal since many variables can be involved. Testing first is always recommended as well as following both the stain remover and clothing manufacturer's instructions. Following these steps should result in partial or complete removal.

General Rules:

1) Treat stains as soon as possible. Fresh stains can be removed more easily than old ones.

2) Check manufacturer's labels as to fabric content and any special instructions

3) Always test stain removal solution first on a hidden part of the article or on swatch of fabric taken from seam allowance to insure no color loss or damage will occur.

4) Where possible, lay stained article face down on paper towels or clean white cloth and apply stain removal solution to underside of stain so that stain can be removed from the surface instead of pushing it through the fabric. Replace towels or cloth as they absorb stain to prevent stain transfer.

5) If enlisting the aid of a professional laundry or dry cleaner, be sure to indicate what the stain is and the type of fabric.

6) Do not iron stained garments or put in dryer as this may set stain.

* Also try AMODEX STAIN REMOVER for permanent ink: Amodex Products, P.O. Box 3332, Bridgeport, CT 06605, Phone:###-###-#### or go to www.amodexink.com

2 moms found this helpful
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B.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

carpet cleaner, you know the kind you put in the "rug doctor" and machines. Works on EVERYTHING I have ever got in my suits. DOn't dilute it, don't leave it on too long (3 mins is usually good) then wash right away. It even got stains ourt of my suede couch!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

I HAVE to agree... S.U.M is the absolute best at removing Sharpie ink... Not caustic...

EVERY mom should have it in her home!

1 mom found this helpful
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E.N.

answers from San Diego on

Oreck makes a carpet cleaner that gets permanent marker out of carpets or off hard surfaces. I havent't tried it on clothes, but if you want to try, it is called "No Return" and it's not cheap, but it is amazing stuff.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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A.W.

answers from Las Vegas on

hairspray...the cheaper the better!

1 mom found this helpful
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D.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Try rubbing alcohol.
Good Luck,
Linda

1 mom found this helpful
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S.J.

answers from San Diego on

rubbing alcohol!!! Douse it over and over...it DOES come out...plain old rubbing alcohol. I work in an office and this happens frequently!! We keep a bottle in our offices....good luck!!!

1 mom found this helpful
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T.B.

answers from Visalia on

If you already put the item in the dryer after Spray n Wash forget it...if you put clothes in the dryer with a stain it will make it permanant.
If you didnt, try club soda water and like a couple drops of bleach mix in it. Let it soak, and then add soap and rub it with your hands and rinse. Presto!
Hey, let me know I like to hear people's amazement.

T.

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E.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

You can try oven cleaner (I know sounds weird)used to use that to get hair dye out of my clothes in beauty school. Rubbing alchohol might work too.
You may try and call the manufacturer too, they might have a solution.

Good luck.
EO

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Z.W.

answers from Las Vegas on

you don't.......sorry!!!!

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R.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I know this post has been here a while but I thought I would put in my thoughts. I totally agree with those who say that Sol-U-Mel will do it. I have used it several times to remove Sharpie, dry erase marker, nail polish (I have before and after pics if you want to see), and even latex paint from a pair of jeans that had been washed and dried several times. It is amazing stuff!

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D.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have heard that magic eraser works. Haven't tried it myself but my mom-in-law did.

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A.B.

answers from San Diego on

It might be a little difficult since you alreday used something on it (set-in), but I am fairly certain that Prespot and Sol-u-mel from Melaleuca will work fabulously. Sol-u-mel gets sharpie pen off ANYTHING!!! I love it. Let me know if you want some and I will figure out how to get it to you. ###-###-####
Good luck,
A.

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S.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

It's going to be tough if you've already laundered it... try soaking in rubbing alcohol. Hair spray works pretty well too, the stickiness of the spray keeps the alcohol base right where it needs to be to do its work.

good luck!
s

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C.F.

answers from Las Vegas on

Try using a dish washing liquid like Palmolive or Dawn. Squirt it on and then use your fingernail to rub into the stain and then to "scrape" the stain. Let sit about an hour. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

I don't know if this will get all the stain out but it should make it less noticeable.

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E.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Maybe try goo gone.

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S.F.

answers from Reno on

I once had good luck using carpet cleaner, specifically Folex (available at most Raley's supermarkets).

Good luck!

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K.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Don't know if it will work on permanent marker but a combination of Oxy clean & Shout has worked on several stubborn stains that I've removed.

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A.T.

answers from Las Vegas on

Sharpie is hard to get out!!! I've tried. But I did have some success with a cleaner called Simple Green. It is found in the automotive section of most stores. I put it on the pen concentrated, rub it in with your fingernail, then let it soak for awhile. Than I washed it with Tide detergent in the washer. It didn't come out entirely, but it lightened it quite a bit. I found this recommendation after searching around on the internet a couple years back. Hope this helps.

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D.S.

answers from Honolulu on

hairspray.... spray alot then work the spot out.

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J.L.

answers from Honolulu on

Hairspray is my very best suggestion. Hairspray, then alternate back to Spray n' Wash, then back to more hairspray. If that doesn't budge it, it may never come out.

Is the spot in a place where a little white or other color applique can be sewn over. I've rescued many a favorite piece with a little decorative applique.

Good luck!

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S.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

You could try rubbing alcohol.

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V.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello ES. Sorry to hear about your predicament. I see rubbing alcohol seems to be a popular treatment, and I would try that. The reason I am wirting is not because I have a solution, but a recommendation rather. Do NOT try Sol-U-Mel or anything else from Melaleuca. I was a representative (?) for them until recent ly and while they do have some excellent products, the cleaning products suck. Sorry, I just wanted to warn you in case you were considering it. They make lovely chapstick and their acne package (to get rid of acne) works wonders, it's the only one that ever worked on my daughter's skin.. but I digress. Their cleansers just suck, and I would hate for you to set the stain in with one of them. Best of luck to you on this!!

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T.N.

answers from Las Vegas on

I've used this stuff called Sol-U-Mel. It's from Melaleuca. It works on anything and everything. I use daily. It would take it out and not leave any spots on your clothing. Sometimes if you try to get a stain out, you get the original stain out but then you have a stain or discoloration from the products you used to get the original stain out. If you want to try it let me know. Good Luck!!

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A.C.

answers from Las Vegas on

E S

Ouch, sharpie is tough to get out! Melaleuca has a couple of product that will take it off of pictures and hard surfaces. I don't know if they will work on clothing. Probably will. If you'd like to give them a try, let me know. I can help you with that.

A.
http://www.ACWomensSuccess.com

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K.P.

answers from Las Vegas on

I see you've had allot of advice on using hairspray..just so you know it needs to be the aerosol kind. I used to work at a clothing store and that is what we would use on the ink stains from the security tags..just spray and keep blotting until stain is gone. But if it has already been washed it won't work. Good Luck

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K.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi- Try Wet Ones on it then spray with hair spray before washing it.
If you have paint thinner or goof off that may also work, but it might damage your clothing so do a test spot first.

Good luck

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K.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Sounds like you washed and dried it so it is set pretty well. If that is the case, and the marker spot is small....get a q-tip and put bleach directly on the spot (if your piece of clothing is white) then wash right away. Be careful not to to use too much bleach -- it will make a hole.

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J.M.

answers from Phoenix on

Sol U Mel from Melaleuca works! It will get sharpie out, when used as directed. It will get any stain off of anything! Let me know if you would like to know more about it.

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T.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

dear ES if your garment is made of cotton fabric you could try alcohol to dilute the stain and then wash and drip dry, or also acetone or "pure acetone" sold at a beauty supply, followed by the same. or plain bleach, followed quickly by lots of water rinsing. If there are any marks afterthe garment has drip dried place it in the sun for 1, to 3,days. Dont forget to use gloves.Good Luck.

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