Ever had that mom moment when your kid wants to color and you accidentally hand them a permanent marker? Suddenly, your mini Monet has turned every surface in your home into their canvas—from furniture to walls. But their artwork doesn’t have to be on display forever. Permanent marker isn’t as permanent as you might think. Here’s how to safely eek the ink out without making more of a mess:
- Clothes: Hand sanitizer isn’t just for germs. Dab it on the stain, rub gently, and watch the marker start to disappear.
- Walls: Toothpaste or hairspray works wonders. Apply a little, scrub carefully, and your wall will look (almost) as good as new.
- Wood: Rubbing alcohol is about to become your best friend. Test a small spot first to ensure that it doesn’t accidentally strip the surface, and rub until the marker isn’t making its mark on your dining room table anymore.
- Carpet: White vinegar can lift stubborn marks. Pour, blot, repeat if needed.
- Furniture: Milk doesn’t only do your body good—it’s a fix for permanent marker that’s made its way to your futon. Use milk to help erase the stains on the surface, and then crash on your couch for a job well done.
- Whiteboard: Hey, we’ve all used a dry erase marker instead of a permanent one, so you can’t really blame your kiddo for the confusion. Don’t despair: grab that dry erase marker (you know, the one you meant to use), and trace over the marker. Fun fact: a pencil eraser works just as well.
- Ceramic or glass: Sure, toothpaste and baking soda can make your pearly whites even whiter, but they can also remove permanent marker, too. Mix 1 part toothpaste with 1 part baking soda and gently scrub.
Permanent marker might make you nervous, especially when it’s scribbled all over, well everything. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to remove permanent marker from almost any surface. Now, if only you could get those permanent marker doodles off their baby sister’s head…