How to Get Rid of Marker on Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric

Your kid found a permanent marker and treated their shirt like a canvas. There are black streaks on the front and a blue mark on the sleeve. You assumed the shirt was ruined. Permanent marker ink has a solvent base that resists water but can be dissolved with rubbing alcohol. Washable marker is easier to remove because it’s water-based. Whether it’s permanent or washable, marker can be removed from most washable fabrics with the right treatment. Here’s how.

Marker on clothes is a stain caused by ink that bonds with fabric fibers. Permanent marker uses an alcohol-based solvent that resists water. Washable marker uses a water-based ink that comes out more easily. Both types can be removed with the right treatment.

To get rid of marker on clothes, place the stained area on a clean towel, apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball, blot to transfer the ink to the towel, move to a clean area and repeat, then wash in warm water with an enzyme detergent. For stubborn stains, use Amodex Ink and Stain Remover. Check before drying.

Method 1: Rubbing Alcohol Transfer (Best for Permanent Marker)

The most effective way to remove permanent marker from clothes is the towel transfer method.

Step 1: Place the garment on a clean towel. Put the stained area flat on a clean, white towel.

Step 2: Apply rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol (70% or 90%). Dab onto the stain. Don’t pour directly, as too much can spread the ink.

Step 3: Blot, don’t rub. Press the cotton ball onto the stain and lift. The ink dissolves in the alcohol and transfers to the towel beneath.

Step 4: Move to a clean area of the towel. If you keep blotting in the same spot, the ink can transfer back. Move the garment to a clean part of the towel.

Step 5: Repeat. Repeat with fresh alcohol and a clean towel area until the stain fades. You may need 5 to 15 repetitions for dark marker marks.

Step 6: Wash. Wash in warm water with Tide Free and Gentle. Check before drying.

The drawback: rubbing alcohol can affect some fabric dyes. Test on an inconspicuous area first.

Method 2: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover (Best for Delicate Fabrics)

Amodex Ink and Stain Remover is formulated specifically for ink stains, including permanent marker. It’s gentler than rubbing alcohol and safe for most fabrics.

Step 1: Apply Amodex. Apply Amodex to the stain.

Step 2: Work it in with a soft brush. Use a soft brush to work the product into the stain.

Step 3: Let sit for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Wash. Wash in warm water with enzyme detergent. Check before drying.

Method 3: Hand Sanitizer (Quick Fix)

Most hand sanitizers contain 60 to 70% alcohol, which dissolves marker ink.

Step 1: Apply hand sanitizer. Apply a small amount to the stain.

Step 2: Let sit for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Blot with a clean cloth.

Step 4: Wash. Wash with enzyme detergent.

Method 4: For Washable Marker (Easier)

Washable marker is water-based and much easier to remove.

Step 1: Rinse with cold water. Hold the stained area under cold running water from the back.

Step 2: Apply liquid detergent. Work in liquid detergent or Dawn Ultra Dish Soap.

Step 3: Let sit for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Wash. Wash in warm water with enzyme detergent.

Marker on Different Fabrics

Fabric	Best Treatment	What to Avoid
Cotton	Rubbing alcohol, Amodex	Hot water before treatment
Polyester	Rubbing alcohol, Amodex	Acetone
Denim	Rubbing alcohol, Amodex	Hot water
Silk	Amodex, professional cleaning	Rubbing alcohol, acetone
Wool	Amodex, professional cleaning	Rubbing alcohol, acetone

What Not to Do

Don’t rub. Rubbing spreads the ink. Always blot.

Don’t use hot water. Hot water can set ink permanently.

Don’t put the garment in the dryer. Dryer heat sets ink permanently.

Don’t use acetone on synthetics. Acetone dissolves some synthetic fibers.

Don’t wash with other clothes. Ink can transfer to other garments.

FAQ

How do you get rid of marker on clothes? Place the stained area on a clean towel, apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball, blot to transfer the ink to the towel, move to a clean area and repeat, then wash in warm water with enzyme detergent. For stubborn stains, use Amodex Ink and Stain Remover.

Does rubbing alcohol remove permanent marker from clothes? Yes. Rubbing alcohol dissolves the solvent base of permanent marker ink. Apply it to the stain with a cotton ball, blot (don’t rub), and repeat until the stain fades.

Can you get dried marker out of clothes? Yes, but it’s harder. Apply Amodex Ink and Stain Remover, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash in warm water with enzyme detergent. For stubborn stains, use the rubbing alcohol transfer method and repeat multiple times.

Does hand sanitizer remove marker from clothes? Yes. Most hand sanitizers contain 60 to 70% alcohol, which dissolves permanent marker ink. Apply a small amount, let sit for 2 minutes, blot, and wash.

How do you remove washable marker from clothes? Washable marker is water-based and easier to remove. Rinse with cold water from the back, apply liquid detergent, let sit for 5 minutes, then wash in warm water with enzyme detergent.

References

1. Tide. “How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “How to Remove Marker from Clothes.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “How to Get Marker Out of Clothes.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. Amodex. “How to Remove Ink and Marker Stains.” amodex.com.