How to Get Sharpie Off Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
How to Get Sharpie Off Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
A Sharpie leaked in your pocket and left a mark on your shirt. Or your kid found a Sharpie and drew on their pants. Sharpie is a brand of permanent marker, and the word “permanent” makes it seem impossible to remove. But Sharpie ink has an alcohol-based solvent that resists water but can be dissolved with rubbing alcohol. With the right method, Sharpie can be removed from most washable clothes. Here’s how.
Sharpie on clothes is a stain caused by alcohol-based permanent marker ink that bonds with fabric fibers. The ink resists water but can be dissolved with rubbing alcohol or a dedicated ink remover. Removing Sharpie from clothes requires a solvent that breaks down the ink’s alcohol base.
To get Sharpie off clothes, place the stained area on a clean white 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 Overall)
Step 1: Place the garment on a clean white towel. Put the stained area flat on the towel.
Step 2: Apply rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol (70% or 90%). Dab onto the stain.
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.
Step 4: Move to a clean area. Move the garment to a clean part of the towel to prevent the ink from transferring back.
Step 5: Repeat. Repeat with fresh alcohol and a clean towel area until the stain fades. You may need 5 to 15 repetitions.
Step 6: Wash. Wash in warm water with Tide Free and Gentle. Check before drying.
Method 2: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover (Best for Delicate Fabrics)
Amodex Ink and Stain Remover is formulated specifically for ink stains, including Sharpie. It’s gentler than rubbing alcohol and safe for most fabrics.
How to use: Apply Amodex to the stain, work it in with a soft brush, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash in warm water with enzyme detergent.
Method 3: Hand Sanitizer (Quick Fix)
Most hand sanitizers contain 60 to 70% alcohol, which dissolves Sharpie ink.
How to use: Apply a small amount to the stain, let it sit for 2 minutes, blot with a clean cloth, then wash.
Method 4: Hairspray (Emergency Method)
Older hairspray formulations contained enough alcohol to dissolve Sharpie ink. Modern formulations have less alcohol, so this is less reliable. If you try it, spray the stain, let it sit for 2 minutes, blot, and wash.
Sharpie on Different Fabrics
| Fabric | Best Treatment | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Rubbing alcohol, Amodex | Hot water |
| 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 and pushes it deeper. Always blot.
Don’t use hot water. Hot water can set ink permanently. Use warm water for washing.
Don’t put the garment in the dryer. Dryer heat sets ink permanently. Always air dry and check first.
Don’t use acetone on synthetics. Acetone dissolves some synthetic fibers like polyester and acetate.
Don’t wash with other clothes. Ink can transfer to other garments during washing.
Don’t give up after one try. Sharpie may need 2 to 3 treatments to fully remove. Repeat the rubbing alcohol method.
FAQ
How do you get Sharpie off clothes? Place the stained area on a clean white 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 Sharpie from clothes? Yes. Rubbing alcohol dissolves the alcohol-based solvent in Sharpie ink. Apply it to the stain with a cotton ball, blot (don’t rub), and repeat until the stain fades.
Does hand sanitizer remove Sharpie from clothes? Yes. Most hand sanitizers contain 60 to 70% alcohol, which dissolves Sharpie ink. Apply a small amount, let it sit for 2 minutes, blot, and wash.
Can you get dried Sharpie out of clothes? Yes, but it’s harder. Apply Amodex Ink and Stain Remover, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash. Or use the rubbing alcohol transfer method and repeat multiple times. It may take 2 to 3 treatments.
Can you put Sharpie-stained clothes in the dryer? Don’t put Sharpie-stained clothes in the dryer until the stain is completely gone. Dryer heat sets ink permanently. Always air dry and check first.
References
- Tide. “How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “How to Remove Sharpie from Clothes.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “How to Get Sharpie Out of Clothes.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Amodex. “How to Remove Ink and Marker Stains.” amodex.com.
