How to Get Sharpie Out of Jeans Without Damaging the Fabric

You got Sharpie marker on your jeans. Maybe it was from a leaky pen, a child’s art project, or an accident. Sharpie is a permanent marker, but it can be removed from denim with the right products. Denim is a tough fabric that can handle strong solvents. Here’s how to get Sharpie out of jeans without damage.

A Sharpie stain on jeans is a solvent-based ink stain caused by permanent marker dye bonding with fabric fibers. Sharpie ink is designed to be permanent, but it can be broken down with solvents (rubbing alcohol, Amodex) and lifted with surfactants (dish soap). Denim is durable enough to handle rubbing alcohol and scrubbing.

To get Sharpie out of jeans, place a cloth under the stain, apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball, blot (don’t rub), repeat until the ink lifts, apply Amodex Ink and Stain Remover, let it sit for 10 minutes, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in warm water, and check before drying. Don’t rub the stain, don’t use hot water first, and don’t put Sharpie-stained jeans in the dryer.

Step-by-Step: Removing Sharpie from Jeans

Step 1: Place a Cloth Under the Stain

Place a clean cloth or paper towel under the stained area to catch the ink as it lifts.

Step 2: Apply Rubbing Alcohol

Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain with a cotton ball. Start from the outside of the stain and work inward to prevent spreading.

Step 3: Blot (Don’t Rub)

Blot the stain with a clean cloth. The ink transfers from the jeans to the cloth. Don’t rub, as rubbing spreads the ink.

Step 4: Repeat

Repeat steps 2 and 3 with fresh alcohol and a clean cloth until no more ink transfers.

Step 5: Apply Amodex

Apply Amodex Ink and Stain Remover to the stain. Work it in with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Apply Dish Soap

Apply Dawn Ultra Dish Soap to the stain. Work it in gently.

Step 7: Wash

Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in warm water. Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda.

Step 8: Check Before Drying

If the stain remains, treat again and re-wash. Don’t put Sharpie-stained jeans in the dryer.

Alternative Methods

Method 1: Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer contains alcohol. Apply a generous amount to the stain, let it sit for 5 minutes, blot, and wash.

Method 2: Hairspray

Hairspray contains alcohol. Spray the stain generously, let it sit for 5 minutes, blot, and wash.

Note: Use alcohol-based hairspray. Some modern hairsprays are alcohol-free and won’t work.

Method 3: Nail Polish Remover (Acetone)

Apply acetone (nail polish remover) to the stain with a cotton ball. Blot.

Warning: Acetone can damage synthetic fibers. Test on a hidden area first. Denim is usually safe, but don’t use on stretch denim with high spandex content.

Method 4: WD-40

Spray WD-40 on the stain. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Apply dish soap to break down the WD-40 and the ink. Wash.

Method 5: Milk

Soak the stained area in milk for 30 minutes. The proteins in milk can help lift the ink. Rinse and wash.

For Stubborn Sharpie Stains

Use OxiClean

Spray with OxiClean Max Force Spray. Let it sit for 15 minutes. The enzymes help break down the ink.

Use Shout Foam

Apply Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Use Baking Soda Paste

Mix baking soda with water, apply to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, scrub with a toothbrush, rinse.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide (For Light Colored Jeans)

Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Test on a hidden area first.

What Not to Do

Don’t rub the stain. Rubbing spreads the ink. Blot instead.

Don’t use hot water first. Hot water can set the ink. Start with rubbing alcohol and wash in warm water.

Don’t put Sharpie-stained jeans in the dryer. Dryer heat sets the ink permanently.

Don’t use chlorine bleach on colored jeans. Use oxygen bleach.

Don’t use acetone on stretch denim. Acetone can damage spandex. Test on a hidden area first.

Don’t give up after one treatment. Sharpie is permanent ink and may need 2 to 3 treatments.

Don’t use fabric softener. It coats fibers and traps the ink.

FAQ

How do you get Sharpie out of jeans? Place a cloth under the stain, apply rubbing alcohol, blot, repeat, apply Amodex, let it sit for 10 minutes, apply dish soap, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in warm water, and check before drying.

Does rubbing alcohol remove Sharpie from jeans? Yes. Apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball, blot (don’t rub), and repeat until the ink lifts. Follow with Amodex and dish soap for best results.

Does Amodex remove Sharpie from jeans? Yes. Amodex is formulated to remove ink and permanent marker. Apply, work it in, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wash.

Can you put Sharpie-stained jeans in the dryer? No. Dryer heat sets the ink permanently. Air dry and check first.

Does hand sanitizer remove Sharpie? Yes. Hand sanitizer contains alcohol. Apply a generous amount, let it sit for 5 minutes, blot, and wash.

References

1. Tide. “How to Remove Ink from Clothes.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “Ink Stain Removal Guide.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Marker Stain Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. Amodex. “Stain Removal Guide.” amodexink.com.