How to Remove Permanent Marker from Plastic – Top Cleaning Tips

Accidentally getting permanent marker on a plastic surface can be extremely frustrating. It can be even worse if the plastic is corrugated or damaged since ink seeps into the gaps, so why don’t we have a look at how you can remove permanent maker from a plastic surface? These methods require as little effort as possible, and include both common household items and dedicated cleaning products.

Understanding Permanent Marker Stains on Plastic

Permanent marker is (as the name suggests) designed to be challenging to remove. However, it can be particularly challenging to remove permanent marker from a plastic surface especially if it’s been allowed to set in for a long time. Why is permanent marker so challenging to remove though?

Permanent marker ink is made using a special process that produces an ink that is nonpolar, which just means that it will only dissolve in non-polar solvents.

This means that ordinary cleaning solutions like soap and water (which is polar) won’t have any effect (regardless of how hard you scrub). Regular marker is “polar” which means it is far easier to clean but has a weaker adhesion strength.

Be Careful Which Cleaning Products You Use

While you might be tempted to tackle this stubborn stain with the strongest cleaning product you have, using extremely abrasive cleaning products can actually damage the surface of your workpiece.

Cleaning permanent markers off plastic requires some fairly specific cleaning tools when compared to other surfaces, so be sure to familiarize yourself with these before you begin blindly cleaning.

However, if you aren’t too concerned about preserving your plastic surface there are a wide range of abrasive cleaners you can use to remove permanent marker. While these will likely remove the marker keep in mind that any scratches left behind will become problem areas that are likely to collect dirt, stains, and bacteria.

Household Items for Removing Permanent Marker Stains

While there are dedicated cleaning products for removing permanent marker stains, you can also use common household items. Below we show you how to remove permanent marker from plastic using common household cleaning items and why these products are so effective at tackling this particular stain type.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is one of the most effective tools for removing permanent marker from plastic. Where water is unable to lift nonpolar coatings, rubbing alcohol is well suited to dissolve the bonds between the marker and the plastic surface, making quick work of even the most stubborn marker stains. Therefore, we recommend keeping some rubbing alcohol on hand for situations like these.

Here’s how to remove permanent marker from plastic using rubbing alcohol. All you need to do is get some rubbing alcohol on a power towel or microfiber cloth and gently rub the affected area, allowing the alcohol to do the work.

Rubbing alcohol not only breaks the bonds between the ink and plastic but breaks down the ink as well.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Another good tool for removing permanent marker from plastic surfaces is hydrogen peroxide. Many people use this to both clean and prevent mold spots in moisture-rich areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms. Hydrogen peroxide, like rubbing alcohol, breaks down the bond between the plastic surface and the ink while dissolving the ink completely.

Here’s how to remove permanent marker from plastic using hydrogen peroxide. Mix a small amount with water and then get some of your mixture on a clean cloth. Gently dab the affected area to soak the ink, and then rub the surface until all of the stain has been removed.

Be careful not to get any of the hydrogen peroxide mixture on your clothing as it will easily remove any color from fabric much the same way bleach does.

Baking Soda and Toothpaste

Baking soda and toothpaste is another good way for you to remove permanent marker from plastic surfaces. Plain white toothpaste is abrasive enough to remove the permanent marker from the surface while the baking soda helps dissolve the bonds between the plastic and the permanent marker.

Since baking soda and toothpaste are common household items, they’re a solid go-to solution for permanent marker.

Here’s how to remove Sharpie from plastic using baking soda. First, mix your baking soda and plain toothpaste in a 1:1 ratio inside a separate container until you have a thick paste. Next, get some of the solution on your fingers and apply it to the affected area of your workpiece (preferably packed up nice and thick.

Next, use a clean cloth or some tissue paper to rub the area you have covered in the solution. Feel free to put in some elbow grease as you’ll need some force for the toothpaste to work. Don’t apply too much force if your workpiece is painted as the toothpaste might lift the paint or scratch the surface badly. This should easily remove your permanent marker!

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Another good combination for removing permanent marker from plastic is baking soda and vinegar. Since we’ve already covered how baking soda interacts with permanent marker, what does vinegar bring to the table? Vinegar is mildly acidic which allows it to lightly eat away at the marker stain while the baking soda dissolves its bond with the plastic.

Here’s how to get permanent marker off plastic using vinegar and baking soda. There aren’t any precise measurements involved when using vinegar, all you need to do is apply some vinegar to the affected area and then sprinkle a little bit of baking soda over it.

Allow the mixture to sit until it begins to foam and then use a paper towel or a clean cloth to remove the permanent marker. It’s that simple, and it requires very little effort on your part.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another common household item used to treat things like acne insect bites, athletes’ foot, and even lice. Tea tree oil also has properties that allow it to dissolve nonpolar inks like the kind found in permanent markers, so if you have some lying around you are in luck!

You don’t need a lot of tea tree oil to quickly and effectively remove permanent marker from plastic so let’s see how it’s used.

Here’s how to remove Sharpie from plastic using tea tree oil. First, grab a cotton swab, cotton ball, or some paper towel and get some tea tree oil on it. Using your weapon of choice, lightly rub the affected area of your plastic surface and you’ll notice that the marker stains disappear pretty much immediately. Tea tree oil is inexpensive and can be found at pretty much any retailer.

Sunscreen (Any SPF)

Yet another common household item capable of removing permanent marker is sunscreen. Thanks to the oil present in sunscreen, it breaks up the ink of permanent marker allowing you to gently wipe away the stains with a cloth or cotton ball. If you don’t have sunscreen lying around it’s pretty inexpensive and you only need a small amount.

Here’s how to get permanent marker off plastic using sunscreen.

Apply your sunscreen directly to the affected area of your workpiece and allow it to set in for a minute or two.

Next, use a cotton swab or clean cloth to rub the surface with moderate pressure until the marker stain disappears, and if it doesn’t, simply try again with a bit more sunscreen and allow it to set in for a few more minutes.

Hairspray

Although hairspray isn’t as popular as it used to be, you might still have a can or two lying around somewhere. Hairspray contains polyvinyl acetate that can help dissolve the bond between the ink and the plastic, displacing it enough for you to remove it.

Keep in mind that hairspray can cause discomfort if inhaled and is quite flammable.

Using hairspray to remove permanent marker is very easy, all you need to do is spray some directly onto the affected area and allow it to soak in for a while. Once it’s had a chance to soak, use a cotton swab or clean cloth to wipe the affected area and your permanent marker stain should come right off.

Specialty Products for Removing Permanent Marker Stains

While there are many household products you can use to remove permanent marker from plastic there are a number of products designed specifically for this purpose too. If you find home-brewed solutions to be ineffective (or simply don’t have these things on hand) here are some dedicated cleaning products you can use to clean your workpiece.

Dry Erase Marker

Who would have thought you could use marker to remove marker? A dry-erase marker is one of the most effective ways to remove permanent marker stains from a plastic surface.

Keep in mind that if your surface is highly textured this method might not be as effective, and you might be better off using some rubbing alcohol instead.

How do you use a dry-erase marker to remove permanent marker? All you need to do is pop the cap and color over the existing stain. Allow the marker to set in for a few seconds and then take a clean cloth or a cotton swab to wipe away the marker stains. Both the dry-erase marker and permanent marker stains should come off together.

Magic Eraser

Magic erasers are designed to remove most marker stains from a number of surfaces including plastic. If you are having some trouble removing your permanent marker stains with household products you’ll be pleased to know that these are readily available at most retail stores and tend to be inexpensive too.

To use a magic eraser all you need to do is pop off the cap and use the tip to rub the affected area. Your permanent marker should come away pretty much immediately! If your plastic surface is sensitive or colored with a cheap dye we recommend rubbing very gently to avoid potentially damaging the surface.

Goo Gone

Goo Gone is a cleaning product designed to remove a wide variety of stains on many surface types. This product contains citrus leaf extract and petroleum which allows it to break down the ink in permanent marker the same way baking soda and rubbing alcohols do.

Goo gone is easy to come by and is incredibly versatile, so we recommend keeping it around even after your stain is removed.

To use goo gone all you need to do is apply some of the “goo” directly onto the affected surface and allow it to set in. Once it’s all set in just wipe away the goo using a clean cloth and your permanent marker stain should come right along with it. The best part is that this product can be used to clean a variety of other stains too so try it out when you get the chance.

How to Prevent Permanent Marker Stains

Permanent marker, as the name suggests, is permanent. Therefore, you should exercise caution when working with it especially when there are plastic surfaces or clothing that could get stained. Ensure that your permanent marker has its cap on at all times when you aren’t using it and that it isn’t placed near any edges where it could roll away and accidentally stain anything.

You could also try avoiding permanent markers entirely by using dry-erase markers instead. These provide you with a wide margin for error when compared to permanent markers and they’re far more convenient and versatile to have around.

Finally, how you store your permanent markers is important too. Incorrectly storing your markers can result in them leaking and staining anything in the immediate vicinity. You should always ensure that your markers are stored in a cool dry place, preferably in a sealed container in the event of a leak.

These are all of the methods you can use to remove permanent marker stains from plastic surfaces. While some of the household items are more accessible, they might not be as convenient or effective as some of the dedicated products. That being said, the sooner you try and remove the stain, the easier it will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Removes Permanent Marker from Plastic?

Permanent marker is difficult to remove, but it can be extremely challenging to remove from plastic without the right tools. What removes permanent marker from plastic though? Essentially, most oil-based cleaners, baking soda, and citric cleaners should be able to remove permanent marker from plastic.

Does Permanent Marker Wash Off Skin?

Yes, permanent marker can be washed off of skin, but not with soap and water. To remove permanent marker from the skin, you can use an alcohol-based cleaner like hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol.

Is Permanent Marker Waterproof?

Permanent marker ink is nonpolar, which means it cannot be washed away with water or rubbed away with pure friction. You will need a substance capable of dissolving the bond and breaking apart the ink in order to remove permanent marker.

Jordan Anthony( Content Editor, Art Writer, Photographer )

Jordan Anthony is a Cape Town-based film photographer, curator, and arts writer. She holds a Bachelor of Art in Fine Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, where she explored themes like healing, identity, dreams, and intuitive creation in her Contemporary art practice. Jordan has collaborated with various local art institutions, including the KZNSA Gallery in Durban, the Turbine Art Fair, and the Wits Art Museum. Her photography focuses on abstract color manipulations, portraiture, candid shots, and urban landscapes. She’s intrigued by philosophy, memory, and esotericism, drawing inspiration from Surrealism, Fluxus, and ancient civilizations, as well as childhood influences and found objects. Jordan is working for artfilemagazine since 2022 and writes blog posts about art history and photography.

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