You have accidentally gotten permanent marker ink on your carpet? Don’t worry. It happens to the best of us. Permanent markers are not washable markers out of the carpet. But fortunately, they are still erasable.
We can fix these issues with the right cleaner. Learn how to get permanent marker out of carpet below. We will show you many different methods!
Ways to Remove Permanent Markers on Carpets
#1 - Using Dish Soap
What to prepare:
- Dish soap
- A small container (Optional)
- A cloth
- Another cloth
What to do:
- Pour dish soap directly onto the stain, covering it entirely. Or dispense soap onto a small container first. Then, soak a cloth in it.
- Use the soaped cloth against the permanent marker stain.
- Scrub the stain from the carpet using circular motions. But be careful not to work it into the material further.
- Once the stain fades, blot the treated area with a fresh, damp cloth.
- Note: If the stain does not come off, you can mix dish soap with water in a container, then soak your cloth in the mixture for scrubbing. If the stain still persists, pour the mixture over it, wait for an hour, and then scrub.
#2 - Using Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent permanent marker removal ingredient.
What to prepare:
- White vinegar
- Water
- A spray bottle
- Some paper tissues (Or a cloth or rag)
- A clean cloth
What to do:
- Mix white vinegar and water together in a spray bottle. Use a 1: 1 ratio.
- Cap the spray bottle and shake it to ensure that the two are well combined.
- Spritz the vinegar and water solution over the permanent marker stain on your carpet.
- Let the solution settle for a few minutes. The stain should be dissolved during this time.
- Blot the stain away with some paper tissues. Alternatively, use a dry cloth or rag.
- Repeat steps 1 to 5 for extra stubborn stains.
- Blot dry the treated spot with a clean cloth.
Another option is to prepare vinegar and water in a bowl or dish, then soak a cloth in it. Use the cloth to dab the permanent marker stain and lift the ink away gradually.
#3 - Using Nail Polish Remover
You can use nail polish remover to get Sharpie out of carpets.
What to prepare:
- Nail polish remover
- A bowl or similar container
- Some cotton balls or pads
- A clean cloth
What to do:
- Pour some nail polish remover into a bowl or similar container.
- Grab some cotton balls or cotton pads and soak them in the nail polish remover.
- Use the soaked balls/pads against the permanent marker stain. Simply press down with firm pressure.
- The balls/pads should absorb the ink of the stain, lifting color away.
- Repeat the steps with more nail polish remover and balls/pads. Continue until the stain is completely gone.
- If the treated spot is still wet, use a clean cloth to blot it dry.
#4 - Using Rubbing Alcohol
What to prepare:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Some cotton balls or pads
- A clean cloth
What to do:
- Pour some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or cotton pad.
- Press the cotton ball or cotton pad against the permanent marker stain on your carpet.
- Dab the stain firmly to lift the ink.
- Repeat steps 1 to 3 until the stain disappears completely.
- Blot dry the treated area if it is still wet. Use a clean cloth.
#5 - Using Hairspray
Hairspray can be used to get ink out of carpets.
What to prepare:
- Hairspray
- Some cotton balls or pads
- A cloth
What to do:
- Give your hairspray a shake.
- Spritz the spot on your carpet that needs treating. Use a generous amount.
- Use some cotton balls or cotton pads to dab and blot the spot that you have just sprayed.
- Continue blotting until there is no permanent marker stain left.
- If the spot is wet, blot dry it with a clean cloth.
#6 - Using Hand Sanitizer
In addition to keeping your hands clean, hand sanitizer can be used to remove Sharpies from carpets.
What to prepare:
- Hand sanitizer
- Some cotton balls or pads (Or a cloth or rag)
- A cloth
What to do:
- Dispense some hand sanitizer right into the permanent marker stain on your carpet.
- Dab the spot gently with a cotton ball or cotton pad. You can also use a cloth or rag.
- Use blotting motions to draw the ink of the permanent marker stain from the carpet.
- Repeat the steps until the stain is gone. Then, dry the spot with a clean cloth.
#7 - Using Oops Stain Remover
You can easily remove marker stains from carpets with this commercial product.
What to prepare:
- Oops Stain Remover
- A cloth
What to do:
- Give your remover a shake, then open it. Then, apply the remover to the area on your carpet with a permanent marker stain.
- Allow 1 minute for the remover to sit and work its magic.
- Use a fresh cloth to blot the treated area until the ink is completely cleared.
- Blot dry the treated area to finish.
#8 - Using Motsenbocker Lift Off Remover
This is another store-bought solution to remove permanent markers from carpets.
What to prepare:
- Motsenbocker Lift Off Remover (The type for marker stains)
- Some paper tissues, cotton balls, or cotton pads
- A clean cloth
What to do:
- Spray the permanent marker stain on your carpet with the remover. Make sure to saturate the spot completely.
- Use some paper tissues, cotton balls, or cotton pads to dab and blot the spot.
- Absorb and lift the ink from the carpet. Continuing doing so. Until the carpet is clean.
- Dry the area with blotting motions and a clean cloth.
#9 - Using Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
What to prepare:
- A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Water
- A cloth
What to do:
- Grab your magic eraser and run it under water. Soak it well.
- Squeeze the eraser to get rid of excess water. It should no longer be dripping wet.
- Use the eraser to scrub your permanent marker stain. Use moderate force.
- Dampen the eraser again if needed and scrub until there is no ink left.
- Blot dry the treated area with a clean cloth.
#10 - Using WD-40
When used, the WD-40 gives off a smell. But you do not have to worry about it lingering. It will go away in a few minutes.
What to prepare:
- WD-40
- A sponge
- A cloth
What to do:
- Take your WD-40 bottle and spray the permanent marker stain with it.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Rub the spot that has been sprayed with a damp sponge.
- Work the stain off in circular motions.
- Clean the treated spot again with another clean cloth.
Other Tips to Keep in Mind
- Get Cleaning As Soon As Possible
Old permanent marker stains are more difficult to deal with. As such, as soon as you notice permanent markers on your carpet, get cleaning! The ink is still fresh, so you can easily draw it from your carpet using any of the methods above.
- Try various methods
To get permanent markers off fabrics and carpets, you can try different cleaners to comletey remove the stains.
Put in some elbow grease and you will be able to handle any stains, even those from the much-dreaded red marker!
The best way to remove permanent markers from carpets might be the combination of several methods.
Conclusion
As you have read, cleaning permanent markers from carpets doesn’t have to be difficult. You just need to prepare the right materials and follow the proper steps.
There are 10 methods on how to get permanent markers out of carpet! Of all of them, try what works best for you.? Let us know about your favorite cleaner in the comments down below.
Other tips you may also like:
