If, for some reason, you have accidentally got permanent marker ink on porcelain, you can learn how to remove permanent markers from porcelain in this detailed blog post and save it from becoming an aesthetic disaster.
It is not that challenging to remove the marker stains from a porcelain surface, especially when you have baking soda, toothpaste, or nail polish, etc. Read on!
Table of Contents
5 Ways to Get Permanent Marker Off Porcelain
Option #1 - Using a Dry-Erase Marker
Yes, you can erase a permanent marker by drawing on top of it. To make this work, you’ll need a freshly inked dry-erase marker. The solvent in the dry-erase marker dissolves the permanent marker ink, allowing it to be easily wiped away.
What you will need to have:
- A dry-erase marker
- Some paper towels
What you will need to do:
- Using a dry-erase marker, trace the permanent marker stains on your porcelain.
- Wipe everything instantly with a paper towel, lifting the permanent ink in the process.
- Repeat steps 1 to 3 until the permanent marker stains are no longer visible. If you have a large permanent stain, it is best to work bit by bit.
Option #2 - Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a powerful solvent that can remove Sharpie from porcelain. You can use it to remove ink from ceramic mugs and remove stains from porcelain dishes.
It is very easy to buy rubbing alcohol, both online and offline. It is relatively inexpensive too.
What you will need to have:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Some cotton balls or cotton pads
- A cloth
What you will need to do:
- Pour some rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball or pad.
- Then, press the cotton ball or pad soaked with rubbing alcohol against the ink stain. Hold it for a couple of seconds. During this time, the pigments of the ink will loosen up.
- Flip the cotton ball or pad to its clean but still soaked side and rub the marker off.
- Repeat the steps with a new cotton ball or pad each time until the stain is fully gone.
- Then, wipe the treated surface down with a fresh cloth.
Option #3 - Using Nail Polish Remover or Acetone
Nail polish remover or acetone are other effective permanent marker removal alternatives.
Like rubbing alcohol, it takes permanent marker off porcelain surfaces effortlessly, and you probably already have it at home.
What you will need to have:
- Nail polish remover or acetone
- Some cotton balls or cotton pads
- A cloth
What you will need to do:
- Pour some nail polish remover or acetone onto a cotton ball or pad.
- Loosen up the permanent marker ink pigments on your porcelain by pressing the soaked cotton ball or pad against the stain.
- Rub the stain off in circular motions. You just need to apply gentle pressure.
- Wipe the treated porcelain surface again with a fresh, damp cloth.
Option #4 - Using a Melamine Foam Eraser
A melamine foam eraser or sponge is another great way to erase permanent marker on tiles, countertops, and household items made of porcelain. It might even be many’s best way given that it is easy to use, versatile, inexpensive, and easy to find.
What you will need to have:
- A melamine foam eraser
- A cloth
What you will need to do:
- Take your melamine foam eraser and activate it under running water. Soak it well.
- Wring it gently to release excess water. It should not be wet but not dripping wet.
- Use the eraser to clean permanent marker from your porcelain surface. Rub back and forth and in circular motions with moderate pressure.
- Continue rubbing until you get rid of the permanent marker stain completely.
- Rinse the treated spot with a clean, wet cloth. Make sure no residue is left behind.
Option #5 - Using Toothpaste & Baking Soda
If none of the above methods worked, you can try making a toothpaste and baking soda paste to get rid of Sharpie stains on porcelain and glazed ceramic.
What you will need to have:
- Toothpaste
- Baking soda
- A mixing bowl or similar container
- A cloth
What you will need to do:
- Combine toothpaste and baking soda using a 1 to 1 ratio to get a paste-like mixture.
- Apply the paste to the permanent marker stain and let it sit for a while.
- Scrub the stain with a clean toothbrush to lift color from it. Do this until it disappears.
- Wipe the treated surface clean with a fresh, wet cloth. Check that there are no residues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What removes dried permanent markers?
Rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover or aceton would likely work best for dried permanent markers.
The melamine foam eraser might also work but require you to put in some elbow grease. Baking soda mixed with toothpaste might demand some scrubbing on your part as well. Nonetheless, all the methods above can help you deal with dried permanent markers.
How do you get permanent marker off of a ceramic countertop?
A ceramic countertop is non-porous like porcelain. So, the rubbing alcohol, toothpaste, and any method above will work well for cleaning ceramic countertops.
Conclusion
As you can see, cleaning permanent markers from porcelain is possible, and it takes only several items around the home.
Which of the techniques on how to remove permanent markers from porcelain sounds like it would work the best for you? Tell us in the comments. We would love to hear from you! If you have other tips and tricks, share them with us too.
Hi, I am Eveline Kessler, a content creator. My love for colors and arts draws me here to join the Intermediarts team with Leilani. I am responsible for testing new products and techniques with her and providing honest reviews and tips based on our experience. I have gained a lot of knowledge from this, and I believe you will find her suggestions to be invaluable as well.
