It happens to the best of us: You’re working on a project, get distracted momentarily, and before you know it, your tiles are stained with permanent markers.
You are probably wondering if you are ever going to get that stain out. Luckily, there are several methods on how to remove permanent marker from tile that you can try.
Table of Contents
Ways to Remove Permanent Marker From Tile
Method 1: Using Toothpaste
If you are looking for a cheap permanent marker remover, try using toothpaste. You should use the regular white type that contains baking soda, as it can get stains off of tiles made from marble, glazed ceramic, or stainless steel.
Materials to prepare are:
- Toothbrush and a sponge
- Cloth
- Soapy water
- White toothpaste
Step 1: Dispense some toothpaste
To start, squeeze out a bit of toothpaste directly on the marker stain, be generous to cover the whole mark.
Step 2: Scrub the toothpaste against the marker stain
Work the stain off with back and forth movements. You can also use circular motions. Make sure you are not using too much force, as you might scratch the surface.
If you are worried about making marks on your tiles, consider using the sponge. However, since a sponge is softer, it might take more time and effort to use it to remove dried permanent marker stains.
Step 3: Wipe down the treated area with a soapy cloth
When you see that the ink is gone, wrap up the process by wiping the area with a cloth and some soap and water. You can leave the area to air dry or use a tissue. But remember to check that the spot is completely clean.
Method 2: Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is an excellent ingredient to remove permanent marker ink from anywhere. So, you can try to get ink off tile floors with it. You will need:
- Bowl or similar container
- Cloth (2x)
- Concentrated Rubbing alcohol (90% Isopropyl)/polish remover/hand sanitizer
Before you work your way through this process, do a quick patch test to make sure you can use it on your specific surface. Pick an inconspicuous area to do it, and move on to another approach if there are signs of damage.
- Pour some rubbing alcohol into a bowl or similar container.
- Then, soak your cloth in the bowl/container.
- Rub the marker ink with the soaked cloth. Do this diligently until the stain fades away. You can use back and forth or circular motions. Apply moderate pressure only. Feel free to resoak the cloth throughout the process.
- To finish, clean the treated area with a fresh cloth.
Some alternatives are nail polish remover and hand sanitizer. Both of these depend on alcohol to get the job done. If you do have rubbing alcohol on hand but have these readily available, follow the same steps to remove the marker stain.
Method 3: Using a Dry-Erase Marker
Using a marker to remove marker ink? It works! We can get Sharpie off tiles and from porcelain floors with this approach. To start cleaning, grab a marker you might have lying around and some paper towels.
You also need some water and soap to remove all the residues and marks.
- Use the marker to trace the permanent marker stain on your tiles, but do not do it for the whole stain yet. Just trace a small part first. We will remove marker from tiles bit by bit.
- Now, grab a paper towel to wipe the part of the stain that you have just traced. When you wipe the spot, the fresh dry-erase ink on top should pull the permanent marker ink along with it. If it works but the stain is still slightly visible, repeat the process.
- Repeat all the steps for the rest of the stain until the permanent ink is completely cleared.
- Finally, clean the treated area again with some soapy water using a fresh paper towel.
If you do not want to waste a lot of disposable paper towels, you can use a cloth. Be sure to wash the cloth throughout the process so you do not re-transfer the ink you have lifted.
Method 4: Washing Soda + White Vinegar + Liquid Dish Soap + Hot Water
To remove stains from porous tiles, you can make a DIY solution with washing soda, white vinegar, liquid dish soap, and hot water. Materials to prepare are:
- A bucket
- Cloth (2x)
- White vinegar
- Liquid soap
- Warm water
- Baking soda
Step 1: Combine ingredients based on a recipe to make a DIY solution
The recipe calls for:
- 3 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1/5 cup of white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap
- 5 gallon of warm water
Mix everything in a bucket. Make sure everything is well-blended. Use your hands or a spoon if necessary.
Step 2: Let a cloth absorb the DIY solution
Soak a cloth in the solution that you have just made.
Stemarble
Step 4: Clean the treated area with a fresh cloth
Once you notice that the ink stain is no longer visible, you can stop scrubbing. Clean the treated area with a fresh cloth. If the vinegar’s smell lingers, consider using some water and soap.
This homemade mixture can also be used to remove black marks from ceramic tiles or as a porcelain tile stain removal!
Method 5: Using a Magic Eraser
A Magic Eraser is a specially-made product for stubborn stains. It works for almost all surfaces, like a wall or a fridge. Therefore, it can come in handy if you are trying to remove permanent marker ink from your tiles. You can purchase it online or offline.
To use it, follow these steps:
- Wet the foam under running water.
- Squeeze the foam to release excess water. it should be thoroughly damp but not dripping wet.
- Use the foam to scrub the spot that is stained with marker ink. Like the other methods, it is possible to use back and forth or circular motions. You must do it firmly but not be too forceful.
- Repeat steps 1 to 3 until the stain disappears.
- Wipe the treated area down with a fresh cloth. It can be dry or dampened. For the latter, be sure to let the surface dry.
Conclusion
There are a number of ways to deal with permanent marker ink stains. You can choose any of the methods above to restore your floors to their former glory. Since some stains on tiles are stubborn, try various methods to completely remove them.
But once you do, you can rest assured that there is a solution in case you stain your floors again! Before you leave to go ahead and start scrubbing, share this article to help others learn how to remove permanent marker from tiles too.
You also can refer to ways to remove permanent marker from other surfaces such as laminate, concrete, etc.
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.
