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Permanent markers have a way of showing up where they don’t belong — on your favorite shirt, the couch, or even that expensive upholstered dining chair. While “permanent” sounds… well, permanent, it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. At Lone Star Spotless Cleaners, we’ve seen our fair share of ink emergencies, and we’re here to help you get those stubborn stains out of fabric without making it worse.
Act Fast and Blot, Don’t Rub
The faster you act, the better your chances. As soon as you notice the stain, blot it gently with a clean cloth or paper towel to lift as much ink as possible. Do not rub — this spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the fibers. Place a towel behind the stained fabric to keep the marker from bleeding through to the other side.
Use Alcohol-Based Products
Rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or even hairspray can break down permanent marker ink. Apply a small amount of your chosen product to a cotton ball or cloth and dab the stained area. You should start to see the ink transfer onto the cloth. Keep using a clean section of cloth to blot until the stain begins to fade.
Rinse and Repeat
Once the ink starts to lift, rinse the fabric with cold water. If the stain persists, repeat the alcohol application and blotting process. You may need to do this a few times depending on how long the marker has been sitting.
Wash According to Fabric Type
After the stain is mostly gone, wash the fabric according to the care label. Avoid using hot water or putting it in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone — heat can set it in permanently. If you’re dealing with delicate fabrics like silk or wool, it’s best to skip the DIY and head straight to a pro.
Call in the Pros for Priceless Pieces
Some fabrics need a professional touch. If you’re dealing with a valuable piece of furniture or a delicate garment, don’t risk it — Lone Star Spotless Cleaners offers specialty fabric cleaning services in Houston, including stain treatment for marker, wine, grease, and more. We’ll help you save your stuff (and your sanity).
