How To Remove Sharpie Stain From Washable Fabrics

January 28, 2023

Removing a Sharpie stain from your clothes can be a daunting task, but it is possible. Sharpie markers can be a great tool for creating art, but they can also create a mess when they end up on your clothes. But don't worry, there are several methods to remove Sharpie stains from clothes, whether it's a fresh or dried stain. Depending on the type of fabric and the severity of the stain, you can use household items such as rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or nail polish remover. This guide will show you how to get rid of Sharpie stains from clothes quickly and effectively. So, if you want to know how to remove Sharpie stains from clothes, read on and find out!

COLOR

Various (depending on color)

APPEARANCE

These stains appear as discoloration of the fabric that can come in various colors depending on the type of Sharpie. They can be slightly wet or dry to the touch and may have a slightly chemical smell. These stains are often caused by contact with ink from Sharpie markers or other similar writing instruments.

WATER TEMP

Cold (65° to 75°F)

RATIONALE FOR WATER TEMP

Cold water helps to prevent the Sharpie ink from bleeding and causing further damage to the fabric.

The Science Behind Sharpie Stains

Sharpie markers contain a type of ink called pigmented ink, which is made up of colored particles suspended in a liquid. These pigments are insoluble, which means they do not dissolve in water or other solvents. When the ink comes into contact with fabric, the pigments adhere to the fibers and can be difficult to remove. The ink can also penetrate the fabric, making the stain more difficult to remove. This is why Sharpie stains are often permanent and require special cleaning methods to remove.

sharpie

What You'll Need To Get Rid Of Sharpie Stains

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Hairspray
  • Nail polish remover (non-acetone)
  • Laundry detergent
  • Oxygen bleach (such as OxiClean)

Step By Step Process To Remove Sharpie Stains

  1. Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth to remove as much of the ink as possible.
  2. Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot the stain again with a clean, white cloth.
  3. If the stain is still present, spray the stain with hairspray and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot the stain again with a clean, white cloth.
  4. If the stain is still present, apply a small amount of non-acetone nail polish remover to the stain and blot with a clean, white cloth.
  5. Rinse the stain with cold water and apply laundry detergent directly to the stain. Rub the fabric together and let it sit for a few minutes.
  6. Launder the garment with warm water and oxygen bleach. Check the stain before drying the garment.
Note: Always test the product on an inconspicuous area before using it on the actual stain. Also, depending on the fabric, some of the methods may not be suitable.

In Brief

Sharpie stains are caused by pigmented ink that does not dissolve in water or solvents. To remove them from washable fabrics, one can use rubbing alcohol, hairspray, non-acetone nail polish remover, laundry detergent and oxygen bleach. Always test the product on inconspicuous area first, and launder the garment with warm water.

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