Buzz
Permanent markers or indelible pens are designed to adhere firmly to surfaces, making their stains some of the most challenging to remove. If you accidentally get permanent marker ink on your skin, you'll find it incredibly frustrating as no matter how hard you scrub, the stain persists. Fortunately, there are several strong cleaning products that can safely remove permanent marker stains without harming your skin. In fact, many household items containing alcohol, such as hand sanitizer and even hairspray, are effective in tackling stubborn marker stains.
Steps
Use an alcohol-based cleaning product
Spray hairspray onto the stained area of the skin. Hairspray containing alcohol is an excellent way to remove permanent marker stains. Move to a well-ventilated area and spray the product to fully cover the stain. Use your finger or a cloth to rub the hairspray into the stain. Once most of the ink has dissolved, you can wash the area with soap and a bit of warm water, then pat it dry.
Wash with hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can dilute and remove permanent marker stains. Squeeze a small amount onto your hand and rub it onto the stained skin in a circular motion. After scrubbing for 15-30 seconds, the stain will begin to dissolve and mix with the sanitizer. Rinse with warm water and repeat the process until the stain is completely gone.
Spray insect repellent on the stain. Similar to hand sanitizer, insect repellent containing Isopropyl alcohol can dissolve permanent marker ink. Spray a generous amount onto the stain and use your finger or a paper towel to rub it into the skin. Continue spraying and rubbing until the ink dissolves, then wash the area with soap and warm water.
Use Isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is almost guaranteed to remove permanent marker stains. Pour the alcohol directly onto the stain or onto a cloth, then use your finger or the cloth to rub the stain. The ink will fade relatively quickly; keep rubbing until the stain disappears. Finally, rinse the area with warm water and a bit of soap, then pat it dry.
- Use a cloth or towel that you can discard if it gets stained, as the marker ink may transfer to the fabric.
Use oils and creams
Wipe the stain with coconut oil. Before using coconut oil, wash the skin with warm water and a little soap, then pat it dry. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to the stained area. Use your finger or a paper towel to rub the oil into the skin until the stain is completely removed.
Apply sunscreen to the stain. Spread a thick layer of sunscreen over the stain and use your finger to rub it in a circular motion. Continue applying sunscreen and rubbing until the stain dissolves. Rinse off the sunscreen and any remaining ink with warm water.
- Both cream and spray sunscreens are quite effective at removing permanent marker stains.
Use baby oil or lotion. Baby oil and lotion are gentle yet powerful cleaners, making them highly effective for removing permanent marker stains. Pour the oil or lotion onto a paper towel and dab or rub it onto the stain. Finally, rinse the area with warm water to remove the stain and any excess oil or lotion.
Use shaving cream. To use shaving cream, apply a sufficient amount directly onto the stained skin. Next, use your finger or a paper towel to rub the cream into the skin, adding more if needed. Continue rubbing until the ink fades, then rinse with warm water.
Use alternative methods to remove the stain
Use baby wipes to clean the stain. Simply take a baby wipe and rub it over the stain until the ink dissolves, then rinse with warm water. Opt for baby wipes instead of regular tissues, as they are gentler on the skin.
Use makeup remover or makeup remover wipes. For liquid makeup remover, pour a small amount onto a tissue or cloth and rub it onto the stained skin. For makeup remover wipes, simply use the wipe to scrub and remove the stain.
Use white toothpaste. First, choose white toothpaste as gel toothpaste is less effective. Turn on warm water and wet the stained area. Next, apply a thick layer of toothpaste to the stain and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Then, use your finger or a damp cloth to rub the toothpaste into the skin. Scrub until the ink dissolves and rinse off the toothpaste with warm water.
Apply butter to the stain. Take a small amount of butter and spread it evenly over the stain. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then use a cloth to rub the skin. Scrub until the ink dissolves, then wash off the butter and ink with soap and hot water.
Use nail polish remover or acetone. Although not a ‘skincare product,’ nail polish remover and acetone can dissolve permanent marker stains without harming the skin. However, nail polish remover evaporates relatively quickly, so you may need to reapply multiple times if necessary. Pour a small amount onto a cotton ball or cloth and rub it onto the stained skin. Continue adding more remover and scrubbing until the stain disappears. Rinse the area with warm water and pat it dry.
Tips
- Before switching to household products, always prioritize skin-safe solutions when attempting to remove permanent marker stains.
- Remember to moisturize your skin after using these methods, as some may cause dryness.
Warnings
- Always exercise caution when using Isopropyl alcohol, nail polish remover, or hairspray near open flames, as these products are highly flammable.
