It happens all the time. One minute we are labeling our mason jars with a Sharpie, and the next, its ink is all over the countertop. Permanent marker on quartz and similar non-porous surfaces can be challenging to deal with.
But don’t fret! There are actually many ways to remove the ink using simple home remedies. Check out the following methods on how to get permanent marker off countertop.
Get Rid of Permanent Marker on Countertops
Method 1: Using Rubbing Alcohol
What to Prepare
Rubbing alcohol is the go-to solvent for getting rid of permanent marker stains. It works for stains on non-porous surfaces, like laminate countertops and porous surfaces, such as white quartz countertops.
Alternatively, you can pour rubbing alcohol on the cloth or sponge, then use it for scrubbing. This should work just as well.
Method 2: Using Acetone
What to Prepare
Acetone is the first ingredient you can use to take permanent marker off countertops. It is an effective liquid solvent that can break up ink molecules. If you have a nail polish remover that contains acetone, you can use it for this method too.
Method 3: Using Hydrogen Peroxide
What to Prepare
Hydrogen peroxide can kill two birds with one stone: help you get Sharpie off countertop and disinfect the surface. It is inexpensive and easy to get; just visit a drugstore.
If hydrogen peroxide alone does not work, consider the next method.
Method 4: Using Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
What to Prepare
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide together can remove Sharpie from countertops. Simply follow these steps:
You also can use baking soda to remove permanent markers from leather or rubber effectively.
Method 5: Using Toothpaste
What to Prepare
Toothpaste is another household item that works like a charm when it comes to handling Sharpie stains. Here is how you use it:
Method 6: Using a Magic Eraser
A Magic Eraser is often hailed for cleaning permanent markers from non-porous surfaces. But it is also excellent at removing stains from porous surfaces — marble countertops, granite countertops, Formica countertops, Corian countertops, you name it.
Method 7: Using WD-40
What to Prepare
Detailed Steps
WD-40 is a commercial cleaning solution that can deal with tough permanent marker stains. You just need to grab a bottle from your local Walmart and a clean cloth, then follow these steps:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What removes dried permanent marker?
All the ingredients we have mentioned above can all remove dried permanent marker ink. But the number of applications will depend on how long the ink has been dried.
Can you remove permanent marker from quartz countertop?
YES! You can even do it for white quartz countertops. You can rub the stain off with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, toothpaste, a magic Eraser, or aerosol hairspray.
When the stain disappears, rinse the treated area with water. Just scroll back up for the specific steps to remove ink from quartz countertops.
Does vinegar remove permanent marker on countertops?
Vinegar is sometimes used along with other cleaning agents to get rid of permanent markers from non-porous surfaces. However, it is not commonly recommended for cleaning porous surfaces.
Can Sharpie be removed from stone surfaces?
Yes. Sharpie and any other permanent marker ink can be taken off of stone surfaces. All the methods we mentioned above can work. Play around with them to find the one that works best. It is really all about trial and error.
Can I squeeze toothpaste on quartz countertops?
Sure! You can squeeze toothpaste over the stain on your quartz surface. If you are hesitant about doing it directly, dispense some on a cloth or sponge, then use that to work the stain off.
Conclusion
Any of the seven methods above can help you deal with stubborn Sharpie stains. Just apply what you have read in this how to get permanent marker off countertops guide and you will be good to go. Let us know which you choose to use and why in the comments down below. We look forward to hearing from you.
