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What Can I Use to Take Permanent Marker Off a Fabric Sofa?

Permanent markers are useful to write on CD or DVD labels, name tags and important documents, but when they fall into the wrong hands, the results can be detrimental. If your child got his hands on your permanent marker or you slipped and got the ink on your fabric sofa, try some at-home remedies to remove the marks before you purchase a slipcover or a new sofa.
  1. Rubbing Alcohol

    • Pour rubbing alcohol directly on the marker stain, and allow it to completely saturate the fabric. Blot the ink up with paper towels, but don't scrub the stain since you'll push the ink deeper into the fabric fibers. Use fresh paper towels to blot all the ink.

    Nail Polish Remover

    • Nail polish remover is not just for removing polish off your fingernails and toenails. It also helps get stains off fabric. Saturate the marker stain completely since nail polish remover combats stains that are not water-soluble. Then, soak the nail polish remover up with paper towels.

    Toothpaste

    • Apply a non-gel toothpaste to the stain, and rub it in. Gel toothpastes are typically colored and may stain the fabric, while non-gel toothpastes are usually white. Then, rinse the spot off with water. If the stain lightens, repeat the process with more toothpaste until the stain lifts completely or lightens considerably.

    White Vinegar and Cornstarch

    • Make a paste consisting of 3 parts vinegar to 2 parts water. Soak the stain with white vinegar, then rub the paste generously into the marker stain and allow it to dry before rinsing it with water. Scrub or wipe the paste away with a clean sponge or towel.