How To Get Sharpie Out Of Clothes: Your Ultimate Guide To Stain Removal

Prof. Daniella Koss 28 Jun 2025

It happens to the best of us. You’re working on a project, labeling something, or simply have a Sharpie in hand, and suddenly – disaster strikes! That permanent marker can hit your sleeve, fall onto your shorts, or even land on your couch, leaving a very obvious and scary stain. No matter how careful you are, permanent marker stains happen and are frustratingly difficult to remove—especially from fabric. The Sharpie is a useful tool, but it can yield some stubborn stains on your clothing because the ink is designed to bond with the fibers of the fabric.

The good news? Getting a permanent marker stain on fabric doesn't have to mean that the item is ruined. While we can’t promise full stain removal for every single mark, with the right products and techniques, you may be able to restore your clothes to their original stain-free glory. This comprehensive guide will walk you through proven methods to tackle those pesky Sharpie stains, whether they are fresh or set.

The Golden Rules of Sharpie Stain Removal

Before diving into specific remedies, understanding a few fundamental principles will significantly increase your chances of success. Taking action on the stain as soon as you can is the first stage in removing Sharpie from your clothes.

Act Fast!

Fresh stains are always easier to remove than dried ones. The longer a Sharpie stain sits, the more the ink bonds with the fabric fibers, making it more challenging to lift. If you manage to get Sharpie on your clothes, address it immediately.

Protect the Underside

This is a crucial step often overlooked. When treating a stain, you don't want the ink to bleed through to another part of the garment or the surface beneath. Place the garment on a flat, hard surface with a clean cloth or several layers of paper towels underneath the stained part of the clothing. This will help to absorb the ink as it's lifted and prevent it from spreading.

Blot, Don't Rub

Rubbing a Sharpie stain can push the ink deeper into the fabric fibers and cause it to spread, making the problem worse. Instead, gently blot the Sharpie stain with a clean white cloth or paper towel. This step transfers the marker onto the cloth, helping to lift it from your garment.

Avoid Heat at All Costs (Until the Stain is Gone)

Heat sets permanent marker stains, making them virtually impossible to remove. This means no hot water for rinsing or washing, and definitely no dryer until you are absolutely sure the stain is completely gone. Always wash in cold water and air dry the item until you’ve confirmed the stain's removal.

Your Arsenal of Sharpie Stain Removers

Thankfully, there are several household items and specialized products that can come to your rescue. The second stage in removing Sharpie from your clothes is to take a solvent that can help break down the ink.

Rubbing Alcohol: The Top Contender

One of the most effective ways to remove Sharpie stains from clothes is by using rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol, which can break down the oils and alcohols present in permanent marker ink. It's often considered the go-to method because it works on just about any Sharpie stain, as they use an alcohol-based ink. It also works for getting Sharpie off of skin!

How to Use: Soak a cotton ball or pad in rubbing alcohol and apply it directly to the stain. Gently blot or dab the stain, allowing the alcohol to break down the ink. You should see the ink transferring onto the cotton ball. Replace the cotton ball as it gets saturated with ink. For stubborn stains, you might need to scrub at the stains with a brush, re-wetting the material as you go along.
For Dried Stains: Once the marker stain has dried, it becomes more difficult to remove, but it can be done by using rubbing alcohol that has an alcohol content of over 90 percent.
Alternative: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer or alcohol-based wipes can also be substituted for rubbing alcohol if you don't have it readily available.

Hairspray: A Surprising Solution

Believe it or not, hairspray can be an effective permanent marker remover due to its alcohol content, which helps to break down the ink.

How to Use: First, blot the stain with a clean cloth to soak up any excess liquid. Next, spray a generous amount of aerosol hairspray directly onto the stained area. While the stain is still wet from the hairspray, place the item in the washing machine and wash it with your regular laundry detergent in cold water.

Vinegar: The Eco-Friendly Option

Vinegar is a versatile and eco-friendly solution for fabric stain removal. Its acidic nature helps to dissolve the marker pigments without causing damage to the fabric.

How to Use: Apply white vinegar directly to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently blot with a clean cloth. Rinse the fabric thoroughly with cold water. You may need to repeat this process several times.

Nail Polish Remover: Use with Caution

Nail polish remover, particularly those containing acetone, can be effective in breaking down Sharpie ink. However, acetone can be harsh on certain fabrics (like acetate, rayon, or triacetate) and may cause discoloration or damage. Always do a patch test on an inconspicuous area first.

How to Use: Apply a small amount of nail polish remover to a cotton ball and gently blot the stain. Do not rub. Rinse thoroughly with cold water after the ink has lifted.

Store-Bought Stain Removers: When All Else Fails

If home remedies aren't quite doing the trick, there are commercial stain removers specifically designed for tough ink stains. Products like OxiClean or Amodex are often recommended. An application of stain spot remover will get Sharpie out of clothes.

How to Use: Follow the product instructions carefully. Typically, you'll apply the remover to the stain, let it sit for a recommended time, and then wash the garment as usual. Remember to always wash in cold water and check the stain before drying.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Sharpie Stains

Here’s an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide that tells you everything you need to know about how to get permanent marker out of clothes, combining the best practices mentioned above:

Prepare Your Workspace: Lay the stained fabric face down on a stack of clean paper towels or a clean white cloth. This prevents the ink from spreading to other parts of the garment or your work surface.
Choose Your Weapon: Select one of the recommended stain removers (rubbing alcohol is often the most effective starting point).
Apply the Solvent: Apply your chosen stain remover to the underside of the stain if possible, or directly onto the stained area. Use a cotton ball, a clean rag, or a soft brush.
Blot and Lift: Gently blot or dab the stain. You should see the ink starting to transfer from the fabric to the paper towels or cloth underneath. Keep moving to a clean section of the paper towel as it absorbs ink. Don't rub aggressively, as this can spread the stain.
Rinse with Cold Water: Once you've lifted as much ink as possible, rinse the fabric thoroughly under cold running water.
Wash the Garment: Wash the garment in the washing machine with cold water and your regular laundry detergent. Do not use hot water.
Inspect Before Drying: After washing, inspect the garment carefully. If any trace of the stain remains, do NOT put it in the dryer. Heat will set the stain permanently.
Repeat if Necessary: Sharpie stains can be stubborn. You may need to repeat the pretreatment steps and washing process several times to completely remove the stain. Persistence is key!

Special Considerations

Different Fabric Types

There are various types of fabric that may encounter an unfortunate stain from a Sharpie, but the good news is that they all have a method for removing said stain. While rubbing alcohol is generally safe for most fabrics, always perform a patch test on an inconspicuous area first, especially for delicate materials or brightly colored garments. For specific fabrics like jeans, white clothes, or couch fabric, the methods remain largely the same, but you might consider bleach products as a last resort for white items after pretreating with alcohol-based products.

Fresh vs. Dried Stains

As mentioned, fresh stains are easier. For dried Sharpie stains, rubbing alcohol with a higher alcohol content (90%+) tends to be more effective. You might also need to let the solvent sit on the stain for a few minutes longer before blotting. While more difficult, it can be done.

What NOT to Do

Don't use hot water: This sets the stain.
Don't rub aggressively: This spreads the stain and can damage fabric.
Don't put in the dryer: Unless the stain is completely gone. Do keep items out of a hot dryer until you know the stain is completely gone.
Don't mix chemicals: Stick to one method at a time, and rinse thoroughly before trying another.

Final Thoughts

A Sharpie stain on your favorite clothing item can feel like a disaster, but as you've learned, it doesn't have to be the end of the world for your garment. With a bit of patience, the right household items like rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or vinegar, and a systematic approach, you can significantly reduce or even completely eliminate those stubborn permanent marker marks. Remember to act quickly, protect the underlying surface, blot instead of rub, and always avoid heat until the stain is fully removed. Don't give up after the first attempt; sometimes, a little persistence and a repeat application are all it takes to restore your clothes to their stain-free glory.

How to Get Permanent Marker Out of Clothes

How to Get Permanent Marker or Sharpie Out of Clothes

Digital Library & E‑Resources