How to Remove Permanent Marker From Plastic Surfaces

How to Remove Permanent Marker from Plastic with Vinegar

Reach into your kitchen cabinets and you’ll be amazed at the natural cleaning arsenal you already have on hand. Take vinegar, for example. A simple dose of vinegar and its acidic magic can all do the trick for removing permanent marker residue from plastic naturally.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Cotton ball or cotton swab
• Distilled vinegar
• Damp cloth

Step 1: Soak Cotton in Vinegar

Depending on the size of the stain, you will want to use either a cotton ball or a swab. Soak the cotton in vinegar. 

Step 2: Rub the Cotton on the Marker

Rub the soaked cotton over the stain until the marker disappears.

Step 3: Wipe Clean

Use a damp cloth to clean the area of the vinegar and marker residue. Repeat if needed until the permanent marker stain is gone.

How to Remove Permanent Marker from Plastic with Baking Soda and Toothpaste

Baking soda is a gentle but effective abrasive. Pair it with white toothpaste, which is formulated to lift plaque and stains off your teeth, and you have a successful permanent marker stain remover.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Baking soda
• White toothpaste
• Small mixing bowl
• Tool for mixing (toothpick or mixing spoon depending on size of stain)
• Rag

Step 1: Mix the Paste

Combine one part baking soda and one part white toothpaste in a small mixing bowl. For small stains, a pea-sized amount of each will work. For larger stains, consider a teaspoon of each. Mix with a toothpick or spoon until a paste is formed.

Step 2: Spread Paste Over Stain

Apply the paste to the stain, ensuring no sign of the permanent marker is visible. 

Step 3: Scrub the Stain

Use your finger or a rag to scrub the stain gently with the paste. The paste will agitate the marker and remove it from the plastic during this time. 

Step 4: Wipe Clean

Use a clean rag to wipe away any residue.

How to Remove Permanent Marker from Plastic with Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil will help dissolve permanent marker stains on plastic. Plus it smells good, which is a huge plus!

Tools and Materials Needed

• Cotton ball or cotton swab
• Tea tree oil
• Paper towel

Step 1: Soak Cotton in Tea Tree Oil

Depending on the size of the stain, you may want to use either a cotton ball or swab. Soak the cotton in tea tree oil. 

Step 2: Rub the Cotton on the Marker

Rub the soaked cotton over the stain until the marker disappears.

Step 3: Wipe Clean

Use a towel to wipe away any remaining oil residue. 

How to Remove Permanent Marker from Plastic with Nail Polish Remover

You can also use other household cleaners without the need to head out to the store. You likely have the following chemical-based products around your house—the first being nail polish remover. The acetone in nail polish remover lifts nail polish paint from surfaces beyond fingernails and has the power to cut through permanent marker stains.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Cotton ball or cotton swab
• Acetone-based nail polish remover
• Paper towel

Step 1: Soak Cotton in Nail Polish Remover

Depending on the size of the stain, you may want to use either a cotton ball or a cotton swab. Soak the cotton in the acetone. 

Step 2: Rub the Cotton on the Marker

Rub the soaked cotton over the stain until the marker disappears. Acetone is stronger than rubbing alcohol, so it’s ideal for stubborn marker stains.

Step 3: Wipe Clean

Use a towel to wipe away any of the remaining residue. If the plastic you’re removing the stain from is used for food or drink, be sure to run it through the dishwasher.

How to Remove Permanent Marker from Plastic with Melamine Foam

Melamine foam sponges, more commonly known as Magic Erasers, work wonders at removing stains. That’s because they’re made of a superfine microstructure abrasive that almost works like sandpaper to scrub off stains.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Rubber gloves
• Melamine foam
• Water
• Paper towel

Step 1: Saturate Foam with Water

Before you start, put on a pair of rubber gloves, since melamine foam can be sharp and harsh against skin. Soak the foam with water and wring out the water so the piece of foam is damp.

Step 2: Rub off Marker

Use the melamine foam as you would a sponge on a dish, rubbing in a circular motion over the stain on the plastic to loosen up the marker. Use gentle pressure as you scrub so you don’t damage the piece you’re working on. Continue rubbing until all of the ink is gone. 

Step 3: Wipe Clean

Wipe the area clean and dry using a paper towel.

Tips and Hacks for Difficult Cases

As goes with any stain removal, the process of removing permanent marker from plastic works best on a fresh stain. If the marker has been on the item for a long period of time, it will only be harder to get off. If this is the case for you, or if none of the above methods worked, try a glass cleaner. The process will create a lot of smudging and might almost seem counterintuitive, but the result will pay off!

Tools and Materials Needed

• Dry erase marker
• Spray glass cleaner
• Paper towels

Step 1: Use a Dry Erase Marker

Draw over the permanent marker with a dry erase marker. This will smudge up all of the marker stain and can be messy. In fact, the plastic will likely look worse before it gets better, but keep at it.

Step 2: Spray with Windex

Use a glass cleaner like Windex to spray over the smudged permanent marker area on the plastic. 

Step 3: Wipe Away

Use paper towels to scrub at and wipe away the marker residue. It may take a few sprays and a few paper towels.

Have you tried any of these methods for removing permanent marker from plastic? Share any more ideas you might have below!