How to Get Permanent Marker Out Of Linen

5 Materials
$1
2 Days
Easy

We have a local Church that has the bestest rummage sale every year. They have such a variety of items that people donate and at such reasonable prices. Last year I happened to find a pale pink Damask Tablecloth. The ladies who work the sale always look for spot/stains put masking tape around the folded item and write any imperfections and the size of the item. Well, someone, probably the donor, wrote the size in marker on the corner of the tablecloth. The price was most reasonable and I figured there must be some way to remove it. I searched an searched the web, and of course, Pinterest. Got lots of ideas. Wrote them all down, starting with the most delicate working to the strongest.

Milk ~

 I rubbed gently after soaking not much difference

Hand Sanitizer ~

Applied and let soak

blotted several times removed most, but some still remained

Rubbing Alcohol ~blotted, removed a tad more

Hairspray ~ Sprayed heavily, let sit then blotted removed a bit more, but was still left with faded marks.

At that point I threw it in the washer with Oxyclean and left it soak there for 2 days....I didn't want to deal with it any more! After washing this is what it looked like! Not sure which one broke it down or if they all helped or if I just should have soaked it in Oxy in the first place.

For more info see my blog:

https://dragonflytreasure.blogspot.com/2016/01/how-do-you-get-permanent-marker-out-of.html

Suggested materials:
  • Milk   (already had)
  • Hand sanitizer   (already had)
  • Rubbing alcohol   (already had)
See all materials
Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 4 comments
  • Deb Deb on Apr 15, 2019

    I understand your frustration. One day my daughter came home from school with marker all over her new STARTER coat. My husband handed me can of break cleaner (purchasable at any auto center) I sprayed it on the marker and dabbed the fabric until all the remnants was out. Then I put it through the wash cycle of my machine. It came out as clean as the day I bought it. It did not fade the coat at all. Hope this helps. ...Deb

  • Wow! That's awesome! Thanks for the tip. You're husband is a smarty!!

Next