How To Get Permanent Marker Off Leather

How-to-Get-Permanent-Marker-off-Leather

One of the most frustrating things that anyone can encounter in their day is leather stained by permanent marker scribbles or drawings. Discovering some of these unwanted drawings or works of art on your leather sofa or car seats can ruin your day, but don't worry. In this article, we're shedding light on how to get permanent marker off leather. Let's get started.

Contents

Getting rid of permanent markers off leather
- 1. Using baby wipes
- 2. Using baking soda and toothpaste
- 3. Using sunscreen
- 4. Using magic eraser
- 5. Using oil-free hair spray
- 6. Using nail polish remover
- 7. Using distilled white vinegar
Final thoughts

Getting rid of permanent markers off leather

You can actually depend on some household items and solutions to remove permanent markers from leather. However, don't try any of the methods without first trying a little of the product on the hidden spot of the item where you are trying to get permanent marker marks off from. Use a small cotton to test the product. If the cotton ball comes out clean, it is a sign that you can proceed with the method you have chosen. It also means that the leather won't get damaged with the product. Also, you might not want to use cleaning products, which can just worsen the stain or ruin the finish of your leather.

1. Using baby wipes

Yes, you got that right. Baby wipes are great alternatives and are widely accessible at home, especially if you have a baby. You can alternatively replace baby wipes with makeup removers, which can also remove marker stains from leather, though. They can also be used safely in removing permanent markers from your child's skin if they played with your markers and got their skin painted with them.

Using baby wipes/makeup removers are easy since you only have to wipe the stain until it's gone. To finish the task, use leather conditioner, which will help prevent any more damage.

2. Using baking soda and toothpaste

Mix them well and apply on the stain. The baking soda can slowly lift the ink from the surface and loosen its grip, too. Mix equal parts of baking soda and toothpaste, and then apply it to the stain directly. However, do not wipe it off immediately, but let it sit for about two minutes. When done, use a piece of damp cloth for rubbing the mixture into the stain. Once you've successfully removed the stain from the leather, clean the leather using leather conditioner to prevent further damage.

3. Using sunscreen

Do you have sunscreen spray? Use it to get rid of the Sharpie marks on leather. To do it, first spray a towel with some sunscreen before slowly rubbing the marks or stains but only using a little pressure. If needed, you can repeat the process. You need to wait a little while before the stain is removed.

4. Using magic eraser

Did you know that a magic eraser can help get sharpie marks off leather? Believe it or not, yes it does! Before you proceed, you must slightly damp your magic eraser. When done, you can start rubbing the area with a magic eraser in a circular motion. Do not rub too hard or you might ruin the entire leather. You also need to apply leather conditioner on the area to prevent more damage.

5. Using oil-free hair spray

This method is pretty much like the sunscreen method. It can also work in removing permanent markers from leather furniture or items. All you need to do is to apply a small amount of it to a dry and clean cloth. When done, you can start rubbing the stain away.

However, never scrub the stain, but just gently rub it until it's gone. You can also use other items containing high alcohol content, including hand sanitizer, which can also work in replacement for a hair spray.

6. Using nail polish remover

To get started, use a small amount of nail polish remover or acetone to the stain using a clean cloth, cotton swab, or a paper towel. Do not continue with it if you notice any discoloration that occurs. When the stain is removed, you can wash the area using a suitable leather cleaner, and let it dry. Finally, restore your leather completely using a leather conditioner.

WARNING: Do not use a nail polish remover on a tan, black, or brown leather item. Otherwise, its color will also be removed together with the stain. You must only use it on cream or white colored leather.

7. Using distilled white vinegar

This household item is versatile and it's also useful in removing stain off leather, while the stain is new. Although it can also work on old stains, it might not be as effective as if you would apply it to new permanent marker stains on leather.

To use this method, all you need is using a clean cloth in dabbing white vinegar onto the stain. Blot it until it's gone.

Alternatively, you can spray it onto the stain before blotting it away using a cloth. For the finishing touch, apply leather conditioner, which will help in restoring the leather.

A permanent marker is a necessity in one's collection, especially for artists. They're easy to use and they also dry quickly and permanently. They are also dependable that they can be used on many surfaces, such as plastic, wood, and many more. However, there are cases when they get into places where they don't belong to, so it is also a must that you know how to get them off, especially if they're on leather – leather bag, leather shoes, or leather car seats, and whatnot.

Final thoughts

We hope that this article on how to get permanent markers off leather has helped you solve this problem. As a reminder, do not forget to test a small area before trying any of the products mentioned above. Apply a small amount of it using a clean cotton ball. If there is no fading or discoloration that occurs, you're good to go and can start with the task of removing the stain from leather.

Finally, not one set of methods works in all cases. You can try each of these until finding out what works for you. If you find this article useful, share it on social media to spread the word and help others needing the same information.

PS. If you got tips that we forgot above, let us know in the comment section.