Parents around the globe have, at one time or another, felt immense frustration when discovering ill-fated ‘artwork’ on their fine leather sofas. Kids have a natural tendency to draw on things, and often, the things they choose to draw on are pieces of furniture. The good news is that these murals can be removed if you follow a few simple rules about how to remove marker from furniture.
How to Remove Marker Stains from Furniture
Luckily, one of the easiest ways to remove marker from furniture uses a product likely found in your bathroom: toothpaste!
- First, choose an all-white toothpaste (not a gel). This will be your scrubbing agent.
- If you are trying to remove the marker from wood furniture, use a fine bristle toothbrush or a soft rag. Rub the toothpaste in a circular motion on the spot of the marker. (It’s a good idea to test this on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish of the furniture.)
- If the culprit was a Sharpie or permanent marker, you may need to rinse and repeat several times.
- Each time you apply the toothpaste, it will begin to take on the color of the marker. This means the toothpaste is working.
Additionally, WD-40 (make sure to test it first) is also useful for removing marker stains from wood furniture. Many people find that baby wipes are also effective in removing the stains.
If this method doesn’t seem to be working, don’t fret—there are other products you can try. Your local department store likely sells products like Goo Gone or Magic Erasers, which can work wonders on marker stains. However, before using these on furniture, ensure that the product is labeled for the type of wood you’re trying to clean.
Removing Marker Stains from Leather Furniture
If the furniture you’re working on is made of leather, the products mentioned above may not be as effective. One useful trick for removing marker stains from leather is to use spray-on sunscreen. Be sure to test the sunscreen on an inconspicuous area of the leather to ensure it doesn’t alter the color. Insect repellent, rubbing alcohol, and even nail polish remover can also work. The key is to apply a very small amount of the product to the stain, then remove it with cotton balls or a very soft cloth. Hand sanitizer is also another useful product for removing marker stains from leather furniture.
Marker stains can be pesky and hard to remove completely. With persistence and the right product, you should be able to achieve success. The best advice is to tackle the stain as soon as possible— the longer the permanent marker sits on the surface, the more difficult it will be to remove.
