A permanent marker produces a moist dye that’s quickly absorbed into the paper when applied. Similar to paper, wood is naturally absorbent, and a marker stain left too long on the surface soaks into the wood. An ink stain on your wooden table might spell trouble, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. When you use cleaning supplies and stain removal methods safe for wood and effective for dye stains, you can remove the marker successfully.
Things Needed
- Bowl
- 2 tsp. white vinegar
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- Spoon
- Clean cloths
- Silicone spray
- Plastic wrap
- Paper towels
- Sponge
- Dishwashing detergent
Step 1
Pour 2 tsp. of white vinegar into a bowl. Add 1 tbsp. of cornstarch and stir the two ingredients together to form a paste.
Step 2
Smear the vinegar and cornstarch paste onto the marker stain on your wooden table. Allow it to sit there for a minute. Buff the wood to remove the stain. Repeat this step a few times to lift as much permanent marker ink as possible.
Step 3
Spray silicone spray onto the remaining marker stain. Cover the moistened stain with plastic wrap. Allow the silicone spray to soak into the stain for an hour.
Step 4
Remove the plastic wrap and discard. Blot up excess silicone spray by pressing a paper towel into the wood.
Step 5
Dampen a sponge with warm water. Place two or three drops of dishwashing detergent onto the sponge. Scrub the surface of the wooden table to remove the rest of the marker stain as well as the greasy residue from the silicone spray. Move to a clean portion of the sponge as the marker stain is lifted.
Step 6
Rinse the table by wiping it off with a damp cloth. Dry the table with another cloth.
Wet wipes can effectively remove marker stains from wood. First, test an inconspicuous area to ensure the alcohol in the wipes doesn’t remove the wood finish as well. Use a damp sponge with mild dishwashing detergent to remove a fresh stain. Rub white toothpaste into the wooden table to get rid of the permanent marker stain.
