Introduction
Accidentally spilling a Sharpie on your favorite shirt or pair of pants can be incredibly frustrating. Sharpie is a permanent marker that, once it gets on clothing, can seem impossible to remove. But, fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to successfully get sharpie out of clothes. In this article, we’ll explore seven easy methods for removing Sharpie from fabric.
Using Rubbing Alcohol
One of the most popular methods for removing Sharpie from clothes is to dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain. Rubbing alcohol is an effective solvent that will dissolve the ink, making it easier to remove.
Step-by-step Guide
To use rubbing alcohol to remove Sharpie from clothing, follow these steps:
- Lay the stained item of clothing on a flat surface.
- Dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain.
- Gently rub the stain with your finger or a soft cloth.
- Rinse the area with cold water.
- Repeat steps until the stain is gone.
- Wash the item of clothing as normal.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Using rubbing alcohol to get Sharpie out of clothes has several benefits. It’s a common household product, so it’s easy to find and inexpensive. It also doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, so it’s safe to use. However, rubbing alcohol is highly flammable and can cause skin irritation, so it’s important to take caution when using it.
Washing with Hot Water and Detergent
Another popular method for removing Sharpie from clothes is to wash them with hot water and laundry detergent. The heat from the water helps to break down the ink, while the detergent helps to lift the stain away from the fabric.
Step-by-step Guide
To wash Sharpie out of clothes with hot water and detergent, follow these steps:
- Turn the stained item of clothing inside out.
- Fill a sink or bucket with hot water.
- Add laundry detergent to the water and stir to combine.
- Soak the stained item in the water for 30 minutes.
- After soaking, rub the stained area with your fingers.
- Rinse the item of clothing in cold water.
- Repeat steps until the stain is gone.
- Wash the item of clothing as normal.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Using hot water and detergent to get Sharpie out of clothes is a safe, effective method. It doesn’t require any special products or tools, and it’s easy to do. However, it may take multiple attempts to completely remove the stain.
Applying a Paste of Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Another way to remove Sharpie from fabric is to make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. The baking soda helps to absorb the ink, while the hydrogen peroxide helps to break it down.
Step-by-step Guide
To apply a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to remove Sharpie from clothes, follow these steps:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
- Stir until you have a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the stain.
- Let the paste sit for 10 minutes.
- Gently rub the paste into the stain.
- Rinse the area with cold water.
- Repeat steps until the stain is gone.
- Wash the item of clothing as normal.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Using a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to get Sharpie out of clothes is a safe, effective method. It’s also a gentle technique that won’t damage delicate fabrics. However, it may take multiple attempts to completely remove the stain.
Applying Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover is another popular method for removing Sharpie from clothes. It contains chemicals that help to break down the ink, making it easier to remove.
Step-by-step Guide
To use nail polish remover to remove Sharpie from clothes, follow these steps:
- Lay the stained item of clothing on a flat surface.
- Dab nail polish remover onto the stain.
- Gently rub the stain with your finger or a soft cloth.
- Rinse the area with cold water.
- Repeat steps until the stain is gone.
- Wash the item of clothing as normal.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Using nail polish remover to get Sharpie out of clothes is a relatively quick and easy method. It’s also inexpensive and widely available. However, nail polish remover is a harsh chemical and should be used with caution. It can irritate your skin and eyes, and it’s flammable, so make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area.
Using White Vinegar
White vinegar is another common household product that can be used to remove Sharpie from clothes. The acidic nature of the vinegar helps to break down the ink, making it easier to remove.
Step-by-step Guide
To use white vinegar to remove Sharpie from clothes, follow these steps:
- Lay the stained item of clothing on a flat surface.
- Pour white vinegar onto the stain.
- Gently rub the stain with your finger or a soft cloth.
- Rinse the area with cold water.
- Repeat steps until the stain is gone.
- Wash the item of clothing as normal.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Using white vinegar to get Sharpie out of clothes is a safe, effective method. It’s also easy to find and inexpensive. The only downside is that the smell of vinegar can linger on clothes, so you may want to air them out before wearing them.
Spot Treating with Laundry Pre-Treater
Finally, you can use a laundry pre-treater to remove Sharpie from clothes. Pre-treaters are specially formulated to penetrate and break down stains, making them easier to remove.
Step-by-step Guide
To spot treat Sharpie stains with a laundry pre-treater, follow these steps:
- Lay the stained item of clothing on a flat surface.
- Spray the stain with a laundry pre-treater.
- Gently rub the stain with your finger or a soft cloth.
- Let the pre-treater sit for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the area with cold water.
- Repeat steps until the stain is gone.
- Wash the item of clothing as normal.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Spot treating Sharpie stains with a laundry pre-treater is an effective way to get the stain out. It’s also easy to do and doesn’t require any special tools or products. However, pre-treaters can be expensive and may not be readily available.
Conclusion
Accidentally spilling a Sharpie on your clothes can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to successfully get Sharpie out of clothes. Rubbing alcohol, hot water and detergent, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, nail polish remover, white vinegar, and a laundry pre-treater are all effective methods for removing Sharpie from fabric.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to be patient and persistent. It may take multiple attempts to completely remove the stain. With enough effort, however, you can get Sharpie out of clothes and restore them to their former glory.