How to Get Marker Out of Couch or Sofa

Markers are fun and creative tools, but no matter how careful we try to be, accidents happen, whether due to your child’s artistic venture or an accidental scribble by yourself. And sometimes, they happen on the couch or sofa. 

How to remove a marker from a fabric sofa

Marker stains can be quite bothersome, considering permanent marker ink is very difficult to remove from couches or sofas. But those stains aren’t always so permanent after all. 

That’s right! With the right cleaning techniques and a high-quality and reliable stain remover, such as Vanish, you can effectively remove marker stains and restore your sofa's appearance. 

In this article, we provide you with step-by-step instructions about how to get marker out of couch and sofa to keep your living room pride clean and in pristine condition.


Getting Marker Stain out of Couch, But First!

Once you spot a marker stain on your couch, it's crucial to take immediate action. The longer the stain remains, the harder it becomes to eliminate.

Get a fresh, clean, and dry microfiber cloth or paper towel and carefully dab the area. Refrain from rubbing the stain, as doing so may spread the marker and worsen the stain.

Start by working outward from the edges towards the center, absorbing as much ink as possible. Replace the cloth or paper towels with new ones as necessary. 

Even if the ink has dried, attempting to remove it is worthwhile.


Marker Stain Removal from Couch

If the couch cover is removable, use Vanish Oxi Action Powder for the colored cover and Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder for the white cover to remove ink stains, lingering odors, and 99.9% germs. 

There are three methods for utilizing Vanish products to eliminate stains: Pre-treat, Soaking, and adding directly to the Wash. 

Although pre-treatment and soaking are typically reserved for tough stains, the in-wash method is the simplest and can be combined with pre-treat or soaking


INSTRUCTIONS

Option 1: Pre Treat

  1. Add ¼ scoop (15g) of Vanish Oxi Action Powder in the water (MAX 40°C)

  2. Stir for 30 seconds.

  3. Apply the mixture directly to the ink stain, rub it gently, and let it sit for 10 minutes (do not allow Vanish to dry on the couch). 

  4. Wash as usual. 

Option 2: Soak

  1. Add 1 scoop (60g) of Vanish Oxi Action Powder in 4L of water.

  2. Stir for 30 seconds.

  3. Soak the couch cover in the solution for 1h max, and for whites, it's 4h max.

  4. Wash as usual. 

Option 3: Wash

Add Vanish Oxi Action Powder to your machine on top of your laundry detergent. Below are the recommended stain remover dosages:

• ½  scoop (30g) for normal stains.

• 1 scoop (60g) for tough & dried stains.

If your couch is upholstered, you’ll want to use the Vanish 3-in-1 Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo to treat the ink stains.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Wipe out the excess ink moisture using a paper or cotton towel. 

  2. Mix 1 part Vanish 3-in-1 Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo with 9 parts cool water (max temperature 40˚) and whisk the solution into a foam. 

  3. Apply the foam evenly on the ink stain using a clean colorfast brush or sponge. 

  4. Do not make the carpet overly wet. 

  5. Allow it to dry and vacuum away. 

For isolated stains: 

  1. Pour Vanish 3-in-1 Carpet and upholstery Shampoo onto the stain using the cap. 

  2. Leave for 5 minutes. 

  3. Gently rub away with a clean, damp, colorfast cloth.


Ink Stain Spot Cleaning from Couch

You may encounter occasional ink stains or spills that leave unsightly, set-in marks that no deep cleaning alone can remove. 

For such scenarios, use Vanish Oxi Action Carpet and Upholstery Spray, which always produces amazing, toughest stain removal results! Here’s how it works: 

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Wipe the affected area with an absorbent cloth or paper towel.

  2. Spray the Vanish Oxi Action Carpet and Upholstery Spray onto the stain and leave for 1 to 5 minutes.

  3. Wipe again with a clean cloth or paper towel.

  4. Repeat as many times as necessary.

  5. Lastly, rinse the rug with clean water and blot it dry with towels or allow it to air dry.


FAQs

Are marker stains permanent?

No, even permanent marker stains can be easily removed. The trick is to remove them as soon as they appear, use the right cleaning method, and use a top-notch stain remover, such as Vanish

Will the cleaning methods mentioned in this article work on all types of couch fabric?

The effectiveness of the cleaning methods may vary depending on the fabric type. Therefore, before attempting any cleaning method, it is important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your fabric sofa. 

Can I use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process?

No, it is best to allow the couch to air dry naturally to avoid any potential damage that excessive heat may cause.