No matter how careful you are, permanent marker ink stains happen and are frustratingly difficult to remove. 

But just because you have obtained a permanent marker ink stain, it doesn’t mean the affected piece of clothing is doomed for the trash bin.

While permanent markers are meant to be permanent, permanent marker ink stains can be removed from clothes. 

The two main things to know for successfully getting rid of ink stains include knowing the right cleaning method and using a high-quality, reliable, and effective stain remover, such as Vanish. 

Keep reading this article to learn how to remove permanent marker from clothes using three different stain remover steps while maintaining their brightness and freshness.

The ink in permanent markets is designed to penetrate cellulose (the main part of plant cell walls), effectively dyeing cotton fabrics or paper. 

The added color can be permanent, and it should be, but if something breaks up the ink, then only stain remover products containing a powerful oxi action formula can remove the stain, odor, and 99.9% of germs. 

Before treating the permanent marker stain, it is crucial to blot—not rub—any excess ink to prevent it from setting deep into the fabric’s fiber.

After that, for colored clothes, use Vanish Oxi Action Powder, which uses the Oxi Advance formula to remove ink stains, neutralize odors, eliminate germs, and brighten colors.

Additionally, use Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder for whites. This powder penetrates and eliminates the ink stain, prevents further discoloration, and retains a brilliant whiteness in your clothes, even after 50 washes.

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.

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 onto the stain, rub it gently, and let it sit for 10 mins (do not allow Vanish to dry on the fabric. 

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 colored clothes 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.

How do I remove old or set-in permanent marker stains from clothes?

An ink stain (fresh or dried) left by a permanent marker can be challenging to remove. However, these dried ink stains can be tackled by soaking the affected garment with Vanish Multi Use Liquid Stain Removal. 

This product is safe for colored and white garments and can be added to your washing machine with detergent. 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add 10ml of Vanish Multi Use Liquid Stain Removal to 1 litre of water (40°C max).

2. Leave the item for 1h max (colored) and 4h max (whites) 

3. After soaking, wash as usual or rinse thoroughly.

Is using nail polish remover on fabric safe to remove permanent marker stains?

While an acetone-based nail polish remover can break down permanent marker ink stains, you must be extremely careful when using it. Nail polish can damage some fabrics by leaving an oily residue; in some cases, it can bleach or remove color. 

Should I wash the clothing immediately after treating the permanent marker stain, or let it air dry first?

After pretreating or soaking the stained clothes with Vanish, it is advised to wash them immediately using the detergent and stain remover combination and with cool water to avoid baking the stain.