Are you stranded? Removing sharpie from plastic is not as difficult as many deem it. However, it is vital to observe the precautions because some cleaners may damage the plastic surface further.
You can use rubbing alcohol, acetone, and toothpaste, among others, to remove sharpie from plastic. So if you want to learn how to remove sharpie from plastic, this is the detailed guide you’ve ever wanted.
How to Remove Sharpie from Plastic
- Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol.
- Gently rub the sharpie stains with the cotton ball.
- Wipe the surface with a damp cloth after the sharpie stains have liquefied.
- Wash the surface with soapy water.
- Dry the surface.
What You Should Know
You may want to repeat the process a few times to achieve the desired results. But, of course, this depends on how heavy and old the sharpie is.
Remember always to carry out a test in an inconspicuous area to guarantee safety. Some of the chemicals may melt or discolor plastic, for instance, acetone and any other oil-based chemical.
Wear gloves and a mask to protect your skin and breathing system when using harsh chemicals such as acetone.
Keep an eye on the cleaners, and don’t spill more than enough to avoid wastage.
Avoid using cleaners such as peroxide, rubbing alcohol, and acetone when working on painted plastic. They will destroy the paint, and acetone may melt the plastic surface.
Be careful when removing sharpie from toys often used by children. Instead, use other substances that don’t contain harsh chemicals. But if you have to use the chemicals, wash the toys thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then let the toys sit for a day before the kids can access them.
How to Remove Sharpie from Plastic with Dry Erase Marker
A dry-erase marker will remove sharpie from plastic. I recommend you pick on a dull color; however, the color of the erase marker does not matter in your desperation moments.
Dry erase marker works best on dry erase boards as well as smooth plastic surfaces.
The Supplies You Will Need
- Dry erase marker
- Soft cloth
- Glass cleaner
- Paper towel
The Steps
Step 1: Draw over the sharpie stains with a dry erase marker. A dry-erase marker has solvents that soften the sharpie making it easier to wipe away.
Step 2: Wipe the surface with a soft cloth. The sharpie should lift off the surface along with the dry erase marker.
Step 3: Spray glass cleaner over the surface. If the dry erase marker isn’t coming off, spray glass cleaner over it and wipe it off with a paper towel.
The dry erase marker may dry up, making it harder to remove.
Step 4: Rinse the surface and allow it to dry.
How to Remove Sharpie from Plastic with Rubbing Alcohol
Most DIYers recommend rubbing alcohol as the best sharpie stain remover from plastic surfaces. The higher the concentration percentage, the more effective the alcohol. So rubbing alcohol with a concentration above 90% will perfectly remove sharpie from plastic.
The materials needed are household items, so you won’t hustle hard to get the job done. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, use hand sanitizer.
The Supplies You Will Need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton ball
- Damp cloth
- Dry cloth
- Liquid soap
The Steps
Step 1: Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol.
Step 2: Gently rub the plastic surface with a damp cotton ball. The alcohol weakens the sharpie bonds while also transforming the stains to a liquid state, making the stains easier to do away with.
Step 3: Sprinkle a few drops of rubbing alcohol over stubborn sharpie marks and let it sit for a few minutes.
Step 4: After the marks have liquefied, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Next, grab a cotton ball moistened with rubbing alcohol and continue rubbing again. The spots should lift off.
Step 5: Once clean, wash the surface with soapy water, then dry it with a clean cloth.
How to Remove Sharpie from Plastic with Acetone
Acetone is the most potent solvent for this purpose. However, due to its robust nature, it can be detrimental to a softer plastic surface. So, avoid using acetone on soft and painted plastic surfaces as it will remove the paint or melt the plastic.
Test in an inconspicuous area of the plastic to guarantee safety. Wet a rag with acetone and press the rag against the plastic surface you are working on for a few seconds before wiping the solvent away. If you notice dents or color loss, consider using other methods.
If you don’t have pure acetone, use nail polish remover.
The Supplies You Will Need
- Gloves
- Acetone/nail polish remover
- Cotton ball
- Water
- Soft cloths
- Liquid soap
The Steps
Step 1: Pour a small amount of acetone into a bowl or a dish
Step 2: Immerse the cotton ball into the acetone, then rub the cotton ball over the sharpie stains in circular motions. The sharpie stains should liquefy.
Step 3: Wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth to check progress.
Step 4: Repeat the process if you spot sharpie stains. Re-dampen the cotton ball and continue rubbing with steady pressure until the surface is sharpie-free.
Step 5: Wash the surface with soapy water and a soft cloth. Then allow it to dry.
How to Remove Sharpie from Plastic with Magic Eraser
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser contains unnatural substances, but it is non-toxic to plastic surfaces as well your health.
Magic erasers are white bricked shaped sponges that you can access from the cleaning shelves in the grocery stores nearby.
Use a plain magic eraser with no extra cleaning agents such as bleach.
The Supplies You Need
- Clean Magic Eraser
- Water rubbing alcohol
- Container
- Water
The Steps
Step 1: Grab your magic eraser sponge and cut it into several smaller square pieces. This makes it easy to hold and use the eraser as well as minimizes wastage.
Step 2: Dip a small piece of the eraser in water and wring out excess water. Next, rub it over the stains in circular motions. You will start seeing results after 5-10 minutes of consistent rubbing.
Step 3: If the sharpie stains are stubborn, moisten a smaller piece of magic eraser with rubbing alcohol, then rub the stain until it is gone.
Step 4: After removing the sharpie stains, wash the surface with soapy water to remove rubbing alcohol residue, then dry the surface.
How to Remove Sharpie from Plastic with Baking Soda and Toothpaste
Baking soda and toothpaste form a thick paste that removes sharpie from plastic surfaces. The amount of paste needed depends on the size of the stain.
Ensure the toothpaste is white or pale mint color and non-gel based. Whit non-gel based toothpaste is abrasive, making them more effective than other toothpaste varieties.
Avoid using baking soda-toothpaste paste on painted plastic surfaces because it’s abrasive and may introduce scratches on the surface.
The Supplies You Will Need
- Baking soda
- Water
- Towel
- Old toothbrush
- Rubbing alcohol
- Gloves
- Stirring stick or spoon
The Steps
Step 1: Mix baking soda and toothpaste in a bowl or dish to form a thick paste. Ensure to mix equal amounts and stir thoroughly with a stirring stick or a spoon.
For smaller sharpie stains, apply a pea-sized amount of baking soda and toothpaste, whereas for large stains, mix a tablespoon of each.
Step 2: Apply the paste over the stain. While spreading, ensure the paste is not too thin or too thick.
Step 3: Scrub the stain off the surface with a towel. If the surface is rough, use an old toothbrush. The bristles in the toothbrush help you to get the paste into the tiny openings and niches.
Step 4: Apply medium pressure because scrubbing too hard will introduce scratches.
Step 5: Rinse the surface. After removing the marks, rinse the surface with warm soapy water, then allow it to dry.
You may need to apply rubbing alcohol to remove paste and stain residue.
How to Remove Sharpie from Plastic with Goo Gone/Goo Off
Goo Gone/Goo off is often used to remove sticky residue on surfaces after removing labels and stickers. However, these commercial adhesive removers have also performed well in removing sharpie stains.
For better results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions highlighted on the product’s label. Test first in an inconspicuous area to avoid potential damage because the chemicals involved may ruin surfaces, particularly soft plastic surfaces.
You’ll need
- Goo Gone/Goo Off
- Soft cloths
- Rubbing alcohol
- Water
- Dish soap
The Steps
Step 1: Pour a small amount of Goo Gone/Goo Off on the sharpie stains
Step 2: Let it sit for 3-5 minutes as the stains dissolve. The sharpie stains will liquefy, making them easier to wipe away.
Step 3: Wipe away the surface with a soft cloth to remove the stains along with the Goo Gone/Goo Off residue.
Step 4: If you remain with an oily surface, dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe the surface clean.
Step 5: Once clean, rinse with soapy water and allow to dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you remove dried sharpie?
Nail polish remover will remove dried sharpie because it contains acetone that breaks down the dried sharpie stains.
You’ll need;
- Nail polish remover
- Cotton ball
- Water
- Soap
- Sponge
The Steps
Step 1: Dip a cotton ball in a bowl of nail polish remover and wring out the excess.
Step 2: Dab the polish remover over the sharpie stain. Ensure to change the cotton ball if saturated with stains.
Step 3: Once clean, wash the surface thoroughly with warm soapy water and a sponge to remove acetone residue.
What removes permanent sharpie?
Rubbing alcohol, non-gel toothpaste, hairspray, and hand sanitizer will remove permanent sharpie from fabric and other surfaces. Therefore, before tossing your sharpie-stained items in the dustbin, try using these substances.
How do you remove sharpie from vinyl?
You can remove sharpie from vinyl with rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits, turpentine, hairspray, nail polish remover.
You’ll need;
- Rubbing alcohol
- Mineral spirits
- Hairspray
- Nail polish remover
- Turpentine
- Soft cloths
- Water
- Dish soap
The Steps
With Rubbing Alcohol;
Step 1: Moisten a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol.
Step 2: Gently rub the sharpie stains with the cloth in circular motions.
Step 3: Continue rubbing until you remove all the stains.
Step 4: Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.
With Hairspray;
Step 1: Spray a non-oily hairspray over the stained vinyl.
Step 2: Blot the sharpie with a soft towel.
Step 3: Continue blotting as you add more hairspray to remove all the sharpie stains.
Step 4: Rinse the surface with warm soapy water.
With Nail Polish Remover;
Step 1: Saturate sharpie stains with non-acetone nail polish remover.
Step 2: Let the stains soak for a few minutes. You will notice the stains liquefying.
Step 3: Rub the surface with a wet cloth. Continue rubbing until you remove all the sharpie stains.
Step 4: Rinse the surface and allow it to dry.
With Mineral Spirits;
Step 1: Moisten a clean cloth with mineral spirits.
Step 2: Rub the stains with the cloth in circular motions.
Step 3: Continue rubbing as you add more mineral spirits until all the stain is gone.
Step 4: Wipe the vinyl surface clean with a soapy damp cloth.
With Turpentine;
Step 1: Begin with safety; wear rubber gloves.
Step 2: Rub the marks with a cloth moistened with turpentine.
Step 3: Continue rubbing until you no longer see the marks.
Step 4: Wipe the surface with a soft cloth dampened in warm soapy water
Step 5: Dry with a towel.
Concluding Remarks
Unlike before, you now know how to remove sharpie from plastic. Home remedies are the best because they are inexpensive and need little effort and patience.
However, wiping off sharpie immediately it lands on a plastic surface remains the best method to remove it.
While working with the home remedies, ensure to saturate the surface before rubbing or wiping off the stain along with the cleaner. Also, do not let acetone-related cleaners stay for long on the surface to guarantee safety.
Observe the precautions.