How to Get Rid of a Sharpie Permanent Marker Stain on Laminates

Quck answer

Removing a Sharpie permanent marker from laminates can be done using simple household items. Here’s how:

1. Start by blotting the stain with a paper towel or cloth to remove any excess ink.

2. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover to a clean cloth.

3. Gently dab the stain with the cloth, being careful not to rub too hard and damage the laminate surface.

4. Continue dabbing until the marker stain starts to fade.

5. Rinse the area with warm soapy water to remove any residue.

6. Dry the surface thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Remember to always test the alcohol or nail polish remover on a small, inconspicuous area of the laminate before applying it to the stain.


A permanent marker can leave its mark on various surfaces in your home, including laminate floors. However, harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can damage the laminate, so you need to find a gentle solution to remove that Sharpie stain. There are several treatments you can try, such as citrus-based sticker removers, foam-cleaning erasers, and rubbing alcohol. Before applying any treatment, make sure to test it in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t discolor or damage the laminate surface.

Citrus Solution

Take a cotton swab and apply a citrus-based sticker and adhesive remover to the tip. Gently wipe the swab over the inked areas. After a few minutes, use an absorbent white cloth to wipe up the liquid. Then, use a slightly damp cloth to remove any residue left by the citrus solution. Avoid saturating the area with water, as it can harm the laminate.

Eradicate It With A Dry-Erase Marker

Write directly on top of the Sharpie marks with a dry erase marker. This will help loosen the permanent ink from the laminate. Immediately wipe the area with paper towels or an eraser designed for dry-erase boards. If any ink remains, you can use dry-erase wipes or rubbing alcohol to remove it.

Erase It With Melamine Foam

You can also try using a melamine foam eraser, which is a spongy material designed to remove scuffs, marks, and grease from different surfaces in your home. Wet a corner of the foam eraser and gently rub it over the ink, starting from one end of the mark and moving to the other. Apply gentle pressure at first and increase it if necessary. Avoid rubbing too vigorously, as it can damage the appearance of the laminate.

Alcohol or Acetone Action

Rubbing alcohol is effective in removing permanent inks from many surfaces. Apply a small amount to a cotton swab or cotton ball and rub it over the ink, moving from one end of the mark to the other. Instead of wiping across the mark, use a fresh area of the cotton as it absorbs the ink to prevent spreading it around. Afterward, wipe the area with a damp white cloth and then pat it dry with another white cloth. If the alcohol doesn’t completely remove the ink, you can use acetone or nail polish remover as a last resort. Apply it with a cotton swab or cotton ball, but make sure to open windows or turn on a ceiling fan to avoid inhaling the fumes. Finally, wipe the area with a fresh white damp cloth.

Leave a Comment