It can be quite unfortunate when you realize your permanent marker is bleeding onto your beautiful wood table. Or perhaps your little one grabbed a marker and decided to use a piece of furniture as their canvas. So, how do you clean permanent marker off wood?
To clean permanent marker off wood, start by spraying enzyme cleaner onto the wood surface. Wipe off the stains with a damp cloth and clean the remaining ones with a another cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. Alternatively, you can use toothpaste that contains baking soda.
Cleaning permanent marker off wood may seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, you can easily remove it from wooden surfaces with some elbow grease and a few gentle cleaning solutions that you probably have at home already. Let’s get into the details so you can restore the stained wood to its original condition.
What Are the Different Types of Wood?
There are several types of wood that are commonly used for household furniture. Generally, the harder the wood, the easier it is to eliminate permanent marker stains. The task becomes a bit challenging when it comes to soft and unfinished wood, however.
Here are some popular categories of wood:
Real and Laminate Wood
“Real” wood comes from natural materials such as hardwoods, softwoods, and bamboo. It’s strong, durable and can be treated to last for years.
On the other hand, “laminated” wood is a composite material made from layers of wood veneer and resin. It’s more affordable than real wood, and people often use it for furniture and other items to bring out a more uniform look and texture.
However, it’s less durable than real wood, and it isn’t as resistant to moisture and other environmental factors.
Cleaning permanent marker stains off of laminate wood is easy, and you can do it without damaging the surface. It’s like cleaning a dry-erase board. The same can’t be said about real wood, unfortuantely.
Finished and Unfinished Wood
Finished wood is usually varnished, lacquered, or waxed to give it a protective coating that resists staining, while unfinished wood is typically in its natural state — it’s not treated or coated in any way.
Since unfinished wood is porous and can absorb moisture, you should clean it immediately if it’s stained with a permanent marker.
When it comes to finished wood, use mild substances to remove permanent marker stains; that way, you can avoid harming the finish.
Can You Remove Permanent Marker From Wood?
While permanent markers can cause irreparable damage to some surfaces, it’s comforting to know that you can easily get rid of permanent marker stains from most wood surfaces. You can do it using the following methods.
Rubbing Alcohol
Good old rubbing alcohol is an effective and affordable solution for stubborn permanent marker stains on wood.
It will be easier to remove the marker stains if you have all the materials you need at hand. You’ll need the following:
- An enzyme cleaner (on Amazon) or a mild abrasive cleaner
- Rubbing alcohol (on Amazon)
- A damp washcloth
Once you’ve got the supplies ready, here are the steps to follow:
- Ensure the Stained Surface Is Accessible: Turn the piece of wood so that the stained surface is facing up to avoid the cleaner running down the surface of the wood.
- Spray Enzyme Cleaner Onto the Wood Surface: Spray the abrasive or enzyme cleaner generously onto the wood’s surface, ensuring you cover the whole stained area and let the cleaner sit for around 2–3 minutes.
- Wipe Off the Marker Stains With a Damp Washcloth: Wet a washcloth and squeeze it to remove the extra water. You want it to be damp, not wet. Wipe in a circular motion until you remove the permanent marker stains, then rinse off any enzyme cleaner left on the wood using a clean corner of your damp washcloth.
- Wipe Off the Remaining Stains With a Washcloth Soaked In Rubbing Alcohol: If you still notice any marker stains, soak your washcloth in rubbing alcohol and wipe over the stained area a few times before rinsing.
Baking Soda/Toothpaste
You can also eliminate permanent marker stains with toothpaste containing baking soda (on Amazon) or using baking soda and water. Here’s how:
- Squeeze Toothpaste Onto the Wood Surface: Squeeze a generous amount of regular toothpaste onto the surface of the wood, ensuring you cover the entire marker stain. The toothpaste must be basic white type — not a gel, whitening paste, or anything abrasive.
- Rub the Toothpaste In With a Damp Washcloth: Soak a clean washcloth in water and squeeze out any excess water to dampen it. Use the damp washcloth to rub the toothpaste into the marker stain in a circular motion for 3–5 minutes or until the toothpaste disappears.
- Wipe Off Any Remaining Toothpaste: Wipe off any toothpaste still left on the wood with the damp washcloth. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain and not against it.
- Add Baking Soda If Marker Stains Persist: Repeat the same procedure as before, but add an equal amount of baking soda to the toothpaste. The baking soda will act as a gentle agitator to help remove the stain. Be careful when rubbing the mixture into the wood, as the baking soda can be abrasive. If the baking soda doesn’t do the job, repeat the same steps using peanut butter.
Note: If the furniture is of great sentimental value or has been in the family for generations, it may be best to let a professional remove the permanent marker stains.
Products to Avoid on Wood
You should avoid using the following products on wood when removing permanent marker stains:
Sandpaper
Don’t sand down varnished wood with sandpaper, as it can cause damage to the painted, varnished, or lacquered surface. If you’ve already made this mistake, it’s not the end of the world; it’s possible to repair the areas worn down by sandpaper by repainting or revarnishing the surface (you can view our sanding guide here).
Gel Toothpaste
Gel toothpaste isn’t an ideal option when removing marker stains from wood. Regular toothpaste contains a very fine abrasive that’s effective in removing the stain, whereas gel toothpaste won’t have a similar effect and can just smear the wood.
Mineral Spirits
Avoid using mineral spirits or paint thinner in your home workshop. These liquids are often used to clean paintbrushes and oily residues but are not as effective with alcohol-based stains, such as those caused by permanent markers.
Furthermore, mineral spirits can ruin oil-based varnishes and paints, leaving a gooey mess instead of the stain removal you desire.
Bleach
Bleach is a potent chemical that can cause discoloration, damage, and weakening of the wood. It can also cause the finish to bubble, peel, or chip. Additionally, bleach can cause the wood to warp or crack if used too frequently.
Ammonia
Like bleach, ammonia can damage the finish of the wood, making it appear dull and damaged. It can also cause discoloration and streakiness.
Other Abrasive Cleaning Products
Avoid using a hard brush, abrasive pads, or steel wool to remove permanent markers, as you may damage the surface or create even worse stains.