"X" Marks The Spot: Simple Strategies To Get Rid Of Permanent Marker Stains During Move-Outs

Posted on: 18 May 2015

It is frustrating when personal belongings get marred by ink and marker stains; trying to get rid of these marks may seem like a lost cause. This is even worse when you are trying to clean up during a move-out, and these stains could impact the return of your security deposit. Before you concede to losing money due to damage, consider some ways to remove permanent marker stains from around the home.

Try the following tactics to get rid of unsightly permanent marker stains:

Fabric and skin

When you get permanent marker stains on your hands and skin, gently wipe the skin with nail polish remover. Be sure to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward. For stains on clothing or fabric, use hand sanitizer to remove the stain as soon as possible.

Glass and mirrors

Glass surfaces are not free from being stained by ink or permanent marker, and it may seem that there are few methods that don't risk damaging glass or mirrors when trying to remove stains. Mix equal parts of baking soda and toothpaste to create a cleaning solution that will scrub away the stain. Be sure to use a paste, and not a gel, toothpaste, and apply with cotton balls or use an old toothbrush.

Ceramic surfaces

Ceramic surfaces, such as pottery, dishes, and tile, can be cleaned similarly to glass. Make your paste thick, using baking soda and toothpaste, and gently rub it in the area with a soft cloth or swab.

Wood and furnishings

To get permanent marker stains off of wood, try a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Try a small area to ensure it doesn't harm the finish first; usually, an obscure area of the furnishing is best for a test area.

White paint and wallpaper

Toothpaste works great at getting rid of permanent marker stains from sheet-rock walls, and ink on wallpaper is often lightened and reduced by spritzing with a little bit of hairspray before wiping clean.

Carpeting and rugs

For stubborn marker stains on the rug, use white vinegar to scrub and clean the area. Allow to air-dry completely. For stains on cotton throw-rugs and bathmats, soak the fabric in milk to remove the ink.

Don't give up on belongings and property stained with permanent marker. Try these simple techniques, using items you likely have on hand anyway, to reduce the damage to any property and to get rid of the unsightly marks before moving out. For a deep move-out cleaning job, contact a company like Kathy's Quality Cleaning, Inc.

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