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How to Remove Permanent Marker From Granite? – 3 Ways

Written by Robert S. Brown / Fact checked by Helen B. Harris

how to remove permanent marker from granite

Removing permanent marker on surfaces can be quite a hassle. Especially when it happens to be granite. May it be from granite tile, granite wall, or even granite countertops.

Some people are even scared of the word permanent since they think that there is no other way to undo such a thing.

 And hello? That granite countertop might cost thousands of dollars. You might want to think twice before scrubbing that granite and risk scratching it.

Lucky for you, we got you here quick and easy ways on how to remove permanent marker from granite using materials around the household.

Ways to Get Permanent Marker Off Granite

get-sharpie-off-granite

Method 1: Use your old dishwashing partner, the scrub sponge.

The problem at hand might be easier than you thought and those old scrubbies could be the hero to save those stained granites.

Here’re the things you should prepare:

  • Textured sponge (Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge)
  • Dry cloth
  • Warning: We specified non-scratch scrub sponge. DO NOT USE regular scrub sponge or steel wool, these materials are too abrasive and might scratch the surface of the granite.
Instruction
  1. Locate the area where the permanent marker is most visible.
  2. Using the sponge, exert enough effort in scrubbing the marker.
  3. If you observe that it is coming off slowly, exert more force to get marker out of granite’ faster.
  4. After successfully scrubbing the marker away, wipe the surface with a dry cloth to remove the residue from the marker you just scrubbed.

Method 2: Use alcohol and hydrogen peroxide in your emergency kit.

get-marker-out-of-granite'

If scrubbing it out doesn’t work, then it’s time to try some secondary aid for cleaning permanent marker. After all, for some, stained granite could be an emergency!

Prepare the following items:

  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Alcohol
  • Nylon Scrub Pad
Instruction
  1. Wipe the area where the marker is visible with a cloth to remove dirt and oil.
  2. Apply an ample amount of hydrogen peroxide to your nylon scrub pad and carefully scrub the granite with increasing force.
  3. You may also apply hydrogen peroxide directly on the surface and leave it for a few minutes. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer and is also used as a bleaching agent that will loosen the marker.
  4. If hydrogen peroxide doesn’t work, you can also try alcohol. After doing so, scrub the surface again with a nylon pad.
  5. Wipe the surface clean.

Method 3: Use some baking soda

get-sharpie-off-countertop

Permanent markers could be stubborn at times or the doodles have been there for days. Adding baking soda to hydrogen peroxide does well with this type of job.

Gather the following items for cleaning:

  • Baking soda
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Mixing bowl
  • Popsicle stick
  • Damp cloth
Instruction
  1. In a mixing bowl add 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
  2. Stir using a popsicle stick until you get a paste-like consistency.
  3. Using the popsicle, apply the paste to the affected area and leave the paste for 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Wipe off the paste with damp cloth.

Warning: When mixing, DO NOT USE bare hands or fingers. This mixture forms a strong basic solution that could burn your skin.

What Removes Permanent Marker on Other Surfaces?

Children don’t choose what type of surface they dooddle their pens and magic markers on, if they enjoyed it that much they could be anywhere and everywhere.

From their skin, clothes, walls, and furniture that could be made of wood or plastic. Here are some remedies for this situation.

  • Skin – children’s skin are sensitive, don’tt attempt using harsh chemicals. To remove permanent markers from skin, use baby oil and hand sanitizer.
  • Clothesremoving permanent markers from clothes would depend on the type of fabric. Note that some fabrics are delicate.

For delicate fabric you can use a bath soap and water on the spot where the stain. Do not put detergent yet as this will make the stain stick harder to the surface.

For clothes with thick fabrics, you can dash baking soda over the stain and scrub. If the stain is persistent, try to repeat the step twice.

  • Walls – this part of the house is mostly painted and you don’t want to damage the paint right? So don’t try to use acetone or alcohol on painted walls, this will remove the marker from wall together with the paint.

A more safe material to use is toothpaste or lemon or orange oils. Toothpaste could come out surprising but yes they remove permanent markers just like your stained teeth.

Lemon oils are also recommended, it is slightly acidic just enough to remove the marker without harming the paints.

  • Wood – like removing markers on painted walls you can also use lemon or orange oil to remove permanent markers from wood surfaces.
  • Plastic – you cannot use solvents like alcohol or acetone to remove permanent markers from plastic surfaces. Use vegetable oil instead.

FAQs

remove-sharpie-from-granite

Does Sharpie come out of granite?

Yes. Sharpie is also a type of permanent marker. So, at this point you must have all the idea that there are plenty of ways on how to remove Sharpie from granite and most of these are pretty simple.

To get Sharpie off granite, you can try those 3 easy methods we mentioned.

How do you get permanent markers off countertops?

This would depend on what type of material your countertops have. If your countertop is made of granite, then you can certainly apply the ways mentioned above to get ink out of granite countertops.

These methods are also applicable to get sharpie off countertops made with other material than granite, like on quartz or on marble.

How do you remove permanent markers from stone?

Stones are porous and have a rough uncoated surface. To remove markers from porous surface you can use either hydrogen peroxide or acetone.

For stones with light colors, you can use hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, if your stone’s color is dark then use acetone instead.

To apply hydrogen peroxide or acetone, use a small brush or toothbrush. Let the liquid sip before giving it some light brushing. Then wash or wipe with damp cloth.

Fresh inks could get removed right away. If it’s been on the stone for some time, let the solution sit overnight before washing.

What removes permanent markers?

Permanent markers are made of inks and pigments that can be removed using solvents like alcohol or acetone, oils like baby oil, lemon and orange oils, oxidizers like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Conclusion

Having children around your home is a blessing but sometimes could be a headache. Especially when they are starting to learn and explore new things like doodling.

Permanent marker doodles on granite countertops and on any surface around your home could be an eyesore.

The next time you spot another permanent marker doodle on your granite tiles and countertops, take a deep breath and remember these simple ways on how to remove permanent marker from granite.

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