How I Got Permanent Marker Off My Floor After My Kids Found a Sharpie

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I have a three-year-old and a five-year-old, and they love to color. Crayons, pencils, paper—those are fine. But every now and then, they manage to get their hands on something they shouldn’t.

This time, it was permanent markers.

They wrote all over the floor, and at first, I honestly had no idea what to do. Soap and water didn’t touch it. Scrubbing didn’t help. I stood there staring at the marks, wondering if I was going to be stuck with them forever.

So I started asking around, and it turns out a lot of parents have been through this. Here are some things that actually work for removing permanent marker from different surfaces.

Start With What You Have at Home

Before using anything harsh, try Dawn dish soap and warm water. This works best if the marker is fresh and on a sealed surface. It won’t always remove everything, but it’s a good first step.

Related: 17 Surprising Ways to Use Dawn Dish Soap

Alcohol-Based Products Work Well

Permanent marker ink breaks down with alcohol. These options are easy to find at home:

• Hand sanitizer
• Rubbing alcohol
• Denatured alcohol
• Non-aerosol hair spray

Put a small amount on a cloth or paper towel and gently blot or wipe the marker. You should see it start to lift. Always test a small spot first, especially on floors or finished surfaces.

Household Cleaners That Help

Some common cleaners can remove markers without damaging surfaces when used gently:

• Bon Ami powdered cleanser
• Soft Scrub
• Pink cleaning paste
• Magic eraser sponge

Magic erasers work well on floors, walls, and concrete, but use light pressure since they are mildly abrasive.

For Concrete, Stone, or Tough Surfaces

If the marker is on concrete, stone, or an unsealed surface, it can be harder to remove. These options can help:

• A wet pumice stone (very gentle pressure)
• Nail polish remover (acetone)
• A commercial graffiti remover

Test first and go slowly so you don’t damage the surface.

A Few Surprising Options

Some people have success with:

• Plain white toothpaste
• Shaving cream
• Writing over the marker with a dry-erase marker and wiping it off

These don’t work on every surface, but they’re worth trying if other methods fail.

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