white marker stain on clothes

How to Get Whiteboard Marker Out of Clothes

Let kids loose with pens and crayons and they can’t help but make a mess, even when at school! 

And whilst a whiteboard marker might be super easy to scrub off a board, it’s a little more difficult to remove from clothing! 

Not to worry—it can be done. Just follow these steps below.

Option 1 – The Homemade Method

remove marker stain with homemade method

You will need:

  • A clean old towel (that you don’t mind getting dirty)
  • White vinegar
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Clean sponge
  • Clean sink or a decent sized bowl/tub

Start by laying out the towel on a flat surface and placing the stained item so that it lies flat on top. 

Be aware that the stain has potential to transfer onto the towel, so pick one that you don’t mind having a mark on!

Use a clean sponge to blot the stain with rubbing alcohol. You don’t need to use much rubbing alcohol so start by using a very small amount and you can always add more if you need. 

Be careful not to ‘rub’ the stain, as this could cause it to smudge and spread, rather than disappear! Instead blot in a circular motion.

Fill your chosen container (sink/bowl/tub) with warm water and white vinegar (approx. 1 cup if you’re using a sink – this will vary depending on the size of your container i.e., ½ a cup if using a tub). Give it a swill so that everything mixes together.

Leave your stained item in the warm water and white vinegar mixture for roughly 15-20 minutes. 

Take your clothing from the sink, ring it out, and put it in the washing machine (select whichever cycle that you’d usually use for that item). 

The stain should now be nowhere to be seen! If it is yet to disappear, repeat steps 1-5! 

 

Option 2 – Spray Your Stains Away!

remove marker stain with stain remover spray

Here’s how to use a stain remover to get whiteboard market out of clothes:

  1. If you don’t already have one, nip to the shop and buy a stain remover spray (i.e., Vanish, Shout, The Pink Stuff).
  2. Spray both sides of the stain a few times and leave for around 5 minutes. 
  3. Machine wash as normal. 
  4. Repeat steps if the stain is still lingering.

Be aware that these sprays may differ slightly so always remember to read the directions for use! 

This will also tell you if your item may be damaged using the spray i.e., delicate fabrics such as silk – in which case use option 1 to remove the stain.

Two very simple methods of removing that whiteboard marker stain, good luck!