Introduction
Sharpie marks on plastic items can be a frustrating and persistent problem. Whether it’s on a toy, container, or surface, sharpie ink can seem impossible to remove. Fortunately, there are several methods and tips to help you get sharpie off plastic quickly and easily without damaging the item. In this article, you will learn 6 simple and effective ways to get sharpie off plastic items. Additionally, we will provide practical tips, real-life scenarios with solutions, and DIY solutions to remove the toughest marks.
6 Simple Methods to Remove Sharpie Marks from Plastic Items
Before trying any of these methods, it’s important to test a small area of the item to avoid damaging or discoloration. Use a clean cloth or cotton ball to apply the chosen solution and gently rub the stain. If the item’s color is affected, stop and try a different method.
Method 1: Rubbing alcohol
Materials needed: Rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, clean cloth.
How to use it: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and rub the sharpie mark gently. Use a clean cloth to wipe the area afterward.
Method 2: Baking soda and water
Materials needed: Baking soda, water, clean cloth.
How to use it: Mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the sharpie mark and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Use a clean cloth to wipe the area afterward.
Method 3: Toothpaste
Materials needed: Toothpaste (non-gel), clean cloth.
How to use it: Apply toothpaste to the sharpie mark and rub gently. Use a clean cloth to wipe the area afterward.
Method 4: White vinegar
Materials needed: White vinegar, water, clean cloth.
How to use it: Mix white vinegar and water in equal parts. Apply the solution to the sharpie mark and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Use a clean cloth to wipe the area afterward.
Method 5: Liquid dish soap
Materials needed: Liquid dish soap, water, clean cloth.
How to use it: Mix liquid dish soap and water in equal parts. Apply the solution to the sharpie mark and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Use a clean cloth to wipe the area afterward.
Method 6: Magic eraser
Materials needed: Magic eraser, clean cloth.
How to use it: Wet the magic eraser with water and rub the sharpie mark gently. Use a clean cloth to wipe the area afterward.
Effective Tips to Get Sharpie off Plastic Surfaces
These tips can help you achieve better results when removing sharpie from plastic items.
Tip 1: Act Fast
The longer a sharpie mark sits on plastic, the harder it is to remove. Try to address the mark as soon as possible after noticing it.
Tip 2: Test a Small Area First
As previously mentioned, test a small area of the item before proceeding to avoid damaging or discoloration.
Tip 3: Use Gloves and Good Ventilation
Some methods may require gloves or good ventilation, so be sure to follow any safety precautions on the product label.
Tip 4: Repeat the Process If Necessary
If the first attempt doesn’t remove the mark entirely, repeat the process or try a different method.
Tip 5: Use a Sealant or Protectant to Prevent Future Marks
After removing the mark, consider using a sealant or protectant to reduce the chance of future marks or make them easier to clean.
Say Goodbye to Unwanted Marks: Easy Ways to Remove Sharpie from Plastic
Here are some practical scenarios of dealing with sharpie marks and how to remove them successfully.
Example 1: Removing sharpie from a plastic container
If sharpie is on a container, rubbing alcohol or baking soda and water paste can be effective. Just ensure to rinse the container thoroughly afterward.
Example 2: Getting sharpie off a plastic toy
For plastic toys, a magic eraser or liquid dish soap can work wonders. For tough stains, try the DIY solutions mentioned later in the article.
Example 3: Cleaning sharpie from a plastic surface
For a plastic surface, mix together white vinegar and water or use a magic eraser. Make sure to test a small area first to avoid discoloration.
Removing Sharpie Stains from Plastic: Tried and Tested Solutions
Here are some success stories from real people who have tried and tested these methods.
Testimonial 1: How a mom removed sharpie from her child’s backpack
After her child drew on their backpack with permanent marker, a mom used rubbing alcohol to remove the mark with success.
Testimonial 2: How an artist restored a plastic figurine with sharpie marks
After finding a plastic figurine with sharpie marks at a flea market, an artist used baking soda and water paste to restore it to its original condition.
Testimonial 3: How a teacher cleaned a whiteboard covered in sharpie
After students accidentally used sharpie on a whiteboard, a teacher used a magic eraser to clean the marks off completely.
Plastic is No Match for Sharpie: Here’s How to Remove the Marks
Sharpie can be stubborn on plastic because it contains permanent ink. However, each of these solutions works to break down the ink and remove it from the plastic surface.
DIY Solutions to Remove Sharpie from Plastic: Step-by-Step Guide
If you don’t have any of the above materials, or if you have a particularly difficult mark to remove, try one of these DIY solutions to get sharpie off plastic.
DIY solution 1: Using a bleach solution and baking soda
Materials needed: Bleach, baking soda, water, clean cloth, gloves.
How to use it: Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 2 cups of water. Apply the solution to the sharpie mark and let it sit for 5 minutes. Wipe the area with a clean cloth afterward and rinse it with water.
DIY solution 2: Using a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste
Materials needed: Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, clean cloth, gloves.
How to use it: Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to make a paste. Apply the paste to the sharpie mark and let it sit for 10-20 minutes. Wipe the area with a clean cloth afterward and rinse it with water.
DIY solution 3: Using a lemon juice and baking soda scrub
Materials needed: Lemon juice, baking soda, clean cloth.
How to use it: Mix lemon juice and baking soda to make a scrub. Apply the scrub to the sharpie mark and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Use a clean cloth to wipe the area afterward.
Conclusion
There are many solutions to get sharpie off plastic items, and each can work depending on the type of plastic and the severity of the mark. Remember to test a small area first, use gloves and proper ventilation, and repeat the process if needed. Whether you use rubbing alcohol, baking soda, toothpaste, white vinegar, liquid dish soap, or a magic eraser, you can restore your plastic items to their former glory.
