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Stain Guide: Permanent Marker

This is a 4th generation dry cleaner's guide for removing a permanent marker stain!

What you need
  • Nail polish remover (acetone)
  • Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
  • Laundry detergent
Steps
  1. Place a clean towel behind the permanent marker stain.
  2. Pour 1 teaspoon of the nail polish remover onto another towel. Blot the stain; do NOT rub. The stain should transfer to the two towels. These towels will likely become ruined during the transfer process, do NOT use your best / favorite towels!
  3. Pour 1 teaspoon of the rubbing alcohol onto another towel. Blot the stain; do NOT rub. The stain should transfer to the two towels.
  4. Treat the stain with the ink stain remover and blot with a fresh towel.
  5. Rub laundry detergent into the stain and wait 15 minutes before washing.
  6. Wash as recommended on the care label.
  7. Inspect before drying. If the stain was removed, dry as recommended on the care label; if not, follow the instructions below.
  8. Get this garment dry-cleaned. Dry cleaners have access to special stain removers and will have much more success than with at-home remedies.