Rubber is a material that has versatile uses. For example – it makes your hand comfortable and prevents slips and falls. But you won’t like to have permanent marker stains on your rubber surfaces.
Accident happens but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. Whatever the reason of the marks, you have to remove it. But how?
Luckily, there are so many ways to remove permanent marker from rubber. Some of the most effective methods are rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, toothpaste, and Goo Gone spray.
In this article, I will share these methods in detail to help you remove permanent stains from rubber surfaces easily. So, stay with me till the end!
Important ✓
The most important thing is that from which rubber surface you are trying to remove the permanent ink. Suppose it’s a pencil eraser that has got stained while erasing permanent ink from plastic.
In that case, you can clean it easily only by rubbing it on white paper or a knife. This process will help you to clean the rubber of the eraser through erosion.
But if you got a permanent marker stain on rubber surfaces like a mobile cover, you will need to follow some special methods. That’s why I’ve mentioned some effective techniques below that will work for most permanent marker stains on rubber.
However, persistence is the key to remove these ink stains as permanent markers ink is supposed to be permanent. So, without any further issues, let’s move to the methods.
The Ways of Removing Marker from Rubber
You will find so many ways to remove permanent ink. But in terms of rubber surface, you will only get a few to go. Here, I’ve mentioned only those that I’ve personally used and got proved of their effectiveness. Continue reading to get the details of the methods.
Method 1: Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is one of the easiest ways to remove permanent ink. And it’s the one that is lying inside your first aid box. So, getting rid of the permanent marker from rubber is now a wipe away. It works in the same way that you use it for removing permanent ink from dry erase boards.
First of all, you need to soak a clean cloth or paper towel into the rubbing alcohol. If you got stains a small area, you can also use cotton ball instead paper towel.
Now, dab the paper towel or cloth lightly over the stain and try to seep the ink as much as possible. After waiting for sometime, wipe off the excess ink left behind. With an alcohol soaked cloth rub the affected area gently.
Since it’s a strong solvent, without much effort, you will be able to remove most of the ink. I can say that you might not have to try other methods.
Make sure that the cloth is not over-soaked with the alcohol. Otherwise, it can damage the rubber surface.
Finally, use soapy water and clean the area. Don’t forget to dry the area using paper towel or clean cloth. For removing permanent marker stains from plastic surfaces, you can also follow the same method. You’ll find a complete guideline here.
Tips: If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, you can use alcohol-based hair spray and hand sanitizer. But you have to be careful in this regard and try them on an inconspicuous area first.
Method 2: Using Nail Polish Remover
Who doesn’t know about fingernail polish remover? Nail polish remover is a chemical that will dissolve the permanent marker ink without leaving any residue behind. Since it contains acetone, it works as effectively as rubbing alcohol. And the method is also similar to the previous one.
You’ll need a clean rag and some nail polish remover – acetone-based ones are the best to start with this. You can also use a cotton ball or cotton swab for a small area instead.
Now, simply soak the rag or clean cloth into the nail polish remover. Then use it to cover the entire stain and rub in a circular motion. While rubbing for some time, you’ll see that the Sharpie marks are gradually fading.
After removing stains, use some dish soap and water to make a cleaning solution. Then use that soapy water and a cloth to clean the area. See? It’s not that difficult at all. In the same way, you can use it to remove permanent markers from glass surfaces.
Method 3: Using Goo Gone Spray
For removing permanent marker from rubber, Goo Gone Spray can be a perfect choice. Though it’s a gentle cleaner, it has the ability to dissolve the permanent ink without leaving any residue. That’s why I think it is one of the best cleaning solutions out there.
Whether the permanent ink is on your shoes’ rubber soles or your kids’ doll’s face, it will work effectively. It’s made of non-toxic ingredients, which makes it safe enough to use around your kids or pets, too. But please try this first on a small area because who knows how much you might like its effectiveness?
However, you’ll need to spray it directly on the stained area for use on rubber surfaces. Then wait for a few seconds before you start rubbing.
After that, take a paper towel or cotton ball and gently rub the area in a circular motion. You can also soak the paper towel with the liquid first to remove permanent marker ink.
Don’t worry if there are still marks left. Use some more liquid and repeat the process. These are bound to vanish within few rubs. If you use it on an uneven rubber surface, then you can use a soft bristle brush instead of a paper towel to rub the area.
Method 3: Toothpaste and White Vinegar
Toothpaste and distilled white vinegar are the most economical ways to remove permanent markers from rubber surfaces. And they are also the most popular household items for treating marker stains.
But compared to rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover, this method is not as fast in removing the permanent marker stains. So, patience and some elbow grease is all you need if you use this method.
First, you have to mix one part vinegar and one part toothpaste. Remember to use regular white toothpaste. You can also use lemon juice instead of vinegar. Then apply this solution to the Sharpie marker stains.
Now you have to use a paper towel or a soft bristle brush to remove stains. You have to rub gently until black permanent marker stains are gone.
Vinegar works excellent to erase marker stains from leather items too. But after that, you have to use some leather conditioner.
However, by following the same method, you can get rid of Sharpie stains from metals. It also doesn’t harm the wall paints at all.
Caution ⚠️
These methods are super effective, but how safe to use them on rubber depends on the surface type. So, check it first on an inconspicuous area.
You should avoid using too much nail polish remover because some unpleasant odor may come off those fumes. Besides, you should use nail polish remover in a well-ventilated area as it contains acetone. And if you have sensitive skin, then wear hand gloves while using acetone.
To avoid unpleasant odor, avoid using too much nail polish remover. Since it contains acetone, it is better to use it in a well-ventilated area. And if you have sensitive skin like me, don’t forget to wear hand gloves.
For the toothpaste method, avoid using gel toothpaste as it doesn’t contain that abrasive power as a creamy white paste. And use Goo Gone Spray as little as you can to prevent any unwanted situation.
Does Permanent Marker Stay on Rubber?
Permanent marker ink has a reputation for being permanent. And depending on the surface, it stays longer than other markers. But how long does it stay on rubber surfaces?
It actually depends on the type of rubber. If the rubber surface is too smooth and you touch or rub the surface frequently, then the ink will fade away with time.
But if you want to keep it there forever or at least some more months, you can follow how to keep permanent marker on plastic methods. Hope it’ll help.
Does Acetone Remove Permanent Marker?
I’ve mentioned the nail polish remover method to remove permanent ink earlier in this article. And you may know that nail polish remover contains acetone and works similarly rubbing alcohol.
So, it’s no doubt that acetone will remove permanent marker stain like magic.
Final Thoughts
By coming this far, you now know how to remove permanent markers from rubber. Hopefully, this post has taught you that removing marker stains is an easy and safe way.
Hopefully, from now on, you can tackle any tough permanent stain alone. Now, go ahead and try these techniques for removing permanent marker stains from rubber surfaces!