If you are a parent, grandparent, auntie, uncle, or any other caretaker of a toddler, you will be so glad you learned this technique to remove Sharpie (or any kind of permanent marker). Keeping permanent markers out of our kiddo’s hands would be the ideal scenario, but despite our best intentions, little ones have a knack for getting into everything they’re not supposed to get into. In this post, I’ll review how to remove Sharpie from a painted white door (thank you so much, terrible twos). Use this same technique to remove permanent markers in any color from any other painted, porous surface (walls, furniture, trim board, cars, etc.).

What You’ll Need

• Mr. Clean Magic Erasers (Amazon Mr Clean Magic Erasers)
• Amodex Ink and Stain Remover (Amazon Amodex Ink and Stain Remover 4 oz)
• Your toddlers’ Sharpie masterpiece in an undesirable location

Step 1: Let the ink dry and DO NOT use any other soap, detergent, dissolving agent, etc., on the marker.

There is no time limit to remove Sharpie markings- so if you have recently discovered the marks, it’s okay to let it sit for days, weeks, or even months before trying to remove it. If you have not applied anything else whatsoever to the permanent marker, this technique will work for you. Once you have all your supplies, you can move on to step 2.

Below you will see the door my sweet toddler used as an easel. When I took this photo, it had been on for about a week. While it might be ugly to look at until you get your supplies, I promise you, you’ll be glad you waited.

**You may be tempted to use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to remove Sharpie (as I have done before). Learn from my mistakes and Do. Not. Do. It. This may be an okay solution for tiny marks, but for something even moderately sized, it will end up smearing and setting the ink into the surface.

Step 2: Apply Amodex to the ink and let it sit for 1-2 hours.

Generously apply the Amodex to every bit of ink on the surface. Amodex is non-toxic and safe for your skin, so depending on the size of the marking, you can use your finger or a clean paintbrush or sponge to apply it. Let it sit on the ink for 1 hour. If your door is not painted, you may be able to leave it on for longer. However, if your door is finished with paint, you may want to be careful leaving it on longer than an hour, as Amodex can be used to remove paint as well.

Step 3: Use a Mr.Clean Magic Eraser to remove Sharpie

Gently rub the ink and Amodex with a Magic Eraser. Make sure to wet your Magic Eraser just slightly. You should not need to scrub, just use light pressure (your arm will thank you for that). It’s okay if it doesn’t all come off the first time around. If it doesn’t, just apply more Amodex, let it sit, and rub off a second time. I was able to get most of the Sharpie off the first go around but did a second round of Amodex for finishing touches.

Step 4: Wipe off using a clean paper towel

Wipe off any remaining Amodex using a clean paper towel. You can also do a final wash with a bit of dish soap to remove any additional residue. As you can see, the permanent marker comes off wonderfully! You would never know that my 2-year-old used it as an art canvas with a bright pink permanent marker.