Permanent Marker on Walls & Painted Surfaces

Medium·⏱ 10–20 min

  1. Apply rubbing alcohol with a clean cloth and dab gently — do not scrub.

  2. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

  3. If colour remains: apply non-gel toothpaste, rub very gently, then rinse.

  4. Wash the area with warm soapy water and pat dry.

What you'll need

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Toothpaste (non-gel)
  • Clean cloths
  • Warm water

Common mistakes to avoid

  • ✗Don't scrub hard — it damages the paint.
  • ✗Avoid bleach — it damages paint, especially coloured walls.

Pro tip

WD-40 is surprisingly effective at removing permanent marker from smooth painted walls — spray, wipe, then clean with dish soap to remove the oil residue.

Always check the garment's care label and test any solution on a hidden area first. StainsGone provides general household guidance, not professional textile or restoration advice.