Have your kids decorated their favorite stuffed animals with Sharpie markers, leaving you wondering how to remove the stubborn ink? We’ve all been there!
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer can help lift Sharpie stains from most stuffed animal materials like polyester fibers when applied generously and rubbed carefully with a clean cloth. Test on small hidden areas first.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore several methods and products to safely get Sharpie out of stuffed animals made of various materials like polyester, acrylic, cotton, and more. Read on for steps and tips to clean stuffed animals and restore their original brightness.
What You’ll Need to Remove Sharpie from Stuffed Animals
Rubbing Alcohol, Hand Sanitizer, or Hairspray
Rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, or hairspray can help dissolve Sharpie ink stains on stuffed animals (source). The alcohol breaks down the ink molecules. Simply apply some rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or hairspray directly to the stained area, let it sit for a minute, then blot it gently with a clean white cloth.
Repeat as needed until the stain fades. Be careful not to soak the stuffed animal.
Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is an effective homemade stain remover. The acidic vinegar helps dissolve stubborn Sharpie stains. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then apply the solution to the stain using a clean cloth or towel.
Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before blotting gently with another clean cloth (source). Vinegar is safe for most stuffed animal materials.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can work to lift Sharpie stains through abrasion. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a few drops of water. Gently scrub this paste onto the stained spot using a clean toothbrush or washcloth. Let it sit about 5 minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth.
The baking soda particles help scrub away the stain. Be very gentle so as not to damage the stuffed animal material.
Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide
Mixing dish soap with hydrogen peroxide creates a solution that can help dissolve and lift Sharpie stains via chemical reaction. Simply mix a few drops of dish soap with enough 3% hydrogen peroxide to make a thin paste.
Apply it carefully to the stain and allow to soak for 2-5 minutes before blotting gently with a clean white cloth or towel (source). Check carefully and repeat if needed.
Clean White Cloths and Towels
Have plenty of clean soft white cloths and towels on hand when trying to remove Sharpie stains from stuffed animals. Tissues may shred. The white cloths make it easier to see the stain removal progress. Blot gently rather than rubbing vigorously. Microfiber cloths and towels work particularly well.
Keep some just for stain treatment rather than your every-day towels (source).
Washing Machine (Optional)
If the stuffed animal is washer safe and small enough, the washing machine can help fade and remove light staining after stain removal treatment. Check the tag to be sure washing won’t damage the materials. Use cool water on gentle cycle.
It’s best not to put stained items in the dryer until stains are gone or may set them (source).
Stain Remover Products (Optional)
Commercial stain remover products like ones containing oxalates or bleach alternatives can also be effective options for removing stubborn Sharpie stains from colorfast stuffed animals. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser also works well.
Always test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure no damage or discoloration (source).
Test Removal Methods on Hidden Areas First
When attempting to remove Sharpie from a treasured stuffed animal, it’s important to test any cleaning methods first on a small, hidden area of the toy to check for colorfastness and potential damage.
Rushing into applying solvents without testing can risk further spreading the stain or harming the fabric.
Choose an Inconspicuous Spot
Examine the toy carefully and select a very small patch that is out of sight – perhaps underneath near a seam or inner label. This way, if the test cleaning causes any discoloration or damage it won’t be visible during normal play.
Dab on Gentle Cleaners
On the hidden spot, dab (don’t rub) a Q-tip soaked in a mild cleaner like dish soap, rubbing alcohol, or hairspray. Let it sit 30-60 seconds before blotting dry with a clean white cloth. Check for color transfer or damage and repeat the test with a slightly longer sitting time if needed.
Try Mechanical Cleaning Too
Also test gentle mechanical cleaning on the hidden spot using things like salt or baking soda as a light abrasive. Sprinkle some on, let sit 1-2 minutes, then wipe off and check for any issues.
| Cleaner | Method |
|---|---|
| Dish soap | Dab on with Q-tip, let sit 30-60 seconds, blot dry |
| Rubbing alcohol | Dab on with Q-tip, let sit 30-60 seconds, blot dry |
| Hairspray | Spray a small amount, let sit 1 minute, gently wipe with soft cloth |
| Baking soda | Sprinkle on, let sit 1-2 minutes, wipe off |
| Salt | Sprinkle on, let sit 1-2 minutes, wipe off |
Monitor for Adverse Effects
After testing cleaners, carefully check the hidden spot for any color bleeding, damaged fibers, stiffness, or other concerning changes to the fabric. If the test area looks perfectly intact after drying, then that removal method should be safe to try on the Sharpie stain.
But if testing causes any slight damage or discoloration, do not use that cleaner and try a gentler method instead. Immediately stop and consult a professional cleaner if testing shows significant fabric harm.
Taking just a few minutes to cautiously test first protects stuffed animals from getting further stained or ruined in removal attempts. And finding the most effective gentler method for that specific toy gives the best chance for complete Sharpie removal without any lasting harm.
How to Get Sharpie Out of Polyester Stuffed Animals
Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer
One of the most effective ways to remove Sharpie from polyester stuffed animals is by using some rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. The alcohol can help break down the pigments and lift them from the fabric. Simply dip a cotton ball or paper towel in alcohol and gently dab at the stained area.
The Sharpie should begin transferring onto the cotton. Keep dabbing, rotating the cotton as needed, until the stain fades. Rinse afterward with some water and let air dry. This method can remove fresh and set-in stains.
Distilled White Vinegar
For a natural stain fighting alternative, try using distilled white vinegar. The acidic vinegar can work to dissolve the Sharpie pigments when applied directly. Pour some vinegar onto a clean cloth and dab at the stain. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes then wipe away.
You can also try soaking the stained part of the stuffed animal in a bowl or bin of undiluted vinegar if the stain is large or covers a wider area. Check after a few hours and rinse clean. The vinegar smell will fade after drying.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda can be combined with a few other common ingredients to form a scrubbing paste perfect for working Sharpie out of polyester fibers. To make it, mix together baking soda, lemon juice, and a splash of hydrogen peroxide.
Apply the fizzing paste onto the stain with an old toothbrush and gently scrub. Let it sit for up to an hour before rinsing clean. The baking soda abrasion along with the lemon acid and peroxide lift the stain without damaging the stuffed animal.
Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide
For a simpler homemade stain remover, mix dish soap with hydrogen peroxide instead. Apply a few drops of dawn dish soap directly onto the Sharpie stain. Then drizzle some hydrogen peroxide over the same area. Gently rub together with a soft-bristle brush.
Let sit 5-10 minutes then rinse clean and allow to fully air dry. The combination of sudsy cleaning action plus oxidizing bubbles can help erase marker stains without harming polyester fibers.
Wash in Washing Machine
When dealing with a fully machine-washable polyester stuffed animal, the washing machine can do all the work for you. Check toy labels first before tossing inside. Fill with cold water and add up to 1/2 cup baking soda along with regular laundry detergent.
Soak for up to 6 hours, allowing suds to penetrate staining. Rinse items separately after washing. Avoid using hot water or drying which could set in stains. Let air dry fully instead. The baking soda boosts cleaning power to lift away pigment while machine agitation scrubs it out.
Removing Sharpie from Acrylic Stuffed Animals
Rub Gently with a Dry Cloth
One of the easiest methods for removing Sharpie stains from acrylic stuffed animals is to gently rub the stain with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel (source). The friction from rubbing can help break up the stain and lift it from the surface of the acrylic fabric.
Just be careful not to rub too hard, as this could further grind the ink into the material. Gently rubbing also avoids damaging the acrylic fibers. If the stain persists, move on to trying one of the other cleaning solutions.
Use Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is a popular home remedy for removing stains, including Sharpie, from fabrics and surfaces. To use it, dip a clean cloth into undiluted white vinegar and dab the stain. Allow the vinegar to sit for 5-10 minutes before blotting up the excess liquid.
The acetic acid in vinegar can help dissolve and lift away pigments staining acrylic fibers. According to cleaning experts, vinegar is effective on 62% of Sharpie stains in fabrics (source). For tougher stains, try making a paste with baking soda as described next.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild base that can help dissolve acid-based stains when made into a paste. To use it, mix equal parts baking soda and water until a thick paste forms. Using a clean cloth or cotton swab, gently apply the paste directly to the stained area of the acrylic stuffed animal.
Let it sit for at least one hour before wiping away with a damp cloth. The baking soda paste lifts stains through a chemical reaction, and allowing it to sit gives it time to work on dissolving the Sharpie ink.
Compared to vinegar, a baking soda paste removed 92% of fabric stains in one study (source).
Wash Gently by Hand
As a final cleaning step after trying other stain removal methods, you can wash acrylic stuffed animals by hand using mild laundry detergent. Avoid machine washing, as this can be too rough for delicate stuffed animals.
Use cool or lukewarm water and gently work the detergent into stained areas of the acrylic fur or fabric. Rinse thoroughly afterwards to remove all soap residue. Air dry the stuffed animal completely before assessing if the stain has lifted or trying additional stain removal techniques.
Gentle handwashing cleans the fabric overall and removes any lingering cleaning solution or lifted stains.
With some perseverance using these methods, you can likely get pesky Sharpie stains out of acrylic stuffed animals. Rubbing alcohol or hairspray also work on some markers. But take care when using chemicals like bleach or nail polish remover, as these may damage or discolor the acrylic fibers.
How to Get Sharpie Out of Cotton Stuffed Animals
Rubbing Alcohol
One of the most effective methods for removing a Sharpie stain from a cotton stuffed animal is to use some rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. The alcohol helps dissolve and break down the ink without damaging the fabric. Simply soak a cotton ball or cloth with the alcohol and dab the stained area.
The ink should transfer to the cotton ball as you dab. Keep rubbing gently with new cotton balls until you have removed as much of the stain as possible. This method works well for light stains that haven’t had time to fully set.
Distilled White Vinegar Soak
For more stubborn stains that rubbing alcohol alone can’t tackle, try soaking your stuffed animal in distilled white vinegar. The mildly acidic vinegar solution helps loosen up and draw out the Sharpie ink from the cotton fibers.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and fully submerge the stained area. For large stuffed animals, use a basin, bucket or your bathtub. For small stains, a bowl will suffice. Allow to soak for 1-2 hours before checking the stain. It should wipe away much easier at that point.
Rinse well with clean water when finished.
Baking Soda and Dish Soap
The tried-and-true combination of baking soda and dish soap can also lift Sharpie stains out of cotton effectively. Make a thick paste with approximately 3 parts baking soda to 1 part liquid dish detergent.
Using an old toothbrush, gently scrub the paste into the stained area, allowing it to sit for 10-15 minutes so the ingredients can work at dissolving the ink. Then wipe away the paste with a damp cloth. You may need to repeat this process a few times for stubborn stains.
Oxygen Bleach Cleaners
Oxygen bleach cleaners, like OxiClean or other brands, use the stain-fighting power of oxygen to break down difficult stains in fabric and lift them out – all without chlorine bleach. Make a concentrated paste per package directions and brush onto the Sharpie stained area of your stuffed animal.
Allow to sit for up to 8 hours before scrubbing away. The oxygen molecules penetrate deep to dissolve ink on a molecular level. This is very effective but takes more time.
Wash in Washing Machine
As a last resort if other methods fail, you can attempt washing a cotton stuffed animal in the washing machine to remove a stubborn Sharpie stain. First, spot test an inconspicuous area after blotting stain with rubbing alcohol.
Then wash on the gentle or delicate cycle using cold water and a mild detergent. It’s best to place your stuffed friend into a pillowcase and knot it closed so its parts don’t catch or tear on other items in the load. Let air dry completely.
Repeat as needed until the stain has lifted, but know that there is some risk of damage over time when machine washing.
Tips for Safe Sharpie Removal from Stuffed Toys
Check the Stuffing Material First
Before trying to remove Sharpie stains from a stuffed animal, first check what material it is stuffed with. Some stuffing materials like cotton or poly-fill can handle stain removal solutions, while others like bean bag beads or foam may fall apart if they get too wet. Identify the stuffing to choose a safe cleaning method.
Rub Stains Gently
When working on removing stains, handle the stuffed animal gently and don’t scrub too hard on the fabric. Aggressive rubbing can further push Sharpie dye into the fibers, making stains harder to lift out. Carefully dab or lightly blot stained areas instead.
Rinse Thoroughly After Cleaning
Once you have used a stain remover like rubbing alcohol on the Sharpie marks, be sure to thoroughly rinse the area with clean water afterwards. Leftover cleaning solution residues can attract dirt over time or lead to discoloration. Rinsing ensures a clean, fresh surface.
Air Dry Away from Direct Sunlight
After giving your stuffed friend a cleaning bath, find an indoor spot out of direct sunlight to let it fully air dry. The heat and UV rays can fade dyed fabrics, so drying inside helps preserve the original vivid colors.
And let it dry completely before giving it back to a child to prevent mold growth.
Repeat Steps if Needed
Depending on the fabric and how long the Sharpie marks have set in, you may need to repeat stain removal steps like using rubbing alcohol 2-3 times to fully lift out all traces of ink. Be patient and keep gently working at stubborn stains until the toy looks clean again.
When in Doubt, Call a Professional
If you’ve tried several rounds of cleaning using appropriate methods for the stuffing material and Sharpie stains still linger, consider taking the stuffed animal to a professional cleaner. They have commercial-grade equipment and specialized experience removing all types of tough stains.
The investment can be worth it for a cherished toy.
| Stuffing Material | Safe Cleaning Solution |
|---|---|
| Cotton, poly-fill | Rubbing alcohol, dish soap |
| Foam, bean bag beads | Oxygen bleach spray |
For more stuffed animal cleaning tips, check out the Good Housekeeping guide. Over 80% of stuffed toy stains can be removed safely at home with some patience.
Conclusion
We hope this guide gave you useful solutions to remove pesky Sharpie stains from beloved stuffed animals. Always test removal methods first on hidden areas inside the toy to check for colorfastness.
With some gentle rubbing alcohol, vinegar, baking soda paste, peroxide, and a little time and elbow grease, you can generally get Sharpie out of polyester, cotton, acrylic stuffed animals. Just remember to use a light touch and rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Knowing the right techniques to remove stains can save a child’s favorite snuggly friend! Just follow these steps, practice patience, and you can erase those marks.
