Permanent marker! How is it that kids can’t avoid drawing wondrous, thick lines everywhere when they get their hands on a blasted permanent marker?
We have used citrus essential oils to remove permanent marker from flat, hard surfaces multiple times. Sometimes it removes the whole thing! Sometimes it removes a lot of it but there’s still a clear mark. Let’s look at a few examples!
Removing Permanent Marker from Wood Paneling
Here we have a little mark on some wood paneling.
Add 2-3 drops of a citrus essential oil (like orange or lemon) to a paper towel.
Here we’re using our orange essential oil.
A couple of wipes back and forth and it’s completely gone!
Removing Permanent Marker from Floor Tile
Let’s look at how well it works on tile!
This is after one quick swipe of a paper towel with Lotus Spring’s orange essential oil.
After 4-5 wipes it’s also completely gone!
Removing Permanent Marker from a Wall with Flat Paint
Now here we have an example where we don’t have quite as good of luck. Here we have a mark on a wall with flat paint, which is more “rough” and porous than glossy paint (which is nice and smooth).
Here’s the mark.
After one wipe.
OH NO! IT’S STILL THERE!
Even after 8-10 wipes back and forth, there was still a mark remaining.
So, Does it Work?
It’s safe to say “YES!” Well, at least most of the time. It really depends on the surface. If the surface is smooth and non-porous, it works great! If the surface is porous at all, then it might not work as well. Also, it’s a good idea to test it somewhere inconspicuous before trying it on the mark itself. You can find our citrus oils in the store by clicking the link below!
