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Maria asked: How do I remove permanent marker stains from oilcloth? We have an oilcloth covering our kitchen table. It’s mostly white and our son drew on it using permanent marker. How can I get it off? Thanks!
Today’s oilcloth is a vinyl material on top of a cotton mesh. To remove the stains, we follow the same procedures as removing permanent marker from vinyl.
You Will Need:
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Rubbing alcohol
- Plain white toothpaste
- Nail polish remover
- Mild detergent
- Soft cloths or sponge
- Cotton balls
Steps to Remove the Marker:
*Always test a small hidden area first to ensure the cleaning product does not remove any color or designs on the oilcloth.
- Begin with the easiest fix, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, if it is available. Simply moisten the sponge and gently scrub the area.
- If the stain still remains, moisten a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Rub it over the stain until it is removed.
- If another method is needed, try spreading plain, white toothpaste over the stain. Let it set for a few minutes and then wipe away.
- This may require a couple of repeated applications before the stain is completely gone.
- Once the stain is gone, clean the area using a soft cloth moistened with water and a mild detergent.
- Rinse with clean water and soft cloth.
- Allow the area to dry completely.
Additional Tips and Ideas
- Some have had success using WD-40. Simply spray it on the marker and wipe it away. Clean the area with a mild detergent and rinse with clean water.
- Ensure that all cleaning products are completely removed before using the oilcloth again (especially if it is used as a tablecloth).
My son sharpened a pencil that left dust from the sharpenings completely ingrained in our oil cloth tablecloth… I scrubbed with hot soapy water to no avail (probably making it go even deeper?). The magic marker had no impact and as the WD-40 was in the garage, I tried some plain vegetable oil, which lifted the stain completely and quickly… Amazing! – Not something I would have thought to try! He also got the same grubby smears all over a plastic table mat – I even used neat bleach on that to get the stain off and there was no difference. Vegetable oil rose to the challenge again – we were amazed!
I used the ail varnish remover tip above for stamper ink on my oil cloth and it worked a treat! Thanks! Still can’t get the plastic bag ink off of it though. The bag was wet when I put it on the oil cloth and now I have the brand of a famous supermaket on my oil cloth! Any tips?
In past times, weavers would leave cloth out in the sun to whiten it. Sunlight is a very effective bleach for most organic stains. I have successfully used it to remove curry stains (cummin) and ball point pen marks from an oilcloth table cover.
I tried all above methods for curry on oil cloth. Finally found success by combining Crest Tarter Protection Regular Paste with the light from my iPhone since it was night. I rubbed right away.
I have a ballpoint pen mark on my oil cloth.
I used toothpaste, nail varnish remover, WD-40, veg oil and soapy water. Nothing worked.