How To Remove Permanent Marker From Wood Floor

Permanent marker can be a real pain to remove from any surface, but it can be especially challenging to get off of wood floors. The good news is that there are a few different methods you can try to remove permanent marker from wood floors without damaging the finish.

Before you start, it's important to test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the floor to make sure it doesn't damage the finish. Once you've found a solution that works, apply it to the marker stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is a great solvent for removing permanent marker from wood floors. It's important to use a high-percentage isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%) for best results. Apply the alcohol to a clean cloth and blot it onto the marker stain. Allow the alcohol to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed.

WD-40

WD-40 is another effective solvent for removing permanent marker from wood floors. Apply a small amount of WD-40 to a clean cloth and blot it onto the marker stain. Allow the WD-40 to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed.

Acetone

Acetone is a powerful solvent that can remove permanent marker from wood floors, but it's important to use it with caution as it can also damage the finish. Apply a small amount of acetone to a clean cloth and test it on an inconspicuous area of the floor to make sure it doesn't damage the finish. If the acetone doesn't damage the finish, apply it to the marker stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed.

Hairspray

Hairspray is a surprisingly effective solvent for removing permanent marker from wood floors. Apply a small amount of hairspray to a clean cloth and blot it onto the marker stain. Allow the hairspray to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a good solvent for removing permanent marker from wood floors, but it's not as effective as isopropyl alcohol or WD-40. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and blot it onto the marker stain. Allow the rubbing alcohol to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a mild abrasive that can help to remove permanent marker from wood floors. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a clean cloth and rub it onto the marker stain. Allow the toothpaste to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed.