Stains from highlighter markers can be a frustration, especially on clothing. Highlighters contain dyes that can be difficult to remove. But don’t despair, there are effective ways on how to remove highlighter marker stains from clothes without damaging the fabric and leave no trace behind. The key is to act quickly and use the right cleaning methods.
To start, determine the type of fabric you’re dealing with to select the appropriate cleaning method. For delicate fabrics like silk or wool, a gentle approach is necessary to avoid damaging the fibers. Meanwhile, for sturdier fabrics like cotton or linen, you can use stronger cleaning agents. Before applying any cleaning solution to the stained area, test it on an inconspicuous part of the garment to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
Remove Fresh Stains Immediately
The key to removing highlighter marker stains from clothes is to act quickly. Follow these steps to remove fresh stains:
| Type of Fabric | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Cotton and linen | Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the stain. Blot the stain again with a clean, dry cloth. Rinse the area with cold water. Wash the garment as usual. |
| Silk and wool | Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth. Apply a small amount of white vinegar to the stain. Blot the stain again with a clean, dry cloth. Rinse the area with cold water. Wash the garment as usual. |
| Synthetic fabrics | Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth. Apply a small amount of nail polish remover to the stain. Blot the stain again with a clean, dry cloth. Rinse the area with cold water. Wash the garment as usual. |
Test Stain Remover on an Inconspicuous Area
Before applying any stain removal remedies to the visible area of your garment, it’s essential to test them on an inconspicuous area first. This will help you determine if the solution will cause discoloration or damage to the fabric.
Steps for Testing Stain Remover:
- Identify an area of the garment that is not visible when worn, such as an inner seam or hem.
- Apply a small amount of the stain remover to the inconspicuous area.
- Allow the stain remover to sit for 5-10 minutes, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water.
- Check the treated area for any discoloration or damage. If the fabric remains unchanged, it is safe to apply the stain remover to the visible area.
Caution:
- Always read the stain remover’s label carefully and follow the instructions for proper use.
- Do not use chlorine bleach on bright colors or delicate fabrics.
- If you have any concerns, seek assistance from a professional dry cleaner.
Use a Mild Dishwashing Liquid
Dishwashing liquid is a gentle cleaning agent that is safe for most fabrics. It can be used to remove highlighter marker from clothes by following these steps:
- Test the dishwashing liquid on an inconspicuous area of the garment. This will ensure that the dishwashing liquid does not damage the fabric.
- Apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid to a clean cloth.
- Gently rub the cloth over the highlighter mark. Do not scrub, as this can damage the fabric.
- Rinse the garment with cold water.
- Repeat steps 2-4 if necessary.
If the highlighter mark is still visible after following these steps, you can try using a stronger cleaning agent, such as rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. However, be sure to test the cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure that it does not damage the fabric.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for removing highlighter marker from clothes using dishwashing liquid:
Blot with a Clean White Cloth
Gently blot the highlighter stain with a clean, white cloth. Do not rub, as this can spread the stain. Blot the stain from the outside inward, working to lift the stain from the fabric. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process with a fresh cloth.
Additional Tips for Blotting with a Clean White Cloth
For best results, use a cloth made from a soft, absorbent material such as cotton or microfiber. | Avoid using colored cloths, as the dye can transfer to the stained fabric. | If the stain is on a delicate fabric, test the blotting method on an inconspicuous area first. | If the stain is large or deeply set, you may need to repeat the blotting process several times. | Be patient and persistent, as it may take some effort to remove the highlighter stain completely.
| Material | Absorbency |
|---|---|
| Cotton | High |
| Microfiber | High |
| Terry cloth | Medium |
| Paper towels | Low |
The table above lists some common materials for blotting highlighter stains, along with their absorbency levels. For best results, choose a cloth with high absorbency. This will help to lift the stain from the fabric more effectively.
Apply Rubbing Alcohol or White Vinegar
1. Test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the fabric to check for colorfastness. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to the affected area with a cotton swab or cloth. If no color transfer occurs, proceed with the following steps.
2. Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar. Do not soak the cloth excessively, as this can spread the stain further.
3. Gently blot the highlighter stain with the damp cloth or sponge. Start from the outside of the stain and work your way towards the center. Avoid rubbing, as this can set the stain.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the highlighter stain is removed or fades significantly. If the stain is stubborn, you may need to allow the rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to sit on the fabric for a few minutes before blotting.
5. Rinse the treated area with cold water using a clean cloth or sponge. Blot the area dry and allow it to air dry completely before laundering.
| Rubbing Alcohol or White Vinegar Usage |
|---|
| Suitable for: Most natural fabrics (cotton, linen, wool), some synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon) |
| Not suitable for: Delicate fabrics (silk, satin, velvet), certain synthetic fabrics (acetate, triacetate) |
| Caution: Do not use on fabrics that are color-bleeding or prone to bleeding |
Use Hairspray or Perfume
If you’re dealing with a fresh highlighter stain, hairspray or perfume can be effective at removing it. Spray the affected area with hairspray or perfume, and then blot it with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
Additional Tips for Removing Highlighter Marker from Clothes
Here are some additional tips for removing highlighter marker from clothes:
| Tip | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Use a rubbing alcohol | Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and gently dab it on the stain. |
| Use nail polish remover | Apply nail polish remover to a cotton ball and gently dab it on the stain. |
| Use hand sanitizer | Apply hand sanitizer to a cotton ball and gently dab it on the stain. |
Treat Stubborn Stains with Baking Soda or Oxygen Bleach
For those relentless highlighter stains that refuse to budge, baking soda or oxygen bleach can come to your rescue.
Baking Soda Methodology:
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the stained area and let it soak for several hours or overnight.
Once the baking soda has absorbed the stain, gently brush it away and launder the garment as usual.
Oxygen Bleach Methodology:
| Fabric Type | Procedure |
|---|---|
| White Cotton and Linen | Dissolve 2 tablespoons of oxygen bleach in 1 quart of cold water. Submerge the stained garment in the solution for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse thoroughly and launder as usual. |
| Colored Cotton and Linen | Follow the instructions on the bleach label carefully. Test the bleach on an inconspicuous area first to check for colorfastness. |
| Delicate Fabrics | Dilute the oxygen bleach according to manufacturer’s instructions. Use a soft brush to gently dab the bleach solution onto the stain. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain. Rinse thoroughly and launder as usual. |
Note: Always test these methods on an inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure compatibility with the fabric before applying them to the actual stain.
Wash the Garment as Usual
If the highlighter ink is still wet, act quickly to remove it. Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the ink as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the ink further and make it harder to remove. Once you have blotted up the excess ink, rinse the garment under cold water to remove any remaining ink particles.
If the highlighter ink has dried, you will need to use a stronger cleaning agent. A good option is to use a commercial stain remover that is specifically designed for removing ink stains. Follow the instructions on the stain remover label and apply it to the affected area of the garment. Allow the stain remover to sit for the recommended amount of time, then rinse the garment thoroughly.
If the stain is still visible after using a commercial stain remover, you can try using a homemade solution of white vinegar and water. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl, then apply the solution to the stain using a clean white cloth or sponge. Allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes, then rinse the garment thoroughly.
If the stain is still visible after using a homemade solution, you can try using a stronger solution of rubbing alcohol and water. Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 2 parts water in a bowl, then apply the solution to the stain using a clean white cloth or sponge. Allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes, then rinse the garment thoroughly.
If the stain is still visible after using a stronger solution of rubbing alcohol and water, you can try using a bleach solution. Mix 1 part bleach with 10 parts water in a bowl, then apply the solution to the stain using a clean white cloth or sponge. Allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes, then rinse the garment thoroughly.
If the stain is still visible after using a bleach solution, you may need to take the garment to a professional dry cleaner.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for removing highlighter marker from clothes:
- If you are using a commercial stain remover, test it on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it does not damage the fabric.
- If you are using a homemade solution, test it on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it does not damage the fabric.
- Rinse the garment thoroughly after using any cleaning agent.
- Do not put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely removed. The heat from the dryer can set the stain and make it harder to remove.
Avoid Using Heat Until Stain is Removed
Avoid using heat until the stain is removed. Heat can set the stain, making it more difficult to remove. Do not put the stained clothing in the dryer, even on a low heat setting. If the clothing is dry, do not iron it. If the clothing is wet, do not put it in the dryer. Instead, hang it to dry. If the clothing is dry and you want to iron it, place a clean cloth over the stain and iron on a low heat setting.
Additional tips for removing highlighter marker from clothes:
| Stain age | Stain type | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| New | Wet ink | Rinse with cold water. Blot with a clean cloth. Soak in cold water with a detergent for 30 minutes. Rinse and wash as usual. |
| Old | Dried ink | Rub with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. Rinse with cold water. Blot with a clean cloth. Soak in cold water with a detergent for 30 minutes. Rinse and wash as usual. |
Additional Stain Removal Tips
1. Rubbing Alcohol:
Apply rubbing alcohol directly to the stain and blot it with a clean cloth. Rinse the area with cold water and repeat the process until the stain is removed.
2. Hairspray:
Spray hairspray onto the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Blot the stain with a clean cloth and rinse with cold water.
3. Nail Polish Remover:
Use non-acetone nail polish remover to remove the stain. Apply the remover to the stain and blot with a clean cloth. Rinse the area with cold water.
4. Vinegar:
Dilute white vinegar with equal parts water and apply it to the stain. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes and then blot it with a clean cloth. Rinse with cold water.
5. Baking Soda:
Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Allow the paste to dry completely and then brush it off.
6. Toothpaste:
Apply a small amount of white toothpaste to the stain and rub it in. Allow the toothpaste to sit for a few minutes and then rinse with cold water.
7. Lemon Juice:
Dilute lemon juice with equal parts water and apply it to the stain. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes and then blot with a clean cloth. Rinse with cold water.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide:
Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Blot the stain with a clean cloth. Rinse the area with cold water and check for color fading in an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire stain.
9. Dish Soap:
Mix a few drops of dish soap with water and apply it to the stain. Blot the stain with a clean cloth and rinse with cold water.
10. Commercial Stain Removers:
Many commercial stain removers are effective at removing highlighter stains. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully. Test the product on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage the fabric.
| Product | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Shout | Apply directly to the stain and let sit for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water. |
| OxiClean | Add to laundry load according to package instructions. |
| Lysol Laundry Sanitizer | Add to laundry load according to package instructions. |
How To Get Highlighter Marker Out Of Clothes
Highlighter markers are a common school and office supply, but they can be a nightmare to remove from clothes if you’re not careful. The ink in highlighters is designed to be permanent, so it can be difficult to get out of fabric. However, there are a few methods that you can try to remove highlighter marker from clothes.
One method is to use rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or cloth and rub it gently over the stain. The rubbing alcohol will help to dissolve the ink and remove it from the fabric. Be sure to test the rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it does not damage the fabric.
Another method is to use hairspray. Spray a small amount of hairspray on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. The hairspray will help to break down the ink and make it easier to remove. After a few minutes, blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat the process until the stain is gone.
If the stain is still visible, you can try using a commercial stain remover. Apply the stain remover to the stain and follow the directions on the package. Be sure to test the stain remover on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it does not damage the fabric.
People Also Ask About How To Get Highlighter Marker Out Of Clothes
How do you get highlighter out of clothes without bleach?
There are a few ways to get highlighter out of clothes without bleach. One method is to use rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or cloth and rub it gently over the stain. The rubbing alcohol will help to dissolve the ink and remove it from the fabric. Another method is to use hairspray. Spray a small amount of hairspray on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. The hairspray will help to break down the ink and make it easier to remove. After a few minutes, blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat the process until the stain is gone.
How do you get sharpie out of clothes with rubbing alcohol?
To get sharpie out of clothes with rubbing alcohol, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or cloth and rub it gently over the stain. The rubbing alcohol will help to dissolve the ink and remove it from the fabric. Be sure to test the rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it does not damage the fabric.
