This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016. This article has been viewed 2,054,435 times.

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Permanent marker is called permanent for a reason, but with the right cleaning products, you can remove it from smooth surfaces. For surfaces such as wood, dishes, and painted walls, apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto a clean paper towel and rub the marker until it’s gone. For smooth stovetops, use a gentle product such as white vinegar and a clean cloth to wipe away the marker. Computer and television screens need a gentle cleaner like a baby wipe. To get the marker off of walls, tile, and surfaces like leather, spray the area with hairspray and wipe it away with a wet cloth or paper towel. You can use WD-40 to clean marker off of glass, dishes, and smooth furniture. Spray a small amount on a paper towel and wipe it away. For tips about how to use nail polish remover to clean off stubborn permanent marker stains, keep reading!