How to Get Permanent Ink Off Windows

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and Amber Crain

Last Updated: March 5, 2022

Ink from permanent markers can be difficult to remove from many surfaces. Glass, thankfully, is not one of them! You can easily remove permanent marker ink from a glass surface with WD-40, rubbing alcohol, or acetone-based nail polish remover. Once you've removed the stain, rinse the surface with fresh water and follow up with glass cleaner for sparkling, ink-free windows.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using WD-40 Spray Lubricant

WD-40 is a strong chemical, so crack a nearby window or work in a well-ventilated area. Put on a pair of plastic gloves to protect your hands. Extinguish any flames nearby, such as candles. WD-40 is highly flammable.^{[1]
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2
Spray a liberal amount of WD-40 on the ink-stained area. Point the nozzle toward the glass and spray the area liberally with WD-40. Allow it to soak for 3-5 minutes.
- If you're dealing with a particularly old ink stain, you may want to cover the area with plastic wrap while it soaks. If the ink is relatively new, this probably isn't necessary.
Run a soft microfiber cloth under the tap, then wring it out until it's damp. If you're working on a small or hard to reach area, use damp cotton balls or cotton swabs instead.
Gently touch the damp cloth on the ink stain only. Scrub with short strokes and stay close to the stain. If you wipe the surface with large strokes, the ink will smear across it and you'll have another mess to clean!^{[2]
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If the stain hasn't completely lifted after your initial scrub, spray the area with WD-40 again. Let it soak for another 3-5 minutes. Repeat the scrubbing until the ink has completely lifted.
Run a clean microfiber cloth under warm water, then wring it out. Wipe the surface of the glass to rinse away the film of WD-40 on it.
Spray the surface with glass cleaner, then use paper towels or another clean cloth to wipe away any remaining residue. The surface should now be free of ink and sparkling clean!^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Rubbing Alcohol

1
Soak a paper towel or clean cloth with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is the same kind you have in your medicine cabinet. Grab the bottle and liberally apply the alcohol on a clean cloth or paper towel.^{[4]
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- If you have sensitive skin, you may want to wear plastic gloves while working with rubbing alcohol.
2
Wipe the ink stain with the alcohol-soaked cloth. Start with gentle swipes on the surface, since alcohol is quite effective. If needed, apply a little more pressure and continue to wipe at the stain. You'll see the alcohol starting to come off easily.^{[5]
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- If necessary, apply more rubbing alcohol to your rag and repeat the process.
Run your cloth under the tap, then wring it out until it's just damp, not dripping. Rinse the glass surface by wiping it with the cloth.
Once rinsed, spray glass cleaner onto the surface of the glass. Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe any remaining residue from the surface.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Nail Polish Remover

1
Work in a well-ventilated area. Acetone-based nail polish is a very strong solvent. Crack a window and turn on the ceiling fan to keep air-flow moving. Is possible, work outside.^{[6]
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- If you have sensitive skin, you may want to wear plastic gloves while working with acetone.
Make sure you're using acetone-based nail polish! Non-acetone remover won't work. Uncap the bottle and pour it liberally on a wad of paper towels. You want the towels to be saturated with acetone.^{[7]
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Acetone is strong and effective, so you shouldn't have to scrub the stain vigorously. Wipe the glass until all of the ink has lifted. Apply more acetone as needed.
4
Rinse the surface with a dampened cloth. Wet a clean cloth with water, then wring it out thoroughly so that it's damp, not soaked. Wipe the surface with the cloth to rinse away any acetone residue on the glass.
- If any acetone got on your hands, wash them with soap and water afterwards.
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Question

How do you remove permanent marker from a computer screen?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

You can first try to use a dry erase marker over the permanent marker stain, as sometimes that helps remove the stain. If the stain still persists, you can try rubbing alcohol on the permanent marker. Be sure to first start with a diluted version of the rubbing alcohol (1 part alcohol to 2 parts water) and you can apply a stronger solution, as needed.

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Question

How do you remove pen ink from glass?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Pen ink should come off similarly to permanent marker. You can first try using in a basic window cleaner and wipe it off with a paper towel. If the ink still remains, you can pour rubbing alcohol over the stain and let the solution sit for ten minutes. Then, apply pressure as needed to remove the stain.

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Question

Can you erase Sharpie from glass?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Yes, sharpie can easily be removed from glass. You have a variety of options, such as using hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, a magic eraser, or acetone. It is always helpful to let your product of choice sit on the stain for at least ten minutes to minimize your scrubbing.

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Warnings

Gloves may be worn to reduce skin absorption of the lubricant.

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If window is tinted, safety coated, or made of Plexiglas, it may be wise to test in an inconspicuous area before going at it with your elbow grease.

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As always, avoid sparks and open flames when using aerosol products.

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