How To Remove Permanent Marker From Books

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Many book enthusiasts love library sales, used book stores and online discount book sites. Many of these places have favorite and rare books at very reasonable prices. The only problem is that sometimes the books arrive with bends and marks on them. The bends can be fixed by placing the books between two heavier books on a shelf or table. Some marks, like pencil or even ball point pen, can be removed with an eraser. Permanent marker, however, is a more difficult problem. Many solvents that remove marker from fabrics and wood will damage the book further. Approach permanent marker stains with patience and caution.

Step 1

Assess the stain's location. If it is on the cover of the book, you have a good chance of removing it, whether the cover is paper or leather. Stains on the edges of the pages also have a good chance of removal. Do not try to remove stains on the printed surface of pages. This will only damage the book further.

Step 2

Clamp pages together, excluding the cover, for stains on the edges of the pages. For cover stains, lay the book on paper towels with the stained surface visible. Dampen a soft cloth just barely with rubbing alcohol and rub it in gentle, firm circles over the stain. Do not use rubbing alcohol on leather.

Step 3

Use baking soda toothpaste on more stubborn stains or leather stains. Mix a dime-sized dollop of toothpaste with a few drops of water and spread it over the stain. Wait five to ten minutes and wipe the area clean. The stain should begin to fade. Repeat until the stain is gone.

Step 4

Use Amodex cleanser for stains that are especially stubborn or stains that have faded but won't go away completely. Amodex is recommended by Sharpie for cleaning ink stains. Apply a little Amodex to the stain and scrape at it gently with a popsicle stick until the stain disappears. Wipe away excess cleanser with a slightly damp cloth.