How to Remove Permanent Marker: The Aussie Guide to Saving Stickers, Van Walls & More

(Including Tips for Our Map of Australia Sticker and More)

If you’ve ever had a rogue permanent marker, Sharpie, or highlighter leave its mark on your caravan wall, plastic table, or even our beloved Map of Australia Sticker, you’re not alone. While the name says “permanent”, the good news is: many marker stains can come off - if you use the right method, act quickly, and match the technique to the surface.

At Adventure Awaits, we get asked this all the time:

“Will a Sharpie mark come off my Map of Australia sticker?”
“What’s the best way to remove permanent ink from plastic, glass or fabric?”
“Can I fix marker stains on the van, caravan or kids’ travel journal?”

You’re in luck. After a decade of helping Aussie families, campers and vanlifers, we’ve created your go-to guide for removing permanent marker from just about anything - from smooth stickers to bumpy dashboards.

What is a Permanent Marker?

Permanent markers (like Sharpie) use fast-drying, alcohol-based or solvent-based inks designed to write on non-porous surfaces - think glass, plastic, metal and wood.

But permanent doesn’t always mean forever. With the right approach, you can often remove it. Time is key - the sooner you treat a mark, the better your chance of removing it cleanly.

Quick Tips Before You Start

• ✅ Always test your method on a hidden spot first.

• ✅ Work from the outside of the stain inwards.

• ✅ Use gentle motion - no hard scrubbing unless recommended.

• ✅ Wipe clean and dry thoroughly after cleaning.

• ✅ Avoid mixing strong cleaning chemicals together.

How to Remove Marker from Different Surfaces

Stickers & Vinyl Decals (like our Map of Australia Sticker)

Best Method:

• Dab a soft cloth or cotton ball with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.

• Gently blot the marker mark - don’t scrub.

• Wipe clean and dry.

• For extra stubborn stains, try drawing over the mark with a dry-erase marker, then wiping off both.

• Always test a small spot first.

Adventure Awaits Tip:
Most Sharpie marks on our Map of Australia Stickers will come off if treated promptly and gently. Our stickers are made to last - but still love a little TLC!

Plastic & Laminated Surfaces

Perfect for: caravan interiors, tables, plastic tubs, toys.

Try:

• Isopropyl alcohol

• Alcohol-based hand sanitiser

• Dry-erase marker trick

• Magic eraser (light pressure only - may dull surface)

Painted Surfaces & Van Interiors

If it’s a painted wall or caravan cupboard:

• Use soapy water first, then rubbing alcohol.

• Dab gently - don’t rub harshly or you may remove paint.

• Baking soda and toothpaste paste can also work.

Wood & Timber

For sealed or varnished wood:

• Try rubbing alcohol on a cloth, gently rubbed with the grain.

• A mix of baking soda and white toothpaste also works.

For unfinished timber:

• Ink may soak in deeply. You may need to sand lightly or seek professional help.

Glass, Mirrors, and Metal

Easy win!

• Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser usually removes ink cleanly.

• Dry-erase marker over the Sharpie then wipe off for mirrors or smooth metal.

• Follow with a clean damp cloth to remove residue.

Fabric, Clothing & Upholstery

For clothing:

• Dab the area with rubbing alcohol using a cotton ball.

• Rinse and wash - don’t put in the dryer until you know the stain is gone.

For carpet/upholstery:

• Use alcohol sparingly and dab with a cloth.

• Repeat as needed, but always avoid oversaturating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Sharpie mark come off my Map of Australia Sticker?
Yes - in most cases, yes. Use isopropyl alcohol or the dry-erase trick. Just test first and be gentle.

Can I use nail polish remover?
Sometimes - but we don’t recommend it on stickers, plastics or finishes you want to keep nice. It’s strong and can damage surfaces.

What if the marker stain is old?
You’ll need more patience and possibly repeat the process - older stains are harder to remove.

Can I remove marker from paper or cardboard?
It’s tricky - these surfaces are porous and ink soaks in. You might fade the stain, but complete removal is unlikely.

Although we can offer you these tips - please note - we can not guarantee they will work as many factors play a role - time, age of surface, brand of cleaner etc. 

On-the-Road Marker Removal Tips

• Keep a little “clean-up kit” in the van: cotton balls, small bottle of isopropyl alcohol, zip-lock bag, soft cloth.

• Clean any fresh marks on your Map of Australia Sticker before the ink sets in the sun.

• Avoid permanent markers near kids’ toys, books, and van tables. Stick to washable markers when travelling.

• Remember: it’s easier to clean smooth surfaces like fridges, windows and our stickers than porous ones like fabric or paper.

Marker Mishaps Happen - We’ve Got Your Back

We know life on the road isn’t always tidy. From creative kids to enthusiastic travel journallers, permanent markers will make their mark (literally). The good news? Most can be removed with the right method and a bit of care.

Our Adventure Awaits gear is chosen and tested for real Aussie conditions - and that includes how it handles life’s little accidents. Whether it’s a fridge sticker, table surface, or kids’ travel book, we hope this guide gives you the confidence to clean up without a fuss.

And if you ever have questions about our stickers or products? You know where to find us - right here in Numurkah, packing orders, chatting with customers, and testing gear ourselves.

About Adele Dyson & the Adventure Awaits Team
Adele Dyson is the founder of Adventure Awaits, Slide n’ Dry Pegless Clotheslines, and Caravanning with Kids. Based in the friendly town of Numurkah in rural Victoria, Adele and her small but mighty team are passionate about discovering and sharing the most unique and practical gifts around. From Aussie-made essentials to clever caravanning gear and gifts that make people smile, everything in store is hand-picked with heart.
Need help picking the perfect present? The team are absolute gift-giving pros – just give them a call and they’ll help you find something spot-on for any occasion. Adventure Awaits is more than just a store – it’s a little slice of joy where there’s something for everyone!