Whether you’ve got a small table to entertain, or a large dining room table to fill with guests, you’re going to want it to look nice and not like a permanent marker casualty. Unfortunately for us, permanent markers are sometimes the easiest way to spruce up your table. However, there are many ways in which they can be challenging to get off of a table as well. When you have great intentions but know that your table won’t be able to handle being marked up permanently… what do you do? If you find yourself in this situation and need some tips on how to get Sharpies off of a table, then let us help! Here are some ideas on how we managed this ourselves and how you can too:
How To Get Sharpie Off Of A Table?
Steam and Baking Soda
If you find that your Sharpie mark is still present after a quick clean-up, then reach for some baking soda and water. Mix these two together until you have a paste-like consistency. Next, scrub this mixture over the affected area with a sponge to lift the mark. Be sure that the sponge is clean before you scrub again to avoid re-marking your table. While you’re cleaning, you can also grab a steamer and work on lifting the stain at the same time. A steamer can help lift stains in a variety of ways and is a great option if you’re looking to get Sharpie off of a table without scrubbing.
WD-40
If your table is made out of wood, then you can use this to get Sharpies off of a table. We recommend using it in combination with baking soda and water to ensure that your table is well-protected against any long-term damage. Work the WD-40 into a lather and scrub over the mark. Once you’re done scrubbing, you can finish up with a piece of paper towel to lift away any excess.
Dryer Sheets
If you find that your mark is still present after a quick clean-up, then you can use dryer sheets to lift the mark. Simply moisten a dryer sheet and scrub over the mark until it lifts. Be careful to avoid re-marking your table as well. If the dryer sheet lifts the mark but leaves a residue on the table, then you can follow up with some water and baking soda. The baking soda should be able to lift both the mark and the residue left behind by the dryer sheet.
Shaving Cream
If you find that your mark is still present after a quick clean-up, then you can use shaving cream to lift it. Simply moisten a clean sponge and apply shaving cream to the area. Let the shaving cream sit for a few minutes before scrubbing away the mark.
Why It’s Important To Get Sharpie Off Your Table
It is not just about aesthetics
When you have guests over or have rented out your space to other individuals on a regular basis, you should still take care and avoid these mistakes. Despite the different experiences, the table is the common denominator for all guests. If the table is clean and aesthetically pleasing, guests will carry their good experiences outside the table. On the other hand, if the table is dirty or has a stain, guests are bound to notice it and be distracted. You might be thinking that it’s just a table and no one actually pays attention to it. However, there is a reason why restaurants spend millions of dollars on the design of the table. Table tops are a reflection of the guest’s experience and the value of the food they eat. A dirty table can make customers feel like the table is unclean, and they might want to leave. In fact, a clean table is a sign of a clean kitchen and a well-managed service.
You risk ruining the table surface
If you have a wooden table, you must be careful while cleaning it. In fact, you should avoid cleaning the table till the stain is fresh. However, you must clean the table as soon as possible if you want to prevent the stain from getting deeper. If you have a stain on the table, you must rub it gently with a cloth and water. Avoid using harsh products like bleach or detergent to clean the table. In fact, you risk ruining the table surface if you are not careful. If you accidentally use a cleaning product that is too strong, the stain on the surface might get deeper. You could also end up damaging the table surface if you are not careful while cleaning. If the stain is fresh, you can try cleaning it with a dry erase cleaning solution. However, if the stain is old, you must be careful while cleaning the table.
Sharpie can be incredibly difficult to get off
We have already established that you must use the right cleaning product when cleaning your table. In fact, you must be patient enough to clean the stain and let it set for a few days. If you have a fresh or an old stain on your table, you can use a dry erase cleaning solution. However, if the stain is deep, you might need to let it set for a few days to get rid of it. You can also try cleaning the stain with warm water, but it may not work. In fact, you must be patient enough for the stain to set. You should also be careful while cleaning the stain to avoid damaging the table. Every table is different, but the general rule is that the thicker the stain, the harder it is to get it off the surface of the table. Sharpie is a very strong stain, and it can be incredibly difficult to remove it completely. You can try cleaning the stain with warm water and detergent, but it might not work. In fact, you can also try using an acetone-based cleaning solution. However, make sure you do it carefully to avoid damaging the table. If nothing works, you may have to get rid of the table or live with the stain.
Tips To Get Sharpie Off Of A Table
Grab the right tools
The first step to getting that Sharpie off of your table is to grab the right tools! You’ll need a plastic scraper, a clean rag, and a little bit of elbow grease to get this job done. Make sure the scraper is clean and dry before you start to scrape off the stain, or you’ll simply be spreading the stain around. After you’ve finished scraping, use a clean rag to wipe up any excess. Never rub a Sharpie stain with a rag. It will only make the stain worse. Make sure your rag is clean and dry to avoid spreading the stain around.
Use baking soda
If you’re trying to get Sharpie off of a non-porous surface like a table, you may be able to use baking soda to quickly and easily remove the stain. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire area of the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. You may need to let it sit for a few hours if the stain is old or if the ink is very thick. Once the baking soda has soaked up as much of the stain as it can, use a clean rag to wipe the soda off of the table. The table will be left looking clean and fresh!
Use olive oil
If you’re trying to get Sharpie off of a porous surface like a wooden table, you may want to try using olive oil. We know this sounds crazy, but it works wonders! Just pour a little bit of olive oil on a clean rag and rub it into the stain until it’s gone. The oil will moisturize the wood while it removes the stain. Make sure you’re using extra virgin olive oil for this tip. Extra virgin olive oil is actually edible, so it’s safe to use on your table.
Conclusion
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to get Sharpie off of a table, then you can use any of these methods to help lift your stain and get back to your beautiful table in no time. The best way to get Sharpie off of a table is to not mark it up in the first place. However, if you do find yourself in this situation, then there are plenty of ways that you can lift the mark from your table. All it takes is some quick thinking and a little bit of elbow grease.