37 answers

Permanent Marker and Skin Clean-up...

My 3 year old is a master at stealthily creating the worst possible messes in record time. (I'm sure many of you can relate) One of his favorites is sneaking the permanent marker and tatooing himself entirely with it. (note to self: buy combination locking cabinet to keep all writing utensils in...)

My question is: Does anyone know of anything that will safely clean this off of a child's skin??? Thank you thank you thank you in advance. :) Enjoying this stage...so entertaining...

What can I do next?

Featured Answers

I have had this same issue with my crazy 5 year old son. He has tattooed his skin, table tops, etc. with permanent marker. The ONLY thing that has worked to clean it all up is a product called Solumel. It is a solvent form of tea tree oil and is magic, I swear! The only yucky part is that you have to order it through a company called Melaleuca. Go online and register on their site or I can refer you to a sales person I know. Their products are great, just expensive....but the Solumel lasts forever.

2 moms found this helpful

OH YES, I know what you mean about the coloring of the body with markers. I have twins that did that to match "daddy's tattoos". But the secret is toothpaste. rub it into the skin and wash off. It may take a few tries to remove all, I found crest or colgate works the best
Good Luck.
C. G

1 mom found this helpful

CHEAP HAIRSPRAY (Final Net, White Rain, etc.) They usually smell quite a bit. I understand that WD-40 can work and is non-toxic, but it smells strongly also.)

My PERSONAL preference is to use another product called SOLUMEL which is from the Melaleuca Company. This is a solvent cleaning product that uses tea-tree oil. (I am extremely sensitive to fragrances and chemicals and their cleaning products are safer for the environment and my asthmatic allergies). You can email me if you like. Good Luck! ____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

I have had this same issue with my crazy 5 year old son. He has tattooed his skin, table tops, etc. with permanent marker. The ONLY thing that has worked to clean it all up is a product called Solumel. It is a solvent form of tea tree oil and is magic, I swear! The only yucky part is that you have to order it through a company called Melaleuca. Go online and register on their site or I can refer you to a sales person I know. Their products are great, just expensive....but the Solumel lasts forever.

2 moms found this helpful

S. i know of a all natural cleaner that wont harm the childern or anyone. one of my grandchildern got hold of a permanent marker and did leave their artist mark on our fire place and other places. it was there for two yearsbefor i found this wonderful safe cleaning stuff. its call sol-u-mel. belive me it works, go to melaleuca.com. it even works on carpets. good cleaning god bless lynn

2 moms found this helpful

I know this sounds far fetched but try hand sanitizer!! I haven't tried it on skin, but it works wonders on upholstery, carpet etc. It is safe for skin!!

1 mom found this helpful

We have had this happen and we have also got it on a white couch...... What works is... PEROXIDE!!!!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi S., it's not 100% but I've used rubbing alcohol and that seems do do a pretty good job on skin.

J. S

1 mom found this helpful

I have heard many moms swear by perfume to get it off. I have also heard toothpaste, hairspray, WD-40, and bleach wipes (do it in the tub so you can rinse immediately!). But, perfume was the best suggestion.

1 mom found this helpful

My daughter did the same thing. Oxyclean will pretty much handle anything she can throw at you. Make a little paste with it and rub it off. pretty much works on everything. It actually took "Sharpie Marker" out of kahki pants she decided to decorate. Oxyclean.......the Mothers saviour!

1 mom found this helpful

don't know how u feel about getting a lil greasy...but a washcloth and baby oil gel should work good...i also have 4 kids...and know exactly what it is like to clean up these messes! lol....life would be so boring without our kids entertaining us!

1 mom found this helpful

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