I can’t believe it! I just can’t believe it! I was writing a note with a sharpie on my finished, wood desk and after completing my note realized “Oh my God, green sharpie all over!” It had bled right through the paper in a magnificent pattern that Michelangelo (not the turtle) would’ve been proud of. Did I mention it’s permanent?
Well, one of the easiest ways to reduce your envirohuman impact is finding new uses for items you already have around the house. So instead of driving to the store (burning gas), purchasing a harsh chemical treatment (increasing demand for such things which are bad for the environment), driving home (see earlier), and then using said treatment… you just use something already around the house. Did I mention you don’t have to buy anything new (and save a buck or two)? Plus, this item is actually so non-toxic you already use it in your mouth!
So here it is! The most amazingly magical answer for removing permanent marker from wooden chairs, desks, floors – finished or not is… drum roll please… toothpaste!
That’s right, it’s not just for the pearly whites (or browns). Now try this: using a small dab of regular toothpaste. You’re not using one of those mint mocha pepperchini orange basil flouride surprise toothpastes right? Seriously though, most not-too-fancy kinds should suffice. Apply the toothpaste to the infected area and with a small rag, gently rub the spot and viola! the marker should come right out.
That’s really all there is to it; however, you may want to use another wet rag to clean any excess toothpaste from the area and be sure to pat the area dry to avoid letting the water soak into the wood.
Congratulations! You saved time, money, a piece of furniture, as well as some of the environment. Now, go eat a pickle.
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