How do we remove permanent marker from a tile floor?

Question

We moved into our new apartment two weeks ago. We labeled plastic totes with duct tape and black permanent marker. One of the lids was set upside down on the kitchen tile floor. The floor got wet (our cat knocked over her water bowl), and we didn't notice if right away. I picked up the lid and found the word Fragile spelled backwards on the tile. It's about five inches long and 1.5 inches wide. The floor is a cream color. I let "Great Value All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach" sit on it for a few minutes, but it didn't help. It's a rental, and I don't want to lose part of our deposit in a year...Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Minerial spirts will safely do the job.

Answer 2

this is worth giving a try because it will only cost you $2.00....Magic erasers. I tell you they get everything out! I clean homes for a living and they save me so much time and energy and they are cheap! try it!

Answer 3

The definition of "permanent" means it can't be removed.

Seriously...

Is the floor porous.  If it's shiny tile, removal shouldn't be too bad.  If it's porous and rough, it may not be possible.

The bleach was a good idea, assuming that the tile is really white.  It could have created a "bleach-white spot.  You used a cleaner that included some bleach, but not 100%, so...

If the floor is really white, you could try 100% bleach.  Use a small amount, let it sit for about 60 seconds, and scrub with a tooth brush.  You could also buy a Clorox Bleach Pen, which includes the scrubber.

Other products to try include various paint removers.  These can be hazardous, so be careful and open a window (if you can).

In the end, this is exactly the sort of thing that may require replacing the tile.  Get a grout cutter and cut away the grout around the tile.  Then, carefully pry up the tile.  You don't care if breaks, so long as you can get a big enough piece to take to the tile store to match it.

In the end, be prepared to come clean with your landlord.  They may prefer to just take your money and do the repair themselves.

Answer 4

try soaking the marker with CANED HAIR SPRAY

then blot, do not rub.  repeat action till marker has disappeared.

it's worth trying. any canned hair spray.

good luck to ya

Answer 5

just get a white eraser

rub it on the permenate marker

and itll be gone!

trust me it works

Answer 6

before you go tearing up the floor, try denatured alcohol found at one of the big box stores, or hardware. it is the solvent used to keep the ink inside the pen in solution. denatured alcohol is a good solvent to have around: many uses.