How to Remove Permanent Marker From a Piano

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Things You'll Need

  • Rubbing alcohol

  • Soft cloth

  • Baking soda toothpaste (optional)

  • Orange oil (optional)

  • Goo Gone (optional)

  • Wet wipe (optional)

  • Magic Eraser (optional)

  • Amodex Stain Remover (recommended)

Although finding marker on your piano is distressing, you have a good chance of getting it off.

If you've found permanent marker on your cherished piano, don't panic: Your piano's varnish should protect it from permanent damage, if it's a recent coat. Although there are few things you can do if your varnish is cracked and allows the ink to settle in the wood, besides refinishing -- There are many household items you can try -- and a few commercial products you can purchase -- that may make refinishing unnecessary.

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Step 1

Locate all of the stain. If it is on your keys, then try using a simple wet wipe to take it off. If not, try a little rubbing alcohol. If this doesn't work, then try baking soda toothpaste rubbed-in with a soft cloth. Be gentle, so you will not scratch the key's surface. Do not use acetone or nail polish remover, as this will damage the coating of your natural keys and will harm plastic keys.

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Step 2

Use a bit of rubbing alcohol with a soft cloth on the stains that occur on the body of your piano. If this proves unsuccessful, try using a bit of orange oil. Applying the oil, and then rubbing at the stain. WD-40 will work as well as almost any household or cooking oil.

Step 3

Resort to a small amount of baking soda toothpaste with a soft-bristle brush. If this fails to remove the stain, then try a commercial product such as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or Goo Gone. If both of these products fail, then try the brand of remover recommended by the company that makes Sharpie Pens, Amodex stain remover.

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Step 4

Apply Amodex Stain Remover to the stain and work it in with either your fingertip or a small soft-bristled toothbrush. Allow this to sit overnight and wipe the area clean with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or a soft cloth. Amodex recommends using the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

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