If you’re like us, you probably spend the fall dreaming of carved pumpkins and fairy tale settings. The dusty orange gourds, cobweb-covered vines, and twinkling porch lights are so picturesque. But then we remember: what about those ghoulish visitors? They can’t visit a pumpkin without Sharpie-ing their mark! Even the most darling pumpkins need protection – that’s why “How to Get Sharpie Off a Pumpkin” is our new favorite article.
How To Get Sharpie Off A Pumpkin?
Baking Soda and Water
Are you wondering how to get sharpie off the pumpkin with baking soda? Well, you’ll be happy to know that this is one of the most popular solutions. The trick to getting this to work is to make sure that the pumpkin is completely dry before you start. You should also use regular baking soda and not baking powder. Then, simply mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part water and apply it to your pumpkin with a sponge or rag. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water. This should get rid of almost all of the markers.
Bleach
If you need to get rid of sharpie off your pumpkin fast, then bleach is one of the best options. It’s also one of the easiest ways to do so. All you have to do is apply bleach to your pumpkin, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse it off. Bleach is a strong cleaning agent, so it is able to break down the ink on the pumpkin. That being said, you may still be able to see a slight mark on your pumpkin after using this method.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is another popular option for getting rid of sharpie off your pumpkin. It works in a similar way to baking soda, as it will soak up the marker. You will, again, want to make sure that the pumpkin is completely dry before you start. Simply mix 2 parts cornstarch with 1 part water, then apply it to the pumpkin with a sponge or rag. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water. This should get rid of most, if not all, of the marker.
Dish Soap and Water
Dish soap is another very common solution when it comes to how to get sharpie off the pumpkin. In order to make this work, you will need to make sure that the pumpkin is completely dry before you start. Then, simply mix 1 part dish soap with 9 parts water, and put it in a spray bottle. Spray your pumpkin with this solution, then let it sit for about 5 minutes. Finally, rinse it off with water. This method should get rid of most, if not all, of the marker.
Acetone
If you’re looking for a solution that gets rid of sharpie off your pumpkin quickly, then acetone is another good option. This is a pretty strong cleaning agent, so you may have to make a couple of applications before all of the ink is removed. It’s also important to note that you should use pure acetone and not the nail polish remover that you can find at most grocery or drug stores. Simply apply acetone to your pumpkin, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water. You may want to wear gloves while doing this. Once you get rid of the sharpie, you can simply apply a new design to your pumpkin. You can also try another one of these methods to clean up your pumpkin carvings. There are many different ways to get sharpie off the pumpkin, so you should be able to find one that works well for you.
How To Remove Sharpie From A Pumpkin?
Use nail polish remover
Nail polish remover is often used to remove unwanted nail art. Because it is made with acetone, it is excellent at dissolving the ink in Sharpie markers. You’ll need to soak the affected area in the acetone-rich liquid for around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can try dabbing the pumpkin with a cotton swab dipped in acetone. While acetone is effective at removing Sharpie from a pumpkin, it can also damage the pumpkin’s surface over time. Additionally, it can damage the pumpkins if it’s left on the surface too long.
Try hairspray
Like nail polish remover, hairspray is made with acetone. As such, it can be used to dissolve the ink in a Sharpie marker. You’ll need to spray the affected area with hairspray, then let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the acetone to dissolve the marker. When the time is up, wipe the pumpkin clean with a paper towel. As with nail polish remover, hairspray can damage the pumpkin’s surface over time.
Try a dry erase marker
A dry-erase marker is a type of marker whose ink is water-soluble. While most dry erase markers are purple, there are some that are black. Dry erase markers are excellent for removing Sharpies from a pumpkin. You may need to apply a little elbow grease, but it should come off easily. If you have some dry erase markers on hand, give this method a try.
Try the baking soda and vinegar method
Baking soda and vinegar are both excellent cleaning agents. This handy two-ingredient trick can be used to remove Sharpies from a variety of surfaces. Simply mix the two ingredients together to create a paste and apply it to the affected area. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it off. This method may take a few tries, but it can be effective. Just beware that it can stain fabrics.
Bleach is your best friend
If nothing else on this list works, you can use a little bit of bleach to remove Sharpie from a pumpkin. Be careful not to get the bleach on the pumpkin’s flesh, as it can cause discoloration and damage the pumpkin over time. Apply the bleach to a cloth, then wipe the affected area. If you are dealing with a large area, it is important to dilute the bleach to prevent damage to the pumpkin. While Sharpie is great for a lot of things, it’s not the best marker to use on a pumpkin. If you’re carving a pumpkin, you’re better off using water-soluble paint markers or a vegetable marker. While these markers are less permanent than Sharpie, they are also less destructive should you make a mistake. Once you’re done carving, be sure to clean your pumpkin to prevent bacterial growth.
Conclusion
There’s no better way to welcome the spooky season than with a carved pumpkin. Of course, those ghoulish visitors can wreak havoc on your decorative gourd – that’s why it’s important to know how to get Sharpie off a pumpkin. You can use a dry paper towel or a wet cloth to rub the marker off the surface of the pumpkin, or you can use a q-tip to remove it from the edges. If all else fails, you’ll need to use bleach to remove the marker. Once the marker has been removed, you can repurpose the pumpkin by turning it into a decorative bowl or a candle holder.
