Rubbing Alcohol

• Rubbing alcohol is a strong chemical solution that will dissolve permanent marker stains. Of course, the sooner you are able to work to clean the stains, the more efficiently it will work. To use it, soak a clean cloth in rubbing alcohol and blot it over the permanent marker stains. Rinse the area with clear water once the stain is gone and dry it completely.
  
  

Baking Soda

• Baking soda is a natural cleaning powder and disinfectant that grinds away stains. To use it, add just enough water to a few tablespoons baking soda to make a thick paste. Scrub the paste over the permanent marker stain until it is gone. Rinse the area with clear water and dry it completely. Baking soda is completely natural and non-toxic.
  
  

Liquid Dish Soap

• Liquid dish detergent is a solution that will work to loosen the permanent marker stains from the counter. Dish detergent is a mild solution that may only be able to remove light stains that have not settled into the counter for long. To use it, add a few drops of liquid dish soap to a cup of hot water. Scrub it over the counter until it is completely clean and the stain is gone. Rinse the area with clear water and dry it completely.
  
  

Nail Polish Remover

• Nail polish remover is a strong chemical that will remove sharpie marks from the surface of counters. To use it, soak a clean cloth in the solution and blot it over the counter. Test this process first on the counter to ensure it won't damage the surface.