Sharpie Permanent Markers are designed to leave long-lasting and difficult to remove etchings on whatever material they are used on. So what happens if you want to remove them from a football? Removing Sharpie markings is actually easier than you might think, as long as you use the right tools. Removal is simply a matter of breaking down the composition of the ink.
Remove Sharpie Ink from a Leather Football
Apply outdoor saddle soap to the marked areas.
Rub the football vigorously with a wash cloth, until the markings start to come clean.
Dry the football and repeat as necessary.
Remove Sharpie Ink from a Synthetic Football
Apply hairspray to the marked areas.
Rub the football vigorously with a wash cloth, until the markings start to come clean.
Dry the football and repeat as necessary.
Tips
If the above methods are unsuccessful in removing Sharpie stains from a football, it may be necessary to use a high pressure cleaner or acetone to remove the markings.