Impossible Marker Stains?

dreamrebellion

Not sure the model or anything matters here, but it's more of a aesthetic question.

I recently bought a used 2002 Volvo S40 -- since I'm a teenager and have no money, I was okay with there being *some* problems with it. There really isn't too much wrong mechanically, and it's in pretty good shape for the price I got it for.

Except for the interior.

Some kid went to town with a bright green marker all over the seats and dash. I got the majority of it out of the seats with some heavy-duty stain remover, but the marker on the dash and the back of the seats (which are vinyl, I believe) will. Not. Budge. I've tried everything short of goo-gone, which I'm reluctant to because of the smell, but is this my only option? Would it even work?

Please note I have NO idea how long this marker has been there. I'm beginning to wonder if it's even worth trying to get it off at all.

Thanks in advance ^.^

Mr_Shiftright

Here's a tip from Good Housekeeping. Sounds like it might improve things, but you have to remember not to rub, but rather "blot", otherwise you are very likely to get everything all blotchy, with patchworks of light and dark.

Upholstery

1. Mix one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of cool water.
2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution. Leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every five minutes with a clean white cloth and more solution.
3. Flush with cool water.
4. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
5. Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol. Blot to remove the stain.
6. Sponge with cold water.
7. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
8. If the stain remains, mix one teaspoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of ammonia (Caution: Never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia - the resulting fumes are hazardous) with two cups of cool water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes, blotting every five minutes with a clean white cloth and more solution.
9. Sponge with cold water and blot dry

The car is old enough to be plentiful in wrecking yards, so that's always another solution at least for the seats. If a dash cover will hide the marker stains, just do that. What you don't see can't bother you.