Never Lose a Sock Again: Why the Sharpie Rub-a-Dub Laundry Marker Is a Household Essential

It starts with a sock. Then a school uniform. Then a sports jersey. Before long, you're playing a guessing game every laundry day — whose shirt is this, anyway? The Sharpie 31101 Rub-a-Dub Laundry Marker (2 Pack) puts an end to that chaos with a simple, permanent solution that survives every wash cycle.

At just $12 for a 2-pack, it's one of the most practical purchases you'll make all year.

What Is the Sharpie Rub-a-Dub Laundry Marker?

The Sharpie Rub-a-Dub is a permanent fabric marker engineered specifically for labeling clothing and textiles. Unlike regular Sharpies or ballpoint pens that fade, bleed, or wash out entirely, the Rub-a-Dub is formulated to bond with fabric fibers — staying legible through repeated washing and dry cleaning.

It's the marker that camp counselors, school nurses, parents of multiples, and care home staff have relied on for decades. Once you write with it, it stays.

Key Features at a Glance

• Truly Permanent on Fabric: Ink bonds to cloth without bleeding or feathering — even on synthetic materials like polyester and nylon.
• Fine Tip Precision: The durable fine tip lets you write names, initials, dates, or care notes in tight spaces — collar tags, waistbands, sock toes.
• Wash & Dry Clean Safe: Survives machine washing and professional dry cleaning without fading.
• Black Ink: High-contrast black shows clearly on light and mid-tone fabrics.
• 2-Pack Value: Keep one in the laundry room, one in the school bag — always have one when you need it.

Who Needs a Laundry Marker?

The honest answer: almost everyone. But the Sharpie Rub-a-Dub is especially indispensable for:

• Parents of school-age children — label uniforms, PE kits, and sports gear before the first day of term.
• Summer camp & boarding school prep — every item needs a name; the Rub-a-Dub makes it fast.
• Care homes & assisted living facilities — permanent labeling prevents mix-ups in shared laundry.
• Sports teams & clubs — mark jerseys, towels, and equipment bags with numbers or names.
• Households with multiple kids — end the "that's MY hoodie" argument once and for all.

Tips for Best Results

Getting the most out of your Rub-a-Dub is simple:

• Write on a flat, firm surface — place a piece of cardboard inside the garment to prevent bleed-through.
• Allow the ink to dry for 30–60 seconds before folding or stacking.
• For dark fabrics, consider writing on the care label or inner seam tape for maximum contrast.
• Store cap-on to keep the tip from drying out between uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Sharpie Rub-a-Dub really stay permanent after washing?
Yes. It's specifically formulated to remain legible through repeated machine washing and dry cleaning — unlike standard permanent markers, which often fade on fabric.

Will it bleed through thin fabric?
The fine tip minimizes bleed, but placing a piece of cardboard or folded paper inside the garment while writing is recommended for thin or loosely woven fabrics.

Can I use it on synthetic fabrics like polyester?
Yes. The Rub-a-Dub is designed to mark permanently on both natural and synthetic fabrics.

Is the 2-pack good value?
At $12 for two markers, it's excellent value — especially since you'll want one accessible in multiple locations (laundry room, school bag, sports kit).

What colors does it come in?
The Sharpie 31101 Rub-a-Dub comes in black ink, which provides the best contrast and legibility on most fabric colors.

Stop losing track of what belongs to whom.
Shop the Sharpie Rub-a-Dub 2-Pack →