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Use these techniques to get rid of graphite and pencil lead stains.
Image by Dale Wilson/Getty ImagesPencils are fantastic for making revisions, but the marks they leave on surfaces other than paper can be tricky. For example, if you're trying to figure out how to remove pencil from walls, a regular eraser simply won’t do the job!
Luckily, there are methods that work for every surface type. Use these tips to remove pencil marks from your walls and other materials.
How to Remove Pencil Stains from Painted Walls
Before we explore the best methods for tackling stains on different materials, let's start with the classic example of graphite or colored pencil marks on a painted wall.
Gentle Erasing: Begin by carefully rubbing the stain with a clean eraser. This might eliminate light marks. Art gum erasers work especially well for this task.
Bread Method: Another option is using white bread. Roll it into a ball and press it against the stain. The soft, sticky texture helps lift the graphite without damaging the wall [source: Utrecht].
Gentle Cleaning Solution: If the stain persists, create a mild cleaning solution. Mix a few drops of dish soap in water. Soak a soft cloth or sponge in the mixture, wring it out, and gently rub the stain in a circular motion. Be careful not to saturate the wall.
Magic Eraser: For tougher stains, a magic eraser can work wonders. Moisten the eraser and gently rub the mark. Since magic erasers can be abrasive, use them cautiously to avoid damaging the paint.
Pen marks call for a different method. Always test these techniques on a small, hidden area of the wall first to check for any damage or discoloration. Now, let’s move on to the best methods for treating other stained materials.
Identify the Surface Before Removing Pencil Marks
Below are some of the most common materials that can be stained by graphite, with instructions on how to remove pencil and graphite stains from each one:
- Non-washable fabrics like acetate, burlap, synthetic or wool carpet, rayon, silk, triacetate, and wool
- Washable fabrics such as acrylic fabric, cotton, linen, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, and spandex
- Hard surfaces like acrylic plastic, aluminum, asphalt, bamboo, cane, ceramic glass/tile, cork, ivory, linoleum, marble, glossy paint, plexiglas, polyurethane, porcelain dishes, porcelain fixtures, stainless steel, vinyl clothing, vinyl tile, or vinyl wall coverings
- Stone surfaces including bluestone, brick, concrete, flagstone, granite, limestone, slate, or terrazzo
- Grout
- Leather or suede
- Flat paint or wallpaper
- Silver
- Wood
Non-Washable Fabrics
Use these steps to remove crayon marks from materials like acetate, burlap, fiberglass, rayon, rope, silk, triacetate, or wool:
- Gently rub the stain with a soft eraser, being cautious not to damage the fabric.
- Apply a dry-cleaning solvent and a dry spotter.
- Gently rub the dry spotter into the stain with an absorbent pad moistened with the solvent.
- Place a dampened pad over the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Spray with the dry-cleaning solvent again and allow it to dry. If any stain remains, sponge the area with water, then use a wet spotter with a few drops of ammonia (avoid ammonia on silk and wool).
- Gently tamp or scrape the stained area to lift the stain.
- Flush with water and repeat the process if necessary.
- Let the fabric air dry.
Washable Fabrics
To remove pencil marks from fabrics like acrylic, cotton, linen, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, or spandex, follow these steps:
- Use a soft eraser to gently lift off any excess stain.
- Apply a small amount of liquid detergent to the stain and add a few drops of ammonia.
- Gently tamp, then flush with water to completely remove the ammonia.
- Launder as soon as possible to ensure full stain removal.
Hard Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove graphite and pencil lead from hard surfaces:
- Begin by erasing any excess marks with a soft eraser.
- Gently wipe the surface with a damp cloth or eraser sponges soaked in warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and dry the surface with a clean cloth.
Stone Surfaces
Follow these steps to eliminate graphite and pencil lead marks from stone surfaces:
- Clean the stain with a solution made of washing soda and water.
- Scrub the area with a cloth or a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse well with clean water and let the surface air dry.
Grout
Here’s how to remove pencil and graphite stains from grout:
- Lightly wipe the stained area with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water.
- If any marks remain, dip a damp toothbrush into baking soda or a powdered cleanser and gently scrub the area.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry the surface with a soft cloth.
Leather or Suede
Here are the steps for removing crayon or pencil stains from leather or suede:
- Prepare a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water. Swirl it to generate a lot of suds.
- Use just the foam with a sponge, then wipe it off with a clean dry cloth.
- For leather, apply leather-specific cleaners like Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap.
Paint or Wallpaper
Follow these steps to get rid of graphite or pencil stains from paint or wallpaper:
- Use a suede stone or a gentle eraser to lift off as much of the mark as possible.
- Moisten a clean cloth with clear water and wipe the surface, using overlapping strokes.
- Pat the area dry with another soft cloth.
Silver
To remove graphite or pencil lead from silver, follow these steps:
- Immediately wash the silver in hot soapy water.
- Rinse with hot water and dry it right away with a soft cloth to avoid tarnishing.
Wood
To eliminate graphite and pencil marks from wood, follow these steps:
- Use a soft eraser to gently remove any visible marks.
- Prepare a solution of dishwashing detergent in hot water, creating plenty of suds. Dip a cloth into the foam and gently apply it to the stain.
- Wipe the area with a clean cloth dampened with fresh water to rinse.
- Apply polish or wax as soon as possible to restore the wood's finish.
