Get the Lead Out: How to Clean Graphite Stains
Here at Pencils.com, we use pencils on a daily basis (obviously!). One of the best things about using a pencil is the fact that you can always erase your mistakes, but when your pencil’s graphite ends up on something other than your paper, it can be difficult to clean up. If you’re looking for how to clean stains left behind by your pencils, fear not, because the Pencil Pushers at Pencils.com are here with some tips to help you “get the lead out” of your shirt, car seat, carpet or wherever you may find it!
How to Clean Stains
Erase it!
That’s right, try the eraser. Unsurprisingly, one of the best ways to get graphite off of any surface is with a soft eraser. Gently rub the eraser on the stained material, making sure not to distort the surface with too much pressure, and wipe away any eraser dust that may have been left behind. This should be the starting point for the removal of any graphite stain.
Liquid Detergent
If a soft eraser failed to remove the stain, apply a few drops of liquid detergent to the affected area and rub gently with a soft, damp cloth. If possible, launder the stained fabric immediately after applying the detergent. Otherwise, wipe excess soap away with a damp cloth.
All Purpose Cleaner
If the stain is on a surface other than fabric, apply all purpose cleaner to the stain, let the cleaner sit for several minutes and wipe away with a damp cloth. They call it all purpose cleaner for a reason!
Vegetable Oil
If “all purpose cleaner” isn’t in your vocabulary, or if you’re looking for a green alternative, try applying vegetable oil to the stain and wiping the oil (and stain!) away with a damp cloth. Note: Do not apply vegetable oil to a fabric stain!
Baby Wipes
Don’t let the name deceive you; baby wipes can clean much more than babies. Though gentle, these wipes are often strong enough to remove graphite stains on solid surfaces and soft enough to avoid damaging the surface.
Toothpaste
If you’re dealing with a porous surface (such as a bathtub, tile or porcelain) and a particularly stubborn stain, apply white toothpaste to the stain and let the toothpaste sit for several minutes. Scrub the dried toothpaste with an old, stiff-bristled toothbrush, wipe the surface area clean with a warm, damp cloth and watch the stain disappear!
There you have it Studio 602ers! If you have a cleaning tip we missed, be sure to share it in the comments section below!
We spilled graphite dust on our light carpet when emptying a pencil sharpener. How do we get the stain out of the carpet?
try sprinkle some flour or corn starch
This worked instantly, thank you! I had some heavy pencil stains in a wooden pencil case and this got them all right out.
My friend has drawn very darkly on my t-shirt. How to remove it?
Sir. What is the remover of graphite powder on the poly cotton fabric easely.
I had a graphite marking on the silk blouse, i tried to wash it with different detergents and stain removers-nothing worked. Finally i tried to rub it with makeup remover wipes. It took a while, but worked perfect!
Thank you so.. much.. I made an embroidered Sarah Vedeler Wall Hanging and I marked the up-down and across arrows with pencil. The marks still remained after washing. The make-up wipes I used worked! Makes you wonder what’s in our make-up doesn’t it?
how to remove blue stain of my white cotton shirt which was dirty by Cores brand multicopy gold blue carbon paper.
Try Milk on that but do not spill milk on that just damp a soft cloth in milk and then rub on your shirt stain and see the magic…..
how do you remove graphite dust on a rubber keychain
Wat about the imperial sheets of paper?? On which I have sketched,written and so on… Which I cannot make smudge free without making it all the more messy??? My friend told me to use some fresh bread… But I don’t know how…
thanks a lot you ruined my hoodie
you’re welcome
How can I remove pencil marks from Vintage posters without damaging the original artwork?
Just wanted to say that I drew on canvas before and I didn’t like it so I put toothpaste on the canvas and it vanished! No more pencil smudges or lines!
How to remove pencil markings from tile. Have tried all of the above suggestions. Removed most but not all.
I’m in the same boat. Marble tile was grouted with pencil marks. I cant afford to tear it out
my mochi squishy get lead on it what should I do?