How to Get Pencil Off Walls

Pencil marks don't come off walls without the right eraser or cleanser.

Pencil marks on the wall pose problems for many homeowners. Pencil marks erase easily from paper, so you might assume they come off walls with equal ease, but anybody with small children will tell you that pencil doesn't come off walls effortlessly. Before you repaint the entire wall, there is another solution. Most pencil marks come off walls with special erasers or household cleaning supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Vinyl eraser
• Baking soda
• Water
• Bowl
• Rag
• Damp towel

Instructions

1. Try erasing the pencil mark with a white, vinyl eraser. These erasers are sold at home office retailers and art supply stores. Light pencil marks come off with a vinyl eraser, but darker marks may require additional cleaning methods.

2. Mix three parts baking soda with one part water in a bowl. Exact measurement is not essential; just add a small splash of water to your baking soda to create a thick, spreadable paste.

3. Dip a rag into the baking soda paste.

4. Rub the mark with the rag, working in a circular motion. The stubborn pencil marks will come off.

5. Wipe off baking soda residue with a damp towel after the pencil marks are gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Baking soda paste also removes crayon marks from walls.

• Use a vinyl eraser only. Common gum erasers are not advisable, since they crumble during use, leaving behind dusty residue capable of staining the wall.

References

• "2,001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets"; Jeff Bredenberg; 2004
• "Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House"; Cheryl Mendelson; 2005