Quck answer
Removing pencil marks from painted walls, as well as pen and crayon marks, can be done using simple household items. Start by gently erasing the pencil marks with a clean eraser or a piece of bread. If the marks are stubborn, create a paste using baking soda and water, then gently rub it onto the marks with a soft cloth. For pen marks, use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol and gently dab the marks until they fade. Crayon marks can be removed by applying toothpaste or a mixture of baking soda and water, then gently scrubbing with a soft cloth. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
When you find pencil scribbles on your wall, it’s a relief because pencil lead is designed to be erasable. But if an eraser doesn’t remove the pencil marks, don’t worry — we have several options that will do the job. And as a bonus, we’ll also show you how to remove pen and crayon marks. (Parents, you might want to bookmark this page.)
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How to Erase Pencil Marks
If you discover pencil marks on your wall, the first thing you should think of is “erase.” While pencils come with an eraser, there are other types of erasers that are more effective (more information below). If erasing alone doesn’t work, you can also try using mildly gritty substances to remove the lead marks without damaging the paint.
Remember to erase gently, moving from one end of the mark to the other instead of crisscrossing it. Try these techniques, in this order, until the marks disappear.
- Gently rub with a pencil eraser.
- Gently rub with an art gum eraser.
- Gently rub with a suede stone.
- Wet a corner of a melamine-foam eraser and rub the pencil mark with it.
- Wet the corner of a soft cloth, dip it in baking soda, then rub it along the mark.
- Apply a small amount of regular white toothpaste on the mark, then rub it with a dry, soft cloth.
- Use a mark-erasing product like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or spray WD-40 on a clean rag.
- Try dry cleaning solvent (available in the cleaning aisle of the grocery store) on a clean cloth.
How to Remove Pen Marks
Unlike pencils, pen ink is not easily erasable, especially permanent ink. So if there’s an ink line on your painted wall, try one of these solutions. You may need to repeat the process multiple times to completely remove the mark.
- Spray the area generously with hairspray, then wipe with a clean cloth.
- Dip a Q-tip in nail polish remover and lightly rub the mark from end to end.
- Apply toothpaste, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe with a cloth.
- Use a commercial product like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
How to Remove Crayon Marks
Crayon marks on walls are often made by kids as “designs.” And even though your child may be an artistic genius, these marks have to go. So you can try any of the ink-removal methods mentioned above. But first, try these specific solutions for crayon marks.
- Spread mayonnaise on the area, let it soak in, then wipe the area with a clean towel.
- Heat up the crayon marks with a hair dryer until the wax melts a bit, then wipe off with a cloth and dish soap.
- Spray WD-40 on a paper towel and wipe off the spot.
