How to Get Pencil Off the Walls 7 Simple Ways

If you have a budding little artist who leaves pencil marks on every wall around your home, we’re sharing seven easy methods to remove them. Best of all, the removal methods use inexpensive household items you probably already have it in your pantry or bathroom. We’re talking magic erasers, baking soda, and yes— even toothpaste!

The key to successfully getting pencil marks off the wall is using a repeated gentle circular motion. Avoid vigorous scrubbing and abrasive chemicals and sponges, as they can lift the paint and damage the wall surface. Before using any of these methods, try it on an inconspicuous spot on the wall first to ensure it’s safe.

Keep reading to learn how to get pencil off walls in seven easy ways.

How to Get Pencil Marks Off the Wall With a Magic Eraser

1. Wet the Sponge

   Start by wetting the magic eraser sponge to activate the scrubbing agents. Squeeze out excess water so it’s damp but not dripping.

2. Scrub the Wall

   Gently scrub the pencil marks on the wall in a circular motion until they begin to disappear.

3. Repeat as Needed

   Re-wet the sponge throughout the process to remove the pencil color that transfers onto the magic eraser. Repeat the scrubbing process as needed until the pencil marks are gone.

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Other Ways to Get Pencil Marks Off the Wall

Rubber Eraser

The rubber eraser removal method is perfect if there are only a couple of pencil marks on the wall. To be safe, use a white rubber eraser so you don’t run the risk of the eraser’s color transferring onto the wall.

1. Grab a rubber eraser and gently swipe it over the pencil park in a side-to-side motion. Avoid vigorous rubbing, especially on a wallpapered wall, as this can cause discoloration and permanent damage.

Baking Soda Paste

Test the baking soda paste on a hidden spot first to make sure it doesn’t damage the surface, as it’s only suitable for washable walls and the texture of baking soda can be slightly abrasive.

1. In a small bowl, combine water and baking soda to form a thick but spreadable paste. The rule of thumb is approximately two parts water to one part baking soda, but adjust the measurements as needed to form a paste.
2. Using a dry microfiber cloth, gently rub the paste into the pencil marks in a circular motion until they disappear.
3. Take another microfiber cloth, dampen it, and wipe off the baking soda residue.

Toothpaste

Only use white toothpaste, as gel-based toothpaste doesn’t have the same stain-fighting power and won’t remove pencil marks.

1. Squeeze a little bit of toothpaste onto a clean microfiber cloth.
2. Gently rub the toothpaste into the pencil marks in a circular motion.
3. Once the pencil marks have been removed, wipe off any toothpaste residue with a clean, damp cloth.

Dishwashing Liquid

Use a dishwashing liquid such as Dawn to make a homemade cleaning solution.

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid.
2. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution, and gently work it into the pencil marks on the wall.
3. Repeat the process as needed, then use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any excess moisture and allow the wall to fully air dry.

Kneaded Eraser

A kneaded eraser has a softer and more flexible texture than a regular rubber eraser and can be purchased at an art supplies store.

1. Get a kneaded eraser and shape it into a small ball.
2. Instead of rubbing away the pencil parks, press or dab them with the kneader eraser.
3. Literally “knead” the eraser after every couple of dabs to work the transferred pencil marks into the material so that a clean part of the eraser is coming into contact with the wall and you’re not making the stain larger.

Suede Stone

A suede stone is designed to clean suede shoes, but the versatile cleaning bar can also be used to remove pencil marks off walls.

1. Get a suede stone and gently rub the pencil marks with it.
2. Work in a small area and repeat the gentle rubbing motion until the pencil marks disappear.