How To Get Pencil Out of A Fabric Couch?

Do you have a couch that’s been the victim of an errant pencil? Or maybe your kids did some arts and crafts on the furniture? Regardless of how it got there, the good news is, getting a pencil stain out of fabric is not difficult.

We always recommend that you contact the experts at Brisbane Upholstery Cleaning to handle stain removal for you. If you decide to clean upholstery yourself, there’s always a risk that it could go wrong and result in more damage.

If you want to have a go at it yourself, stick around to learn the simple steps needed to get those bothersome pencil marks out of your couch at your own risk.

Basic Rules Of Pencil Stain Removal

Act Fast: The good news is it isn’t that hard to get a pencil stain out of your fabric couch. The bad news is you have to act quickly. Pencil stains are fairly easy to remove when fresh, but the longer they sit, the harder they’ll be to get rid of.

Gather Supplies: You’ll need basic supplies to complete this task. First, you’ll need a damp cloth. Next, some mild detergent (preferably one specifically designed for upholstery). Also, a vacuum and a soft brush will come in handy.

Grab Pencil’s Biggest Foe: Depending on the fabric of your couch, sometimes, all you need is a pencil eraser. You should be able to get a good quality eraser at any stationery shop such as a newsagent or Office Works.

How To Get Pencil Out Of Fabric Couch?

Method #1

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting pencil marks out of a fabric couch:

Take a soft eraser and rub it on the pencil mark to remove excess lead.
Make a solution of 1 tbsp liquid detergent and 2 cups cool water.
Dip a white cloth in the solution and blot the stain with it.
Then, blot the stain with a solvent. Press down gently and blot until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
Repeat the same until the stain is gone.
Once the stain disappears, dab the area with a clean damp cloth and blot dry.

Method #2

For those lucky ones who have removable and washable cushion covers. All you have to do is:

First, take the cushion cover off and place it in your sink.
Mix a solution of warm water and laundry detergent.
Using an old toothbrush or small brush, scrub the area gently to lift the pencil stain from the fabric.
Once you’re done, rinse with cold water and hang to dry.

Method #3

Start by rubbing the pencil stain with an eraser.
In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 tbsp of bleach-free liquid dish soap , and 1/4 cup of cold water.
Soak a toothbrush in the solution and gently scrub until the pencil mark is removed.
Rinse the treated area with a damp paper towel, then blot with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
Allow to air dry.

How To Get Coloured Pencil Mark Out of A Couch?

Here’s what to do:

Scrap off the excess colour using an old butter knife. No aggressive scrapping here.
Dampen a cloth with warm water and mild liquid detergent or dish soap and rub it on the stained area in a circular motion.
Continue until the stain is gone, then rinse with a damp cloth and dry off immediately.
For tougher stains, add some white vinegar to the solution before scrubbing. However, first spot test on a hidden area of your couch.

Pro Tips

Avoid using harsh detergents or solutions containing bleaches, as these can cause further damage to the fabric.
Test the detergent and solution on an inconspicuous part of the couch before using it on the stain.
If you don’t have a removable cushion cover, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up the pencil lead.
If you can’t remove the stain completely, try using a fabric marker to cover it up.
Always allow your couch to dry completely before sitting on it.