A pencil, when rubbed on paper, can weave fine creations. However, when it hits a fabric or the wall, it leaves stains that don't fade easily. Soap and water have a limited effect on the markings, so normal washing is automatically ruled out as an option. Other substances must be tossed in to the mix to take care of those tough-to-remove stains. The funny things is, some of the solutions are quite unusual, in fact, they might come as a surprise.

Pencil Eraser

The pencil eraser works like a charm when removing pencil markings on paper. Sometimes it also works well when removing stains from walls and fabrics, especially for light marks. For walls, just use the eraser as you would on paper. For fabrics, set the textile on a solid surface then forcefully rub the eraser on the pencil marks. Using it, however, on white fabrics is not advised, since erasers, particularly colored ones, can leave stains of their own while erasing. Among all types, the art gum eraser is your best and safest bet for removing pencil marks.

Detergent

Detergents are used for removing various stains on fabric, including pencil markings. Since pencil marks are a bit more stubborn than usual stains, a strong detergent and a lengthy washing period are sometimes required. A toothbrush is to be used for scrubbing, as its bristles should make short work of even the toughest stains, when combined with a powerful detergent. Before using the laundry solution, better check the fabric's label. Some clothes lose their color when soaked in bleach, so you should be careful.

Toothpaste

Removing tooth stains is no easy feat, which happens to be one of the toothpaste's primary functions. If it can erase discolored spots on your canines, it should do well against pencil stains. Apply liberal amounts on the stains then scrub the paste using a moist cloth or a wet toothbrush. The marks will yield, eventually. If they don't, wash the stained fabric with detergent and soapy water. Reapply toothpaste after, to finally wipe away those annoying stains. Remember, use only non-gel toothpaste for stain removal. The colored gels can stain fabrics and surfaces, and those stains are just as stubborn as the ones made by pencils.

Razor Blade

The razor blade provides only a partial solution to the stain problem, but it makes the rest of the job easier upon application. Its thin blades can scrape portions of lead off the wall or fabric, partially diminishing the pencil marks. With the larger bits of lead removed, the stains won't spread when you apply the other stain removing solutions. Just apply detergent or toothpaste on the stain after scraping it with the razor blade.

Ammonia

Ammonia is powerful solution used for removing stains and odors. Its potent formulation can remove even bold pencil marks on fabrics. To apply, wash a fabric with detergent then rinse. Mix some ammonia with water then apply the mixture on the stains. Scrub the stained areas using your hands or a toothbrush until they fade. Once done, rinse the fabric right after. If the stains prove to be stubborn, apply droplets of ammonia on them, which should erase all sorts of pencil markings, even those from colored pencils. You can also use the ammonia-water mixture in removing pencil marks on walls and other surfaces. Just make sure the fabric or surface is resistant to ammonia, otherwise it may discolor.

Baking Soda Solution

Baking soda has loads of alternative uses and stain removal happens to be one of them. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a little water, which forms a stain removing paste. Apply the paste on the markings on your wall or any surface. Scrub the stained portions with a piece of cloth until the stains disappear. You can also use the solution for removing pencil marks on clothing, making it a safer alternative to ammonia.

Dry Cleaning Solution

If you send a fabric, marred with pencil stains, to the dry cleaners, chances are you will receive a spotless piece after. Dry cleaners use potent solutions, which can remove most stains, with minimal scrubbing. To use the dry cleaning solution, you must, first, soak the stains in water. Apply liberal amounts of the solutions on the stains then let the fabric or surface air dry. Just repeat the process if the markings are still present.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide, just like ammonia, is an effective stain-removing solution that can't be used on some fabrics and surfaces. Mix it with a little water then apply it on the stains. After several scrubs, they should either be gone or greatly diminished.

Check the Surface Before Applying a Solution

The efficacy of each of the solutions is dependent on the material stained. You should check the properties of the stained surface or fabric, so you won't damage it in the process of removing pencil markings.