Pencils are great because they allow you to go back and make changes to what you've written. The marks they leave on surfaces other than paper can be a different story. Follow these tips to erase graphite and pencil lead stains.

How to Remove Graphite and Pencil Lead Stains From:
Acetate, Burlap, Carpet (synthetic or wool),
Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, Wool

Use a soft eraser to remove the excess stain, being careful not to distort the fabric. Spray on a dry-cleaning solvent and apply a dry spotter. Rub in the dry spotter with an absorbent pad moistened with dry spotter. Cover the stain with a pad, also dampened with dry spotter, and let stand for 30 minutes. Spray again with the dry-cleaning solvent and allow to dry. If any stain remains, sponge area with water and apply a wet spotter plus a few drops of ammonia (do not use ammonia on silk and wool). Tamp (the method of bringing a brush down with light strokes on stained durable fabrics and materials) or scrape (the method of using a dull tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) the area to loosen the stain. Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) with water and repeat if necessary. Allow fabric to air dry.

How To Make Wet And Dry Spotters
Dry spotter:
To make a dry spotter, combine 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) and 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This solution may be stored if the container is tightly capped to prevent evaporation of the solvent. Mineral oil may be substituted for the coconut oil, but is not quite as effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are poisonous and may
be flammable.

Wet spotter:
To prepare a wet spotter, mix 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before each use. Store wet spotter in a plastic squeeze bottle.

How to Remove Graphite and Pencil Lead Stains From:
Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic,
Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex

Use a soft eraser to remove any excess stain. Rub a little liquid detergent into the stain and add a few drops of ammonia. Tamp gently, then flush with water to remove all traces of ammonia. Launder as soon as possible.

How to Remove Graphite and Pencil Lead Stains From:
Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo,
Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Cork, Ivory,
Linoleum, Marble, Paint (gloss), Plexiglas,
Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures,
Stainless Steel, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile,
Vinyl Wallcovering

Remove any excess marks with a soft eraser. Wipe the surface with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse well with water and wipe dry.

How to Remove Graphite and Pencil Lead Stains From:
Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone,
Granite, Limestone, Slate, Terrazzo

Wash the stain with a solution of washing soda and water. Scrub with a cloth or soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to dry.

How to Remove Graphite and Pencil Lead Stains From:
Grout

Wipe the surface with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water. If any stain remains, dip a wet toothbrush into baking soda or powdered cleanser and gently scrub the spot. Rinse well and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

How to Remove Graphite and Pencil Lead Stains From:
Leather, Suede

Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds. Apply only the foam with a sponge. Wipe with a clean dry cloth. On leather only, follow with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap.

How to Remove Graphite and Pencil Lead Stains From:
Paint (flat), Wallpaper

Use a suede stone or a soft eraser to remove as many marks as possible. With a clean cloth dampened with clear water, wipe the surface with overlapping strokes. Gently pat dry with another soft cloth.

How to Remove Graphite and Pencil Lead Stains From:
Silver

Wash as soon as possible in hot sudsy water. Rinse in hot water and dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent tarnish.

How to Remove Graphite and Pencil Lead Stains From:
Wood

Use a soft eraser to remove any excess marks. Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds. Dip a cloth in only the foam and apply to the stain. Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with clear water. Polish or wax as soon as possible.

With a pencil, you always have the option of erasing what you've written. These stain removal techniques offer the rub on getting out pesky lead spots.