Erase Those Pencil Stains from Your Favourite Robe with Ease
Has your favourite robe been covered in unsightly pencil marks? Don't worry – we've got you covered. Here are our top tips on how to clean pencil stains from a robe and get it looking like new.
Updated 13 Mar 2023
By Matej Kramberger
How to Remove Pencil Stains from a Robe
Pencil marks can be unsightly, but fortunately, removing them from a robe isn't too difficult. Follow these steps for successful stain removal:
- Check for colourfastness - Before tackling any stains, it’s always best to check for colourfastness first. Take a towel and gently dab area of your robe that contains pencil marks. If any dye from the robe is transferred to the towel, then your robe is not colourfast and should not be washed. Avoid exposing the robe to water and proceed to the next step.
- Scrape off excess - Using a butter knife or spoon, gently scrape off any superfluous pencil marks. Make sure to scrape in one direction so as not to spread the stain further.
- Test the cleaner - Choose a cleaning solution suitable for the fabric of your robe (e.g. detergent for cotton or wool cleaner for wool). Test cleaner on an inconspicuous area (e.g. inside pocket or underarm) to make sure it won't damage the surface of your robe. If all’s well, you’re ready to proceed.
- Rub in cleaner - Apply cleaner directly on a cloth and rub it in a circular motion on the stained area. If your robe is made of a delicate material, don’t apply too much pressure – a gentle rubbing will do the trick.
- Rinse with water - After you’re finished, use a damp cloth to rinse the area with water. There may be some residual cleaner left on the robe, so be sure to rinse it off.
- Dry naturally - Finally, air-dry your robe by hanging it in a dry, well-ventilated room. Avoid using a hairdryer or tumble dryer, as this may damage fabric of your robe.
Additional Tips for Stain Removal
- It's best to act quickly when dealing with pencil marks on a robe. The longer the stain stays on the fabric, harder it will be to remove.
- For particularly stubborn stains, mix a solution of two parts vinegar to one part olive oil and rub it into the stain. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes before washing.
- If you don’t have a cleaning solution, white vinegar and baking soda can also be effective. Simply mix baking soda and vinegar together to form a paste and apply it directly to stain. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes before washing.
- Always follow the care instructions on your robe. Some materials, such as silk and velvet, may require specialised cleaning techniques.
Conclusion
With a bit of effort and patience, pencil marks on a robe can be removed safely and easily. Follow the steps listed above and your robe will soon be looking good as new!