Nothing can ruin a watch like pencil lead! Though it may seem daunting and the task of removing pencil lead may seem insurmountable, with a few simple steps you can easily get pencil stains out of your watch.
Updated 13 Mar 2023
By Matej Kramberger
The first step in removing pencil marks from a watch is to wet a soft cloth or cotton swab with warm water. Gently scrub the area with cloth or swab until the stain starts to lift. If the stain is still stubborn, moisten the cloth with a mild detergent, such as dish soap, and continue gently scrubbing until the stain is removed.
If the stain is still present after scrubbing with a cloth and mild detergent, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Dip the brush into a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water and lightly scrub the area. Once the stain is gone, rinse watch with clean water and dry with a soft cotton cloth.
If your watch is sealed, you'll need to be more cautious with your cleaning. To avoid damaging watch, start by using a light cleaning solution on the exterior of the watch. A diluted cleaning solution of water and mild detergent is typically sufficient.
Using a soft cloth or cotton swab, gently scrub the affected area until the stain starts to fade. Be sure not to use too much pressure to avoid damaging the watch. Once the stain has been lifted, dry the area with a soft cloth and wait 24 hours before wearing watch again.
If you have a leather strap, the same methods for removing pencil stains from a watch should be used. Start by using a mild detergent and water and gently scrub area. If the stain will not lift, try using a toothbrush dipped in a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water and lightly scrub the area. Alternatively, some people recommend using a soft eraser. However, this method can cause damage to the leather so it is best to avoid unless all other methods fail.
Pencil stains can be a nuisance, but with a few simple steps you can easily remove them. Be sure to exercise caution when cleaning sealed watches and leather straps to ensure that your watch remains in tip-top condition!
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