How to Make an Eraser Soft Again

Rubber erasers typically found on the tops of standard writing pencils can harden over time, making erasing errors difficult. Using a hardened and smudged eraser can also leave smear marks on the paper being erased. There are other types of erasers that do not harden as easily. Artists, for example, typically use erasers that can be shaped; these erasers are softer and gentler on paper compared to common pink erasers. But if you're not using a more expensive artist's eraser, you can still turn your standard eraser soft again by following a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Ink pen eraser
• P80 macrogrit sandpaper
• Paper towel

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Rub your hardened eraser against an ink pen eraser. Make sure that the rubbing motion is similar to how you would erase a mistake on paper. The ink pen eraser is blended with pulverized pumice, making it abrasive and strong enough to remove the smudge marks and soften the hardened outer layer of your eraser.

   • 2

     Take P80 macrogrit sandpaper and rub it all around the hardened eraser. Keep doing this until a softer inner layer of the eraser is exposed.

   • 3

     Wipe the sanded and smudge-free eraser clean with a paper towel in order to remove any remaining debris.