How to Get a Pencil Marking Off a Quilt Top

Pencil lead on a quilt top can leave an aggressive stain and smear if it's spot-treated using normal stain-removal methods. Consider the age and use of the quilt top before deciding how to clean it to prevent irreversible damage. A family heirloom could be ruined during one washing machine cycle. If you've decided to remove a pencil mark, you should use a method approved to clean a valuable quilt.

Bowl
Water
Rubbing alcohol
Clear, mild dish detergent
Soft-bristled toothbrush
White cloth
Fan

Instructions

- 1
  Mix a cleaning solution of 1/4 cup water and 3/4 cup rubbing alcohol in a small bowl. Add a squirt of mild dish detergent for foaming action.
- 2
  Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in the cleaning solution and apply it directly to the pencil mark. Brush the area gently with the toothbrush to prevent loosening the quilt top fibers.
- 3
  Wet a white cloth with clear water and blot the pencil mark and cleaning solution off the quilt top. If the quilt is new, wash it according to the instructions on the tag. Always consult a professional from the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works before washing a quilt if you are unsure of its value.
- 4
  Hang the quilt to dry and prevent mildew. Use a fan set to a low speed setting to quicken the drying time.

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