Dirty erasers can leave streaks and smudges on the work and other surfaces you clean. However, you can prevent these stains from appearing by regularly cleaning the eraser and removing any dark-colored dirt that builds up after you erase pencil strokes. The process is not difficult or takes a lot of time and effort. You just need to remove the outermost part of the eraser to get a new, clean eraser layer.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Blank Sheet of Paper
Step 1. Prepare a blank sheet of paper that is still clean
You can use plain paper to clean the eraser. However, do not use paper with a glossy surface because this kind of paper is less fibrous. Paper that is less fibrous actually makes dirt or eraser debris contaminate other parts of the eraser so that your work becomes heavier.
- Paper with a rough, heavy surface allows you to rub the eraser harder, without worrying about tearing the paper. In addition, this type of paper makes it easy for the eraser to separate from any debris or “shavings” of the eraser. The use of this paper is considered ideal because shavings or eraser debris can separate or lift dirt from the paper.
- Do not use paper that has been written on, including text printed from a computer printer. Ink from printers or pens, or graphite from pencils can make eraser dirt build up when you try to lift or remove it from the eraser.
- Printing paper is finer than paper that is ideal for cleaning the eraser, but it is sufficient to remove dirt from the eraser. This type of paper also has a lighter white color as an added benefit. This means it will be easier for you to tell if the dirt has been removed and the results from the eraser are no longer staining.
Step 2. Rub the dirty part of the eraser on the paper
Observe the eraser carefully and pay attention to the area where the color changes. These parts are targets for cleaning. Once the dark areas have been removed, your eraser should be able to clean the paper as well as a new eraser. Rub the eraser firmly against the clean paper of your choice and make sure you don't rub the eraser back on the dark stains that stick to the paper.
- Remove any debris or dirt from the eraser using your fingers. Sometimes, graphite debris or debris has a smooth, putty-like texture. If so, you can lift it off the eraser with your finger or fingernail.
- Be careful not to spread the dirt or push it deeper into the eraser with your fingers. If dirt gets scattered or enters, the cleaning process of the eraser will become more difficult.
Step 3. Keep rubbing the eraser on the paper until it's clean
When you rub the eraser on a blank page, the shavings or debris of the eraser will be removed, including the graphite debris. Remove any debris or debris periodically to avoid staining or re-staining your eraser.
- A drafting table or table with a sloping surface allows gravity to “pull” eraser debris or shavings from the paper. You can also stick paper to the wall for maximum gravity relief.
- You may need to replace the paper, depending on the size of the eraser and the amount of dirt that has accumulated. If you're having trouble getting the eraser on the paper without going over the stained area, you'll need to use new paper.
Step 4. Use the eraser case or cover when storing it
The wiper case or cover will protect the eraser from drying out from the air or being damaged by excess moisture. However, you don't need a special case to extend the life of the eraser! Ordinary pencil cases are also sufficient to protect the efficiency of the eraser from the negative effects of dust and other dirt.
- You can find special eraser cases at craft supply stores or the internet. If you are an artist, consider buying an eraser case like this one and use an expensive, high-quality eraser when creating your work.
- You can store the eraser in an airtight container or other clean plastic container. Thus, the exposure of the wiper to harmful elements such as air, dust and humidity can be limited.
- Separate the eraser from the pencil, crayon, and pen. These stationery carry dust and dirt, and sometimes they can cause stains that interfere with the performance of the eraser. To prevent this, prepare a separate container for your eraser.
Step 5. Repeat this process periodically whenever dirt starts to build up
If you are an artist and use an eraser frequently, you may need to periodically remove stains and dirt from the eraser. If you only use a pencil or eraser occasionally, this process can be repeated a few times over the life of the eraser.
By removing graphite dirt or stains from your eraser, you can save money and maintain the tidiness or quality of your work. If you're using a poor quality eraser or pencil with a soft fill and quickly leaves behind graphite powder, you'll need to fold clean paper and place it in an eraser case so you can use it when you're on the go
Method 2 of 3: Using Sandpaper
Step 1. Purchase sandpaper to clean the eraser
Sandpaper is a more powerful product for cleaning the eraser from dirt and stains. You can get sandpaper at a hardware store, or the automotive or home and garden products section of a supermarket. Also, a craft supply store can be a place to find sandpaper.
- Choose sandpaper with a lighter grit level to clean the eraser. The level of coarseness varies, from extracoarse (36 grit) to extra fine (320 grit). Avoid abrasives that are too coarse, as this can waste more eraser and shorten its life.
- If you are in a pinch, you can use an emery board instead of sandpaper. However, dirt can get stuck between the boards and be difficult to remove.
Step 2. Rub the dirty part of the eraser on the sandpaper
Observe the eraser carefully and look for areas that have a lot of dirt, smudges, or graphite residue. These spots appear as dark patches or streaks. You need to focus the rubbing of the eraser on those areas. Also, rub the eraser with light to medium pressure. You don't need to rub the eraser vigorously or vigorously to remove any dirt or debris from the eraser.
- You can use the sandpaper more precisely by folding it in, pinching it with one or more fingers, and using the folded corners to remove dirt. You may also be able to remove any debris or shavings from the eraser using the sandpaper tip.
- When you rub the eraser on the sandpaper, the shavings or debris of the eraser will come off and carry away the dirt that was previously attached. Observe the condition of the sandpaper as you clean the eraser. If dirt starts to build up on the surface of the sandpaper, use another part of the sandpaper.
- You can rub sandpaper on the eraser above the trash can. The rough surface of the sandpaper makes the eraser splinter or shavings fall off easily (and in the end, fall straight into the trash). However, be careful not to remove too much of the eraser surface. Once the stain is gone, your eraser is clean.
Step 3. Store the eraser well to prevent stains from forming
The specially designed pencil case helps prevent the eraser from becoming hard and unusable. However, even an ordinary eraser case can still protect the eraser from accumulated dust and dirt.
- Special eraser cases can be purchased from art supply stores. Meanwhile, ordinary eraser cases are generally available in the stationery/office supplies section of supermarkets, or even stationery stores.
- You can store small pieces of sandpaper in the eraser case to remove any stains that have begun to develop on the eraser. Simply take a pair of scissors and cut the sandpaper to a size that will fit into the eraser case.
Step 4. Repeat the eraser cleaning process as needed
When using sandpaper, you need to be careful not to remove too much of the eraser rubber while removing the stain. Sandpaper can scrape rubber eraser faster than plain paper. You can also shorten the life or wear off the eraser quickly if you rub too hard on the sandpaper.
Use light pressure to remove the stain on the eraser using sandpaper so you can get the most successful eraser and use it more consistently. In addition, by removing stains or dirt you can extend the life of the eraser so that you can make the most of it
Method 3 of 3: Troubleshooting the Eraser
Step 1. Get to know the type of eraser you use/have
Some erasers are designed for specific purposes. For example, if you use an ultra-hard polisher that is designed to remove deep stains (eg soft-edged pencil stains or pen ink), your eraser may not have a problem. In a situation like this, it's a good idea to use an eraser that is more suitable for your needs/writing.
- Rubber erasers are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. One of the most common types of rubber eraser is the pink “classic” eraser that you usually see on the tip of a pencil. This kind of eraser is perfect for removing graphite pencil scratches/smudges.
- Gum or latex erasers have a softer texture than rubber erasers. This type of eraser tends to break easily when used, but this is normal for a gum remover. Gum removers are usually brown or semi-transparent. Ideally, this eraser is used for graphite pencils.
- Vinyl erasers are sometimes referred to as plastic erasers. This type of eraser is very strong and can tear paper easily. You can use this eraser to remove most stains from paper, including ink. Typically, vinyl erasers are red in color and give a very clean finish.
Step 2. Check the hardness level of the eraser
Some erasers (eg those designed to remove ink from pens or soft-edged pencil fillers) are usually tougher than gum or other soft erasers. However, over time the eraser will lose its elasticity and become hard so that it cannot be used to erase. Press your fingernail into the eraser. If you can't get your fingernails into the eraser (and the eraser is very tough), it's time to buy a new eraser.
- To further test the functionality or capabilities of your eraser, take a piece of plain paper and write a short message or draw a simple pencil drawing. After that, use a clean part of the eraser to remove the writing or image. If the eraser leaves stains or doesn't remove streaks properly, it may be that your eraser is no longer working properly.
- Before deciding whether the eraser is “dead”, try using a medium-light abrasive (a 180-grit sandpaper is sufficient) to remove the outer layer of the eraser. Sometimes, the inside of the eraser still has good effectiveness, even after the outside has hardened.
Step 3. Throw away the cheap rubber eraser
Some erasers are made of cheap rubber or are not formulated well for erasing. As strange as it may sound, the composition of a special and high-quality eraser is a company secret that is closely guarded by various companies. If you have an eraser that doesn't erase effectively, save your time and frustration by making an inexpensive eraser and finding another one that can meet your needs.
Tips
- You can also buy borax from the store and mix it with water until it dissolves. After that, put the eraser into the mixture and let it sit for 5-15 minutes. Rinse the eraser with cold water after removing it.
- Artists usually use a small knife to cut the edges of the eraser and shape it as needed. On the other hand, cutting the eraser also helps to remove any stains or dirt from the surface of the eraser.
- You may be able to remove any stains or dirt from the eraser using soap and water. Scrub the eraser until any dirt or smudges come off, and rinse the eraser thoroughly. Make sure the eraser is completely dry before using it again.
Warning
- The paper or sandpaper used to clean the eraser may become dirty. Make sure you don't use up important files, and recycle plain paper after use.
- You need to wear gloves when using sandpaper as it can cause minor cuts and abrasions to the skin.
