How to Wash Your Pencil Case: Expert Tips for Plastic, Fabric, & More

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Use these quick cleaning tips on most types of pencil cases
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It's normal for pencil cases get dirty over time, and luckily most of them are super easy to clean! Read on for safe and effective ways to wash different types of pencil cases including plastic , metal , fabric , and leather cases.

How to Clean Your Plastic Pencil Case

  1. Dissolve baking soda in water.
  2. Submerge the pencil case in the water.
  3. Rinse the case.
  4. Scrub any leftover marks with a microfiber cloth.
  5. Rinse out the plastic case.
  6. Dry the plastic case quickly.
Section 1 of 6:

Spot Cleaning Your Pencil Case

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  1. Take out the pencil case’s materials and set them aside. Before you deep clean the pencil case, you should remove any pencil shavings and graphite dust.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    Loose wood trimmings, eraser remnants, and graphite dust will float out. Do this near a trash can to keep this mess from spreading.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    Rub spots & stains using a microfiber cloth , soap, and warm water. If you clean out the case often, chances are you won’t need to do anything further other than take care of small marks. Dip one end of a microfiber cloth in warm water and possibly a small amount of detergent , then rub over the marks.
    • To remove marks and ink stains from plastic or cloth cases, apply rubbing alcohol to the stain with a cotton ball. Gently dab it, and continue to blot until the ink begins to disappear. [1] For stubborn ink stains, cover the mark with rubbing alcohol . Let it sit for 15 minutes, rinse the case in warm water, then blot it with the microfiber cloth or air dry. [2]
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Section 2 of 6:

Cleaning a Plastic Pencil Case

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    About 4 tablespoons (59 ml) of baking soda per 1 quart (0.95 L) water should be more than enough to clean a plastic pencil case. You can do this in a bowl or a plastic tub in the sink.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    You can leave the case open inside the water or pour the baking soda water directly into the pouch. The baking soda will remove any smells, so you want to make sure the water gets inside the case.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    Run it under the water to make sure all the baking soda is gone, then drain the water you used.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    Scrub any leftover marks with a microfiber cloth . In a clean bowl , add a small amount of detergent to warm water. Dip this microfiber cloth into the water. Use the cloth to scrub out any leftover marks. Be sure to reach into the corners to make sure you’ve removed all of the dust and shavings that will make a bigger stain in the future.
    • Some types of plastic scratch easily, so make sure your rag is soft. If you can’t reach a part of the case, use a soft brush such as a baby toothbrush .
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    Put the case under a small stream of warm water. Turn the case over and open it up. Make sure all the soap is gone before you’re done.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    Use the dry end of a microfiber cloth . Get down into all the corners and the outside of the case.
    • Some plastic can develop water spots or mold if left alone, so don’t let the case air dry.
  7. If a bad smell hasn’t gone by this point, crumple up a newspaper, push it into the case, and then leave it in an enclosed space, like a kitchen container. The newspaper can better absorb any leftover odors.
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Section 3 of 6:

Cleaning a Fabric Pencil Case

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    The bowl or container you choose needs to be big enough to hold the pencil case. If it has dirt, leftover food, or anything else that would interfere with the pencil case, clean it out with soap and warm water.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    A small amount of laundry or liquid detergent is needed. The label should state that it is suitable for washing clothes. All you need is a small amount to ensure that the water becomes soapy. Mix the soap in with a spoon or other tool until bubbles appear.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    A quick soak in the cleaning solution should take care of most of the stains and smells. Make sure the soapy water soaks completely through the fabric and gets inside any inner pouches. [3]
    • For canvas fabric , dip a microfiber cloth in the water. The cloth should be damp. Wring it out to remove excess water. Putting lots of cold water on canvas causes color bleeding. [4]
    • Another gentle alternative is baby shampoo , if you have any on hand.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    Flip it and open up the pouches so that the water can drain out all of the soap.
  5. Find a shady place to hang the case, if possible, as the sun wears out fabric and fades colors. Try to find a way to hold the case upright so the water drips off of it. Let it sit for at least several hours until all the water has evaporated. [5]
    • If your case has a certain shape, such as the kind that stands upright, you may wish to protect it by stuffing it with material such as tissue paper or newspaper.
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Section 4 of 6:

Cleaning a Leather Pencil Case

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    Wipe the inside of the case with a clean microfiber cloth . This will remove the dirt and graphite that have built up inside. It’s better to remove debris now so that the grime doesn’t get pushed further into the material.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    Use the cloth with the mild soap to wipe in a circular motion and spread it over the entirety of the leather. The circular motion allows you to work in the soap and ensure that it covers the whole surface.
    • If you have a faux leather pencil case, cleaning specialist Raina Ragin suggests “dusting the case with a damp cloth and wiping the surface down.” She avoids using chemicals on faux leather because “chemicals can damage what you are trying to clean. If you need to, use a little bit of mild soap along with the damp cloth to clean the surface.”
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    If it looks like you’ve left too much, pick it up with a microfiber cloth . This helps the leather last longer since it doesn’t absorb more than it needs. After it dries, it should be ready for use again.
  4. 4
    For deep stains, wipe the case with leather cleaner . Put a drop of leather cleaner on the case. Leather cleaner can be bought in stores. It easily absorbs chemicals, so it helps to get one of these cleaners since they won’t cause internal damage to the case.
    • Lemon essential oil or natural baby soap with no color additives are good alternatives to leather cleaner. [6]
    • Cleaning professional James Sears also notes that if your leather is stained, “you can use a little white vinegar that you may already have around or a little olive oil. Or, you can simply use a little water and a dab of household soap.”
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Section 5 of 6:

Cleaning a Metal Pencil Case

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    Metal cases are more hardy than plastic and fabrics, so you are free to use hot water on them and any dish soap or detergent . Collect the water, then add a small amount of the soap to make it soapy.
    • Many companies offer metal cleaners , too.
    • Alternatively , use a white vinegar solution. Add a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water to a bowl before cleaning. Vinegar can help remove rust and grime from metal materials. [7]
  2. Because metal cases are stronger, you can use most kitchen brushes or sponges . Using the brush or sponge , push the soap and water up into the corners and scrub any marks.
    • If using a vinegar solution, soak the pencil case in the mixture for 15 minutes. [8]
    • Avoid harsh cleaners such as steel wool, Brillo pads, and abrasive substances; these leave scratches that make future cleaning more difficult.
    • You may still wish to use a gentler cleaning material, such as a microfiber cloth , for the sake of reducing wear and being better able to get into the corners.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Pencil Case
    Put it back under warm or hot water to remove all the soap or vinegar . This removes any possible erosion caused by those chemicals and prepares the case for drying.
  4. Grab a microfiber cloth or a paper towel. Wipe away all the water. At this point, the pencil case should look ready to use again.
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Section 6 of 6:

Cleaning Your Pencil Case FAQs

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  1. 1
    Can I put my pencil case in the washing machine? It’s best to handwash most pencil cases instead of putting them into the washing machine. This is especially true if they contain any plastic elements (like linings or decor) or when they have zippers. The strength of the machine cycle and the heat can damage many pencil case materials. If you do decide to wash a canvas or fabric pencil case in a washing machine, place it into a delicates bag and wash on the gentle cycle. [9]
  2. 2
    How do you remove pen marks from a pencil case? If regular hand washing doesn’t remove ink stains in your pencil case, try dabbing it with alcohol-based products, like hand sanitizer , nail polish remover , rubbing alcohol , or hairspray . Dab the stains using a soft brush , microfiber cloth , or cotton ball . In some cases, removing ballpoint pen stains from a pencil case may not be fully possible.
  3. 3
    How do you clean a dirty pencil eraser? Clean a dirty pencil eraser by rubbing it onto a rough surface, like sandpaper or an emery board . You can also wash it in warm, soapy water and pat it dry. The easiest way to clean the eraser is to simply use it to continually erase on a clean, blank piece of paper. The dirty parts of the eraser should eventually rub off, leaving a clean eraser. [10]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What if the stains do not come out of the pencil case?
    Community Answer
    Repeated washing may help remove the stains. You may also mix a little vinegar or baking soda in water or prepare some rubbing alcohol. Whatever you choose, put the mixture or rubbing alcohol on a rag or cotton ball and press it to the stain. It may take a few tries to get the stain to come out. Stains that are left for a long time or are on a delicate fabric may not come out completely. You can then leave the stain and prevent new ones from forming while you use the case or buy a new case.
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    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 46
  • Question
    Can I clean my pencil case with toothpaste?
    Community Answer
    No, you should just use soap and water.
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  • Question
    What do I do If the colour changes?
    Otterly Badgerific
    Top Answerer
    If the color changes after you've cleaned the pencil case, the first thing to try is wait until the pencil case has dried, as it may just be a different color from being wet. If that doesn't fix things, you may have to come to terms with having a pencil case that is now a slightly different color.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Cloth pencil cases can potentially be cleaned in your washing machine. See if your case has any specific advice or cleaning instructions before you wash it.
      • Bleach can be a helpful way to clean your pencil case, but be sure to dilute it first. Make sure to dilute the bleach at a 1:48 ratio with the water.
      • Keep a cleaning fluid in your locker in case you need to clean out your pencil case when you're at school.
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      Warnings

      • Pencil cases with sensitive fabrics like fur cannot be cleaned without being ruined, so take special care of them or avoid them altogether.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.texascleaningservices.org/post/how-to-remove-ink-stains-from-hard-surfaces
      2. ↑ https://cleanzen.com/blog/get-ink-out-of-clothes/
      3. ↑ http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/cleaning_reusable_bags.aspx
      4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/ph/clothing-care/how-to-clean-a-canvas-bag.html
      5. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/q-and-a/a20934/canvas-bag-cleaning-jul03/
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k78o-Wa39yg
      7. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/cleaning/things-you-should-never-clean-with-vinegar-distilled-white-vinegar-a3336471803/
      8. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/cleaning/things-you-should-never-clean-with-vinegar-distilled-white-vinegar-a3336471803/
      9. ↑ https://speedqueen.com/scoop-blog/laundry-room/tips/how-to-clean-school-supplies/
      1. ↑ https://thepoetryofseeing.com/2014/03/16/how-to-clean-dirty-erasers-supply-surgery/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If your pencil case is getting a little dirty, you can easily clean it with some simple ingredients you probably already have at home. First, shake your empty pencil case over a bin to get rid of any dirt and debris. For a plastic pencil case, mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of water. For a soft pencil case, mix a small amount of laundry detergent with warm water. If you have a metal pencil case, mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with a quart of boiling water. Soak your pencil case in the solution for 15 minutes. Then, rinse it and wipe it with a soft cloth to get rid of any leftover dirt. Finally, dry it with a paper towel or leave it to air dry. For more tips, including how to clean a leather pencil case, read on!

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