We built our house almost 5 years ago, and in that time a film of black powder has built up on the door, wall, and baseboards around all the door hinges in the house. After a little researching, I believe this powder is a graphite powder lubricant to help the hinges operate smoothly. I've tried cleaning it with Magic Erasers, multi-purpose cleaner, dishwashing detergent...I'm running out of ideas. Has anyone had any experience with this or have suggestions on how to remove it? Thanks in advance!
Try Krud Kutter, you can get it at lowe's, home depot but not sure where else. It is non-toxic and biodegradable but it is oh so powerful yet gentle.
I don't have any experience with it but I have a suggestion. If this is graphite, that is the same material that pencil let is made from. You might try a pencil eraser on it. It would be worth a shot. I would use a white one and not a pink one though because the pink might come off on your walls.
My hinges do the same thing, but mine wipe clean with a wet rag. I wonder if it's the same thing? Good luck.
Hi T., I had the same problem (same age house too). The only way I got rid of it is we had the house painted. Now I'm trying to figure out how to keep it from getting on the new paint. That stuff is a mess!
Hi T. ~ I actually have experience cleaning graphite from tables after we've used it on the wheels of my children's cars at our AWANA Grand Prix. The only thing I found to work is called Sol-U-Mel and I get it from a company I buy all my eco-friendly household products from. Please email me diretly if you're interested as I don't want to sound like a commerical :) ____@____.com
~ H. Snyder
Huntsville, MO
