How to remove crayon stains from clothes

Kids love to draw and color in their notebooks, but what happens when their art spills over onto clothes? Crayon stains can be a frustrating problem, but there is a way to remove them safely and cleanly.

Crayon soils can accumulate on clothes if the child likes to use crayons that are designed for indoor use only. These crayons contain waxes and other ingredients that can leave a yellow-orange residue on the fabric. To remove these stains, start by treating the garment as if it were contaminated with blood, soaking it in cool water mixed with detergent, then washing it in hot water with determent. Finally, dry the fabric in the sun or using a dryer on low heat.

Crayon stains can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can tackle them effectively. The following methods and techniques will help you remove crayon stains from clothes, whether they are fresh or melted onto the fabric.

Method 1: Scrape off the excess crayon

To begin the stain removal process, follow these steps:

1. Grab a dull knife or credit card.
2. Gently scrape off any excess crayon from the fabric.
3. Be careful not to press too hard, as you may damage the garment.
4. Continue scraping until you remove as much crayon as possible.

Method 2: Apply dish soap

Once you’ve removed the excess crayon, it’s time to treat the stained area with dish soap. Here’s what you should do:

1. Take a tablespoon of liquid dish soap.
2. Apply the dish soap directly to the crayon stain.
3. Gently rub the soap into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush.
4. Make sure to cover the entire stained area.
5. Allow the dish soap to penetrate the fabric for a few minutes.

Method 3: Soak the stain

After treating the stain with dish soap, it’s beneficial to soak the garment in warm water. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare a basin or sink with warm water.
2. Submerge the stained area in the warm water.
3. Ensure the water covers the entire crayon stain.
4. Let the garment soak for a few minutes to loosen the remaining crayon residue.

Method 4: Machine wash

Once you’ve soaked the stained garment, it’s time to launder it in the washing machine. Follow these instructions:

1. Check the care label of the clothing item for washing instructions.
2. Set your washing machine to a heavy soil or stain-removal cycle.
3. Add your regular laundry detergent to the machine.
4. Place the stained clothing item in the machine and start the wash cycle.

Method 5: Line dry

After washing, it’s essential to allow the clothes to air dry. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the garment from the washing machine.
2. Shake it gently to remove any excess water.
3. Find a suitable location to line dry the clothes, preferably in direct sunlight.
4. Hang the clothes using a hanger or clothesline.
5. Let the clothes air dry completely.

Additional Steps for Melted Crayon Stains

Removing melted crayon stains requires some extra measures. Here’s what you should do:

1. Begin by scraping off any excess melted crayon using a dull knife or credit card.
2. Prepare a mixture of dish soap and vinegar.
3. Apply the mixture to the stained area, ensuring it covers the entire stain.
4. Let the garment soak in warm water for approximately 15 minutes.
5. After soaking, wash the clothes in the washing machine using a sanitize cycle.
6. Once again, line dry the clothes until they are fully dry.

Conclusion

Crayon stains on clothes can be disheartening, but with the right techniques, you can successfully remove them. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can restore your garments to their former glory. Remember to act promptly, as tackling crayon stains sooner rather than later increases the chances of complete removal.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Q: Can I remove crayon stains from delicate fabrics? A: Delicate fabrics may require special care. It’s advisable to consult the garment’s care label and, if necessary, seek professional help.
2. Q: Will the dish soap remove all types of crayon stains? A: Dish soap is effective against most crayon stains. However, some stubborn stains may require additional treatments or alternative stain removal products.
3. Q: Are there any alternative methods to remove crayon stains? A: Yes, there are other methods you can try, such as using a stain remover or applying a mixture of baking soda and water to the stained area.
4. Q: Can crayon stains be removed from colored clothing? A: Yes, crayon stains can be removed from colored clothing using the methods mentioned in this article. However, it’s always advisable to perform a patch test on a discreet area first.
5. Q: Is it necessary to repeat the stain removal process? A: In some cases, particularly for stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process multiple times to achieve satisfactory results.