How to remove crayon stains

Kids love to color, but they also love to scribble. Unfortunately, crayon stains can easily be left on colorful surfaces like walls and furniture. Here are a few tips on how to remove them.

Crayon stains can often be difficult to remove, especially if they’ve been left on long term. There are a few ways to approach the task, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s an overview of the most common methods.

If you have ever tried to remove a crayon stain from a wall or furniture, you know it can be frustrating. Luckily, there are a few methods that can help get the job done quickly and easily. Let’s take a look at each one in detail.

Crayon stains can be particularly stubborn and require special attention during the cleaning process. Depending on the surface and the severity of the stain, different methods can be used. It’s important to choose the appropriate technique to avoid damaging the material while effectively removing the crayon marks.

Removing Crayon Stains from Clothing

Crayon-stained clothes can be salvaged with the right approach. If you’ve accidentally washed crayons with your laundry and discovered stains on the garments, it’s essential to avoid putting them in the dryer. The heat can cause the stains to set, making removal more difficult. Here are a few methods to try:

1. Rub the stain with dish soap: Apply dish soap directly to the crayon stain and rub gently. Rinse the garment and repeat the process if necessary.
2. Pre-wash spot and stain remover: Place the stained fabric face down on a pad of white paper towels. Treat the fabric with a commercial pre-wash spot and stain remover, following the product instructions. Turn the fabric over, repeat the process, and apply liquid dishwashing detergent to the stain. Wash the garment in hot or warm water using a heavy-duty liquid detergent and sodium perborate bleach.
3. Chilling and scraping: Chill the stain with ice to harden the crayon wax. Gently scrape off the excess wax, and apply dish soap to pretreat the stain. Soak the garment for at least one hour before rinsing and removing the dish soap. Machine wash the garment on a heavy soil setting and line dry. Repeat the process if necessary.
4. Tide HE Turbo Clean Liquid: Pour Tide HE Turbo Clean Liquid directly onto the crayon stain, ensuring complete coverage. Let it set for five minutes, then wash the garment as usual. This method works best with high-efficiency (HE) washing machines.

Removing Crayon Marks from Walls, Floors, and Furniture

Crayon marks on walls, floors, and furniture can be unsightly, but there are effective ways to remove them without causing damage. Here are some methods to try:

1. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable: Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to gently scrub away crayon marks from surfaces. These erasers are highly effective and can remove various types of stains.
2. Dish soap and water: Create a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Dip a cloth or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the crayon marks until they disappear.
3. Baking soda: Soak a towel with warm water and dip it in baking soda. Scrub the stained areas with the towel until the crayon comes off. Baking soda is a natural abrasive that helps lift the crayon marks without damaging the surface.
4. Vinegar: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and apply the solution to the crayon stains. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away the marks with a clean cloth. Vinegar is a versatile and eco-friendly cleaning agent that can effectively dissolve crayon wax.
5. Toothpaste: Use non-gel toothpaste and rub it onto the crayon marks. Wipe away the toothpaste with a clean cloth. Toothpaste’s mild abrasiveness and cleaning properties make it an excellent option for removing crayon stains.

Removing Crayon Stains from Upholstery and Carpet

Dealing with crayon stains on upholstery and carpets requires a delicate approach to prevent further damage. Here are some methods to try:

1. Scraping and dish soap: Scrape off excess crayon with a blunt knife or metal spoon. Apply liquid dish soap to the stained area and work it into the fabric. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse the fabric under warm water to remove the stain. Machine wash using the heavy soil setting and the warmest water recommended for the fabric. Air dry the fabric and repeat the process if necessary. Avoid using the dryer until the stain is completely removed, as heat can set the stain.
2. Pre-wash spot and stain remover: Apply a commercial pre-wash spot and stain remover to the crayon stain. Wait for a couple of minutes, then repeat the process. Apply liquid dishwashing detergent to the stain and work it into the fabric. Wash in hot or warm water using a heavy-duty liquid detergent and sodium perborate bleach.
3. Vinegar and water: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water, and apply the solution to the crayon stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot the area with a clean cloth. Rinse with warm water and blot dry. Vinegar’s acidity helps break down the crayon wax, facilitating its removal.

Precautions and Final Tips

When attempting to remove crayon stains, it’s crucial to keep the following precautions in mind:

• Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface.
• Follow the care instructions for the material you’re cleaning to prevent unintended consequences.
• Use gentle and non-abrasive methods to avoid causing additional damage.
• Act quickly to remove crayon stains, as they can become more challenging to eliminate over time.

Conclusion

Crayon stains may seem daunting at first, but with the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can successfully remove them from various surfaces. Whether it’s clothing, walls, floors, furniture, upholstery, or carpets, the methods outlined in this article provide effective solutions for tackling crayon stains. Remember to choose the appropriate technique for the specific surface and always exercise caution to prevent any further damage.

FAQs

1. Can I remove crayon stains from clothes that have been through the dryer? Removing crayon stains from clothes that have been through the dryer is more challenging, as the heat can set the stains. However, you can still try the methods mentioned in this article to remove the stains.
2. What if the crayon stain doesn’t come off with the recommended methods? If the crayon stain persists after attempting the suggested methods, you may need to seek professional cleaning services or consider replacing the affected item.
3. Are there any alternatives to the mentioned cleaning agents? Yes, there are alternative cleaning agents you can use, such as rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or specialized stain removers. Always test these solutions on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t cause any damage.
4. Can I use a hairdryer to remove crayon stains from walls? It’s not recommended to use a hairdryer to remove crayon stains from walls, as the heat can cause the wax to melt and spread further. Stick to the mentioned methods in this article for best results.
5. How can I prevent crayon stains in the future? To prevent crayon stains, supervise children while they’re using crayons, provide appropriate surfaces for coloring, and encourage them to use washable crayons or place protective covers on surfaces.