Discovering crayon marks on clothes and other surfaces can be frustrating, especially if you’re dealing with children’s art projects gone awry. Whether it’s a colorful streak on your sofa or a bold line across a shirt, crayon removal doesn’t have to be a headache. Here’s your comprehensive guide on how to effectively get crayon out of clothes and more, ensuring that these vibrant mishaps don’t leave a permanent mark.
Removing Crayon from Clothes
- Scrape Off Excess Crayon: Use a dull knife or a credit card to gently scrape off as much crayon as possible from the fabric. Be careful not to spread the crayon further or embed it deeper into the material.
- Apply Stain Remover: Place the stained area on a paper towel, stain-side down. Apply a stain remover or liquid laundry detergent directly to the back of the stain. This method helps push the crayon out of the fabric instead of deeper into it.
- Wash with Hot Water: Check the garment’s care label and, if permissible, wash in the hottest water recommended using your regular laundry detergent. Hot water helps melt the crayon wax, making it easier to wash away.
- Check Before Drying: Before placing the garment in the dryer, check to ensure the stain is completely gone. Heat from the dryer can set the stain, making it nearly impossible to remove later.
Removing Crayon from Upholstery
- Scrape Away Loose Crayon: Carefully remove any excess crayon from the upholstery without spreading the color.
- Use a Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid like DAWN ($6 amazon.com) with cold water. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the solution onto the stain, blotting frequently until the stain lifts. Avoid soaking the fabric to prevent water damage to your upholstery.
- Rinse with Cold Water: Blot the area with a clean cloth dipped in cold water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the Area: Pat the cleaned area with a dry towel and let it air dry completely.
Removing Crayon from Walls
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and gently rub the crayon mark. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift the wax without damaging the pain ($8 amazon.com)
- WD-40: Spray a small amount of WD-40 onto the crayon mark and wipe with a clean rag. WD-40 is effective at dissolving waxy substances but test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage the paint or wallpaper($22 amazon.com).
- Magic Eraser: For tougher crayon marks, a magic eraser can be very effective. Simply wet the sponge and gently rub the crayon mark. Be cautious as magic erasers can remove paint if used too aggressively.
General Tips
- Act Quickly: The sooner you address the crayon stain, the easier it will be to remove.
- Test First: Always test cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not cause damage.
- Repeat if Necessary: Some stubborn stains may require a second treatment for complete removal.
By following these tips, you can tackle crayon stains on various surfaces and save your clothing, upholstery, and walls from permanent damage. Remember, dealing with crayon marks is all about choosing the right method for the material affected and being patient as you work to lift the stain.
