How to Remove Crayon Stains From Every Surface

How to Remove Crayon Stains From Clothes

While any oil (cooking oil, butter, mayonnaise) can be used as a pretreatment for crayon stains on clothes, you can also use WD-40 spray, which is particularly handy because it is easy to spray on just the crayon-stained marks. If the garment label says "dry clean only," though, head to a professional cleaner.

1. Pretreat With Oil

   • Place a folded white paper towel under the stained area of the fabric, then spray directly onto the stain with WD-40.
   • Turn the fabric over and spray the stain on the opposite side of the fabric. If you decide to use another type of oil, put the oil on a clean white cloth and dab it on both sides of the stain.
   • Let the oil work for at least 15 minutes to loosen the crayon wax.

2. Scrape Away Any Solids

   Lift any crayon solids gently from the surface using a dull knife or the edge of a credit card.

3. Treat With Detergent

   • Rub a bit of liquid dishwashing detergent into the oil-treated crayon mark. (You can also use a good-quality laundry detergent).
   • Work the soap into the stained area with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
   • Let the detergent work on the stain for 15 minutes.
   • If you have a home dry cleaning kit, treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

4. Wash and Dry

   Wash the garment as usual, following the fabric care label instructions. Inspect the clothing carefully to make sure all traces of the stain are gone before drying the item. If the stain remains, do not dry the clothing and move to the next step.
   

5. Mix a Soaking Solution

   • Mix a solution of warm water and oxygen-based bleach (OxiClean, Clorox 2, Country Save Bleach, or Purex 2 Color Safe Bleach) following the product directions. 
   • Completely submerge the stained items and allow them to soak for at least four hours or overnight. Then rewash as usual.

How to Remove Crayon on Carpets and Upholstery

Crayon can work its way deep into the fibers of carpet and upholstery and the treatment may need to be repeated to fully remove the stain. If the crayon has stained upholstery fabric that is vintage or silk, contact a professional upholstery cleaner for recommendations.

1. Remove Any Solids

   Remove any crayon solids from the fibers with a dull knife or the edge of a spoon.

   Tip

   If the crayons have melted into the carpet or upholstery fibers, place some ice in a plastic bag. Put the bag on the melted crayon wax and leave it for at least 30 minutes. This will harden the crayon wax so you can break it away from the fibers and vacuum it.

2. Vacuum the Fibers

   Vacuum the carpet or fabric to remove any small crayon pieces.

3. Treat With Solvent

   • Blot the stain with a clean white cloth dampened with dry cleaning solvent. Change the cloth as it becomes colored with the crayon.
   • Rinse off the residual solvent, when the stain is gone, by blotting with a clean cloth dampened with water.

   Warning

   If you haven't used the same solvent on the fabric or carpet before, test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area to make sure there's no discoloration before applying it to the stain.

How to Remove Melted Crayon From a Clothes Dryer

When a crayon melts and leaves residue in the dryer, it is important to clean it off the dryer drum. If you don't, any traces of crayon wax will continue to transfer to other fabrics when the dryer heats up again.

1. Spray With Oil

   • Spray each stain in the dryer drum with WD-40.
   • Wipe up any drips that run beyond the stain with a rag.
   • Let the oil work for a few minutes.

2. Scrape the Smears

   Remove the smears of crayon with a plastic scraper, then wipe each area with a clean rag. Repeat spraying, scraping, and wiping as needed until no more traces of crayon remain.

3. Wipe Down the Drum

   Clean the entire drum with a clean rag dampened with warm water to remove all oily residue. Rinse the rag and repeat for a thorough cleaning.

4. Dry Old Towels

   Toss in a some old towels and dry them on high heat for at least five minutes so the towels can absorb any traces of oil that remain.

How to Remove Crayon Marks From Painted Walls

While vinegar can be used to remove crayon from walls, an oily substance works too. In this case, mayonnaise is the best cleaner because it wipes off easily and won't damage or dull the paint.

1. Spread the Mayonnaise

   • Dab a bit of mayonnaise or oil onto a clean white cloth.
   • Rub the crayon marks with the cloth.
   • Move to a clean area of the cloth as the crayon is transferred.

   Tip

   Full-fat mayonnaise is best to use since it has a higher oil content, which will help to break down the crayon.

2. Wipe and Dry

   Rinse the wall with a clean white cloth dipped in plain water. If necessary, repeat the mayonnaise application until the stain is gone. Dry with a clean white cloth.

How to Remove Crayon Marks from Other Surfaces

• Glass windows: While WD-40 can easily remove crayon marks on glass windows and doors, dish soap and warm water or vinegar and warm water work just as well. Spray your solution, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe away with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Ceramic tile: Pour a capful of isopropyl alcohol over the affected area and let sit for one minute. Lightly agitate with a soft or medium bristle brush and scrub in circular motions. Use fresh water and a clean cloth to clean the area.
• Wood: Depending on the wood (floor, furniture, paneling), there are several ways to remove crayon marks from wood. Start with a mild method such as soap and water, an all-purpose wood cleaner, melamine sponge, or vinegar, and then use stronger products like WD-40 if the mark still remains. Apply your solution, wipe, and then clean with a damp, clean cloth.

Additional Tips for Handling Crayon Marks and Stains

• Check any pockets before throwing clothes in the washer to avoid any mishaps.
• After washing, double-check the clothing to make sure the stain is completely gone before putting it in the dryer.
• Choose an inconspicuous area to test the product you're going to use, whether it be for a piece of clothing, carpet, or the wall, to ensure it doesn't discolor it before proceeding with the stain removal.