How to Remove Crayon Stains From Every Surface

Before You Begin

Check the garment label before making a plan of attack. If the label says "dry clean only," head to an expert and point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner. Alternatively, you may decide to clean the fabric at home by blotting the stain with a commercial dry cleaning solvent. Or, if you have a home dry cleaning kit, treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

If the crayon has stained upholstery fabric that is vintage or silk, contact a professional upholstery cleaner for recommendations.

How to Remove Crayon Stains From Clothes

While any oil (cooking oil, butter, mayonnaise) can be used as a pretreatment for crayon stains, you can also use WD-40 spray, which is particularly handy because it is easy to spray on just the crayon-stained spots.

1. Pretreat With Oil

   Place a folded white paper towel under the stained area of fabric, then spray directly onto the stain with WD-40. Turn the fabric over and spray the stain on the wrong 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

   Use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to gently lift any crayon solids from the surface.

   

3. Treat With Detergent

   Rub a bit of liquid dishwashing detergent into the oil-treated crayon mark. Work the soap into the stained area with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. You can also use a good-quality detergent. Let the detergent work on the stain for 15 minutes.

   

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.

   

How to Remove Crayon From Carpet and Upholstery

Crayon can work its way deep into the fibers of carpet and upholstery and may need repeated treatment.

Project Metrics

• Working Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: Drying time varies

What You'll Need

Supplies:

• Dry cleaning solvent
• White cloths

Tools:

• Dull knife
• Vacuum

1. Remove Any Solids

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

2. Vacuum the Fibers

   Vacuum the carpet or fabric to remove any small crayon pieces. This works better than your fingers, which may smear the crayon if it gets too warm.

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. When the stain is gone, rinse off the residual solvent by blotting with a clean cloth dampened with water. Note: 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.

Project Metrics

• Working Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

What You'll Need

Supplies:

• WD-40 spray
• White cloths

Tools:

• Plastic scraper
• Rags
• Old towels

1. Spray With Oil

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

2. Scrape the Smears

   Use a plastic scraper to remove the smears of crayon, then wipe each area with a 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 rag dampened with warm water to remove all oily residue. Rinse the rag and repeat for a thorough cleaning.

4. Dry Some Old Towels

   Toss in a couple of 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

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

Project Metrics

• Total Time: 2 minutes to 1 hour depending on how many marks

What You'll Need

Supplies:

• Mayonnaise or vegetable oil

Tools:

• White cloths

1. Spread the Mayo

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

2. Wipe and Dry

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