It’s a common situation parents face with young children. Just after painting or cleaning the walls, you find a few scribbles of crayon stain.
Although it may seem like a small issue, removing crayon stain from walls can be challenging.
Scrubbing doesn’t work well on the waxy material, and excessive force can cause more damage to the walls.
When faced with your little artist’s artwork on your clean walls, there’s no need to panic.
Instead, rely on these expert tips for removing crayon marks. These proven methods, including heat treatments and the use of household cleaners, will help you restore your home to its normal state quickly.
How to Remove Crayon Stain from Walls
Method 1: T-Shirt and Iron.
The most effective way to clean crayon stains off walls is to take an old T-shirt and fold it into a thick pad.
Place the pad over the crayon stain mark and set iron to medium heat. Gently run the iron over the pad, applying direct heat.
The crayon will melt and transfer onto the T-shirt, effectively removing the marks from the wall. If you have multiple marks to remove, rotate and refold the T-shirt to always use a clean side against the wall and avoid re-transferring the stains.
Method 2: Hair Dryer.
If the T-shirt and iron method doesn’t completely remove the crayon mark, use a hair dryer to heat the mark and blot away as much as possible with a paper towel.
Avoid scrubbing, as it may further set the mark. This simple technique melts the crayon, making it easier to remove.
Once you’ve removed all the crayons, seal the area by applying two coats of white-pigmented, oil-based sealer, and lightly sanding between coats.
Method 3: Household Cleaners.
If the heat doesn’t work, you can try common household products like baking soda, vinegar, glass cleaner, or toothpaste as a crayon eraser.
Apply a small amount of the chosen product to an old toothbrush and scrub the marked area. Then, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
You may need to try a combination of methods to completely remove the crayon marks. Note that if you have special wall treatments, it’s advisable to test the product in an inconspicuous area first, as certain paints or wallpapers may discolor.
Bonus: How to Remove Permanent Marker from Walls.
Crayon stain isn’t the only material that can damage walls.
For permanent marker scribbles, lightly dab the spot with nail polish remover. Then, rub the area with a liquid deglosser like Oops! or Goof Off.
Once dry, sand the area with 120-grit sandpaper and wipe away the sanding dust. Finally, seal the spot with two coats of white-pigmented, oil-based sealer, sanding between coats.
*The information is for reference only.