How to Remove Crayon Stains From Walls

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (18 Ratings)

If your kids have taken to demonstrating their creativity by putting crayon to wall, gently take them aside, explain the joys of paper, apologize for having to erase their masterpieces, and follow these steps for a clean wall.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Dishwashing Liquid
  • Lighter Fluid
  • Cleaning Cloths
  • Irons
  • Soap-base Crayons
  • Sponges
  • Spot Remover
  • Liquid Cleansers
  • Old Toothbrushes
  • Paper Towel Rolls

Step1
Spray or wipe affected area with lighter fluid or a commercial spot remover solvent.
Step2
Brush sprayed area gently with a toothbrush.
Step3
Blot away remains with a cleaning cloth.
Step4
Spray and wipe away last remains of the crayon and lighter fluid with a liquid cleanser.

Tips & Warnings

  • For marks on wallpaper, try the above procedure on an inconspicuous area of the wall first to test for colorfastness. For vinyl wallpaper, scrub gently with dishwashing liquid and a sponge.
  • If the above proves ineffective on your wall or harmful to your wallpaper, hold some white paper-towels over the affected area and press with a warm iron until marks are absorbed into the towels.
  • If all else fails, you may have to repatch or repaint your wall.
  • To prevent your little Van Goghs from staining walls with their pictures in the future, may we suggest soap-base crayons for easier removal?
  • Exercise caution when using lighter fluid - keep away from flames and out of reach of children.

Comments

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on 6/28/2008 WD-40 is like MAGIC! Spray some on a sturdy paper towel and it will dissolve the crayon with very little pressure, preserving the paint. Then just take a damp (water) paper towel to wipe away whatever is left.

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on 11/8/2007 For removing stubborn crayon stains from washable clothing use WD-40. I just found this out because it was the correct answer on Who Wants to be a Millionaire. See..you CAN learn thns from TV!

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on 11/8/2007 For removing stubborn crayon stains from washable clothing use WD-40. I just found this out because it was the correct answer on Who Wants to be a Millionaire. See..you CAN learn thns from TV!

nwassef said

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on 9/15/2007 Removing crayons from a painted wall: I tried the baking soda mix and it did not work. I tried the hand lotion thing and it did not work either. What really worked was heating the surface with the blow dryer for 30 seconds and then wiping the crayon stain off with a scrub damped in soapy water. I had to wipe it off again with a cloth damped in water to remove the soap from the wall. It worked so perfectly!

Pitten said

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on 5/9/2007 How ato remove crayon stains from walls - I use Orange Glow. It has the same oil consistancy of WD-40 but with a much better smell. Afterwards I rewiped the walls with my favorite cleaner to get the excess oil off. This tool me all of 5 minutes for a 17 x 13 room.

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eHow Article:  How to Remove Crayon Stains From Walls

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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