How to Remove Crayon From Wood Doors

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Things You'll Need

  • Plastic spoon

  • Toothpaste

  • Cloths

  • Vinegar or rubbing alcohol

Remove crayon without damaging wood.

Crayons seem like a harmless art supply until the marks move from the paper and onto other household surfaces, such as wood doors. Unlike other stains, the age of the crayon marks has no bearing on the ease of cleanup. This is a benefit since crayon marks are often made by children so they sit under the eye level of adults, which results in them not always being noticed right away. Remove the crayons without ruining the wood or its finish and return your door to its former pristine condition.

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Step 1

Scrape the excess crayon wax off the door with your fingernail or a plastic spoon. Avoid using hard or sharp items to scrape, as these can remove the finish or mar the door.

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Step 2

Rub a non-gel toothpaste onto the crayon mark with your fingertips. Coat the entire crayon mark with the toothpaste.

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Step 3

Moisten a cloth then wring out the excess water so it is barely damp. Scrub the toothpaste into the crayon mark with the cloth. Add more toothpaste as necessary and continue to scrub until the mark is gone.

Step 4

Rinse the cloth in clean water then wring out the excess. Wipe the toothpaste from the door with the cloth. Rinse and wipe again if necessary until all the toothpaste is gone.

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Step 5

Dip a second cloth into white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Wipe the vinegar or alcohol over the crayon mark to remove any remaining grease or wax residue from the wood.

Tip

The vinegar or alcohol may dull the door slightly. Wipe the whole door down with a furniture polish to return an even sheen to the entire surface after cleaning.

Warning

Always test any cleaning product on a hidden area of the door first to ensure that no damage is done.

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