Toddlers and young children just love their crayons! Unfortunately, they haven’t mastered the skill of keeping their art confined to a coloring book! Crayon marks can really wreak havoc on certain surfaces…like fabrics and painted walls.

Unless you pay extra for your maid service to try to remove the crayon marks, you will have to try to remove them yourself. Luckily there are a bunch of tips and tricks out there proven to work at removing crayon marks. In fact, there are so many different methods available that it is almost certain you will have materials on hand to start the cleanup right away!

Remove the Mess of Crayon Marks Creatively

One thing to keep in mind before starting the crayon removal is that unless you have access to a cleaning professional or maid service that guarantees their work, always test a small inconspicuous area first. Watch for any discoloration, damage, or paint removal.

• Use toothpaste to remove crayon.  Add a liberal amount of regular toothpaste (not gel) to the crayon marks. Let it set and then wipe away with a wet rag.
• Baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with water) works well to remove the crayon marks. Gently rub the mark and then wash with a damp sponge or rag. You can experiment with the quantity of baking soda used.
• Apply baby oil directly to the area and rub off with a damp sponge or rag.
• Generously glob a bunch of mayonnaise directly to the crayon marks. Scrub in a circular motion and then wipe off with a damp sponge or rag.
• Squirt shaving cream onto the marks of the crayons. Rub it in and wipe off with a damp sponge or rag.
• Turpentine, goo gone, or lighter fluid can be dabbed on with a damp cloth. Wipe into the spot and then clean off with a damp sponge.

• Soak a toothbrush in white vinegar and scrub onto affected area.
• Use a hair dryer to melt the wax of the crayons. Wipe the melted wax with a hot soapy cloth or sponge. A clothing iron is also worth a try, but be sure to use a low setting and no steam. Place a few paper towels or thin cloth between the surface and the iron.
• Try hand lotion in a pinch to rub into the crayon marks.  This works best if done quickly before the marks of the crayons set.
• Make a paste with powdered dishwasher detergent and water and gently scrub the area. Ensure the detergent does not include bleach.
• Cooking spray (non-stick) or hairspray can be used to help remove the crayon marks. Spray it on and wipe it off. If the crayon is on wallpaper, avoid this solution due to potential staining.

Crayon Marks on Wallpaper

If your toddler has taken his crayons to the wallpaper, your strategy for cleanup may be a little different. Wallpaper is sensitive and easily torn, discolored, or damaged.

• Use a dull table knife to first scrape off any excess crayon.
• Use a warm iron and a white paper towel to try to lift the grease. Place the paper towel against the wallpaper and slowly heat the paper towel. The grease from the marks of the crayons should absorb into the paper towel as it melts. This may take several iterations.
• Wipe the spot gently with rubbing alcohol.
• If the wallpaper is of the washable type, use a soapy sponge after you lift the grease.

One Last Chance for Removal

If the above method doesn’t get the crayon marks removed, you can try these steps:

• Magic Sponge Eraser – go gently, you don’t want to rub off any paint.
• Rubbing Alcohol – Saturate part of a cloth then rub.
• Moist Baby Wipe Towelettes—Rub directly on the markings to lift them off.

Your little tot had no idea he was creating such a mess. He likely wanted to create a piece of art for his parents to enjoy. Luckily with all of these cleaning tips, there is no reason to get angry or despair.  Your surfaces will be sparkling clean again in no time without even having to call in a professional maid service.