Wax crayon doodles on walls are a common problem, especially in homes with young children. While these artistic expressions may be endearing, they can leave unsightly stains on your walls. Removing crayon marks might seem challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, you can easily restore your walls without damaging the paint or finish. This guide offers various methods, from everyday household items like vinegar and baking soda to specialized cleaning products, to help you effectively erase crayon stains and keep your walls looking clean and fresh.
1. Gather Your Materials:
White vinegar
Baking soda
Dish soap
Rubbing alcohol
Paper towels or cloths
Non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth
Water
2. Test a Small Area:
Before applying any cleaning solution, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the wall to ensure it doesn't damage or discolor the paint.
3. Use White Vinegar:
Apply Vinegar: Soak a soft cloth or sponge in white vinegar.
Gently Wipe: Rub the cloth over the crayon marks in a circular motion. Vinegar can help break down the wax and lift the stain.
Wipe Clean: Use a damp cloth to wipe the area clean, removing any residue left by the vinegar.
4. Try Baking Soda:
Create a Paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste.
Apply Paste: Apply the paste to the crayon stains using a soft cloth or sponge.
Scrub Gently: Gently scrub the area in a circular motion. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can help lift the wax without damaging the wall.
Wipe Clean: Rinse the area with a damp cloth and wipe away any remaining paste.
5. Use Dish Soap and Water:
Mix Solution: Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of warm water.
Apply Solution: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the crayon marks.
Rinse and Wipe: Rinse the area with clean water and wipe away any soap residue.
6. Try Rubbing Alcohol:
Apply Alcohol: Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol.
Wipe the Stain: Gently rub the crayon marks with the alcohol-soaked cloth. Alcohol helps dissolve the wax.
Clean the Area: Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any leftover alcohol and crayon residue.
7. Rinse and Dry:
Rinse the Wall: After cleaning, use a clean, damp cloth to rinse the area and remove any remaining cleaning solution.
Dry Thoroughly: Pat the wall dry with a clean towel to prevent water damage.
8. Touch Up Paint (if needed):
Assess the Wall: After cleaning, check if the wall needs any touch-up paint.
Apply Paint: If necessary, use matching paint to cover any areas that may have been affected during cleaning.
9. Use a Magic Eraser:
Magic Eraser: A melamine foam-based product like the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can work wonders on crayon stains.
Wet the Eraser: Dampen the eraser with water and gently scrub the crayon marks.
Wipe Clean: After scrubbing, wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
10. Hair Dryer Method:
Heat the Crayon Wax: Use a hair dryer on a low to medium heat setting to warm up the crayon wax on the wall.
Wipe Away: Once the wax is softened, wipe it away with a paper towel or soft cloth.
Clean Residue: Use a mild soap and water solution to remove any leftover residue.
11. Mayonnaise or Cooking Oil:
Apply a Small Amount: Dab a bit of mayonnaise or cooking oil onto the crayon marks. These oils can help break down the wax.
Let Sit for a Few Minutes: Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes.
Wipe Off: Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the area clean. Be sure to clean off any oil residue with a soapy cloth afterward.
12. WD-40:
Spray on Stains: Spray a small amount of WD-40 directly on the crayon marks.
Wipe Away: Use a cloth to gently wipe the crayon off the wall.
Clean the Surface: Wipe down the area afterward with soap and water to remove any greasy residue from the WD-40.
13. Toothpaste (Non-Gel):
Apply Toothpaste: Use a small amount of non-gel toothpaste directly on the crayon marks.
Scrub Gently: Use a soft cloth or an old toothbrush to scrub the area gently.
Wipe Clean: Rinse with a damp cloth to remove the toothpaste and crayon residue.
14. Baby Wipes:
Quick Fix: For lighter crayon marks, baby wipes can sometimes work effectively due to their mild cleaning agents.
Gently Rub: Use a baby wipe to rub the crayon stain until it disappears.
15. Commercial Degreaser:
Use a Cleaner Like Goo Gone: A product like Goo Gone, which is a commercial degreaser, can help remove crayon wax.
Apply and Wipe: Apply a small amount to the crayon marks, let it sit briefly, and wipe it away with a cloth.
16. Dry-Cleaning Sponge:
Use a Dry-Cleaning Sponge: Available in cleaning supply stores, a dry-cleaning sponge (or chemical sponge) can help lift crayon marks off walls without the need for water or chemicals.
17. Cornstarch Paste:
Make a Cornstarch Paste: Mix cornstarch with water to form a paste.
Apply to Stain: Apply it to the crayon marks and let it sit for a few minutes.
Scrub and Clean: Gently scrub and wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
Getting rid of wax crayon doodle stains from your walls is simpler than it might appear with the right approach. From common household items like baking soda and vinegar to specialized products such as Magic Erasers or WD-40, there are several effective solutions available. The key is to use gentle cleaning techniques to avoid damaging the paint or surface. With patience and the appropriate method for your wall type, you can successfully restore your walls to their original condition, keeping your home clean and free of unwanted crayon marks.