Let’s face it, kids will be kids! And, like it or not, scribbling on the walls is a rite of passage that all kids go through. It happens. Your little artist will power through his drawing books in no time, and continue his creative pursuits on the couch, floor, and then the walls. When it’s your adorable nephew or niece who has turned the home into their own masterpiece of art, you can laugh over it and find it cute—but what happens when it’s your own little in-house Picasso? Still adorable, if you have ways and means of erasing the artwork in a jiffy!
So, how do you get those squiggles and wiggles off the wall? We’ve got time-tested and proven cleaning tips to help you do just that! Don’t start tearing your hair just yet. If you have little ones at home, then this article is for you!
Crayons on the Wall
Has your tiny tot turned your walls into a sketchbook? One look at that angelic smile, and your heart just melts! Take a quick picture (you want to preserve these memories, don’t you?) and then get down to removing those stains without leaving even the tiniest trace.
Here’s how.
Option 1: With Baking Soda
1. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into warm water and squeeze dry.
2. Now dip the damp cloth into baking soda and scrub the marks very lightly.
3. For tougher stains, make a thick paste with baking soda and water, and scrub the marks in soft circular motions.
Note: Never scrub too hard, or you’ll be taking off more than just the crayon!
Option 2: With Toothpaste
1. Squirt some toothpaste (not the gel kind) onto an old toothbrush and scrub the marks gently.
2. Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.
3. Repeat as many times as needed till the wall is clean. Toothpaste contains tiny abrasives that will gently rub away the crayon.
Option 3: Try an Eraser
1. This is perhaps the simplest hack. Using an ink eraser (which is a little harder than a pencil eraser), rub at the crayon marks using a light hand.
2. Once most of the marks are removed, wipe the whole area with a damp microfiber cloth and leave to dry.
Option 4: Use WD 40
1. Spray WD 40 on the marks on the wall, and let it soak in for about ten minutes. WD 40 works like magic to dissolve the wax and will not damage the wall. However, to be on the safe side, test it on a small portion of the wall before you go all in!
2. Wipe off with a clean rag.
Note: WD 40 is a readily available all-purpose de-greaser, which you can buy off Amazon. If you don’t have it, try white vinegar and use the same method.
Crayons on the Couch
Oh, oh. Leave your child alone on the couch with a box of crayons and a sheet of paper, and it won’t be long before the paper is discarded and the couch becomes a work of art! While you might think these stains will never go, there’s hope yet.
Here’s what you must do.
1. If the crayon mark has set already, place an ice gel pack (or an ice cube wrapped in a towel; you don’t want the couch to become wet) on the stain and harden it.
2. Scrape as much of the crayon off as possible using a butter knife.
3. Next, place a square of butter paper on the stain, and use an iron on low heat over the paper. As crayons are made of wax, larger bits will melt and transfer to the butter paper.
4. Spray WD-40 on what’s left of the stain. If you don’t have it, use white vinegar. Allow it to sit for about ten minutes.
5. Scrub with an old toothbrush and then wipe with a clean cloth.
6. Repeat several times, till the stain is gone.
7. Apply liquid soap on the spot and rinse off with a clean, dry cloth.
8. Allow the surface to air dry.
Crayon on Clothes
When your little one is engrossed in messy flights of fancy, it’s not surprising that there will be tell-tale crayon marks on her clothes as well! You can follow Steps 1 through 7 above, and then wash the garment on the soak setting, adding a capful of stain remover and warm water.
Crayons on the Table
Has your table been converted into an easel? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
If your table has a laminate top, then you’re in luck. Just a bit of elbow grease, along with liquid soap and warm water, will get those stains right off.
But if your table has a wooden surface, any chemical cleaner will strip the surface finish, and harsh scouring will scratch the top. Liquid organic cleaners like vinegar are best, and here’s how you use them:
1. Wet a tissue with diluted vinegar and place it on the stain. Let it sit for about ten minutes.
2. The wax from the crayon will dissolve in the vinegar and you can just lift it off.
3. Repeat as many times as needed till the stain is removed.
4. Note: Never use heat on a wooden surface, and don’t use a knife to scrape the crayon off.
Never curb your child’s creativity—today’s nonsensical doodles on the wall could be the precursor to mind-boggling genius in the years ahead! But don’t get stressed, either. For more cleaning hacks and how-tos, subscribe to the HomeLane blog!
