How To Get Crayon Off the Wall: Top Tips for When Your Little Picasso Strikes Again
Ah, the joys of parenthood! You take a few moments to step away, and when you come back, you find that your little one has taken it upon themselves to create a masterpiece on your wall using crayons.
Hand over the crayons! Now you’re searching for ways to get crayon off the walls without ruining your paint job.
Don't fret, we've got you covered!
Here are a few easy ways to get crayon off the wall when your little Picasso strikes again. Keep reading to discover the best ways to remove crayon from your walls and keep your home looking pristine.
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Things To Consider Before Cleaning Crayon Off the Wall
You will want to make sure you’ve fully taken stock of the situation before you jump into cleaning your toddler’s family portrait off of the dining room wall.
Here’s what to do before you start scrubbing:
Consider the Wall: Not all walls are created equal when it comes to cleaning; this is especially true when it comes to removing crayon wax from them. Check out this article from Tidy Up Portland! on cleaning flat paint.
High gloss paint
The shiniest, most durable, and very easy to clean
Semi-gloss paint
Shiny, reflective, extremely durable, easy to clean, and resistant to mildew
Satin paint
Velvety sheen and easier to clean than flat and eggshell paints
Eggshell paint
More lustrous and durable than flat paints, and a bit more sensitive to scrubbing
Flat (or Matte)
Least amount of shine, hardest to clean, and is the most easily damaged of all interior paints
Wallpaper
Can usually stand up to harsh chemicals without peeling or fading better than painted walls
Old/Chipping Paint
If your paint is old and chipping already, any vigorous cleaning may damage the paint even more. It may be time to paint over your unwanted masterpiece, rather than scrubbing it off.
Test Your Method: Be sure to test the items in an inconspicuous area of the wall before using them to make sure they won't cause any damage.
Consider Household Products: It is possible to remove crayon marks from walls without using harsh chemicals.
Reach out to Professionals: We understand cleaning crayon off of walls isn’t easy. If you don’t want to resort to using chemicals or have already tried to clean a tough spot, reach out to Tidy Up Portland!
9 Simple Ways To Get Crayon Off a Wall
If you're faced with the daunting task of removing crayon from your walls, fear not. With a few simple tools and some elbow grease, you can restore your walls quickly and easily.
Here are nine simple ways to get crayon off a wall.
#1: Soap and Water
For this method, all you need is a bucket, some dish soap, and warm water.
Apply your mixture to the stained area and scrub with a soft cloth. If the crayon is particularly stubborn, try using a toothbrush. Scrub gently and firmly, making sure not to get the walls soaking wet.
If the crayon doesn’t come off the first time, you may need to repeat the process.
#2: Vinegar
Vinegar is a great natural cleaning agent. You can add vinegar to the soap and water solution above or use undiluted vinegar and clean with a microfiber cloth or soft toothbrush.
If you don't like the smell of vinegar, use some of the soap and water mixture to wash the wall after the crayon is gone, but make sure to do a final rinse with only water to remove any soap still on the wall.
#3: Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild alkali, meaning it naturally breaks down dirt and grime from surfaces, making it perfect for removing crayon from walls.
Make a paste of baking soda and water (3:1 ratio of baking soda to water) and apply it to your wall. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub gently with a damp cloth and let it dry.
You can also use baking soda to remove crayon from other surfaces, such as clothing or furniture. Just make sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first, as different walls and paints will respond differently to baking soda.
#4: Toothpaste
Toothpaste is a great cleaning agent because it is mild and non-abrasive. The gentle abrasive action of toothpaste helps to remove dirt and grime without damaging surfaces.
It is also effective at removing crayon from walls because it, like baking soda, is slightly alkaline, which helps to break down the wax in crayons.
Start by squeezing a small amount of white toothpaste onto the crayon-stained wall. Use a soft cloth or toothbrush to apply the toothpaste to the wall and rub gently in a circular motion.
If the crayon is particularly stubborn, let the toothpaste sit on the wall for a few minutes before scrubbing. Once the crayon is gone, wipe the wall clean with a damp cloth.
#5: Mayonnaise
This may sound strange, but a bit of mayonnaise can help to remove crayon from walls.
Mayonnaise contains oils and fats that can help to break down and remove tough stains from walls. The oils help to break down and separate the crayon from the wall while the fats help to lubricate and dissolve the wax. The acids in the mayonnaise also help to neutralize and remove stains.
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the crayon and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then use a damp cloth to wipe away the mayonnaise and crayon. If the crayon is stubborn, you can use a soft toothbrush to scrub the wall. Rinse the wall with warm water afterward to remove any mayonnaise residue.
#6: WD-40
WD-40 is a great way to get crayon off of walls because it's designed to penetrate and dissolve tough residues, like crayon. It won't damage most paint and will quickly and effectively remove the crayon. Plus, it's easy to use, doesn't require any scrubbing, and leaves no residue behind.
Spray the crayon-stained area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then use a cloth to wipe away the crayon. When you're done, use a damp cloth to wipe the area clean.
Be sure to test the WD-40 on a small area of the wall first to make sure it won't cause any damage.
#7: Rubber Erasers
It turns out that rubber erasers can erase more than just pencil on paper. Erasers use abrasion to detach and absorb the pigment of the crayon, allowing it to be wiped away easily.
Rub the eraser on the wall in a gentle circular motion over the crayon. Then wipe the eraser and crayon residue off with a damp cloth.
If the crayon doesn't come off with the eraser, you may need to try another method. If you don't have a full-size rubber eraser, you can also try using a pencil eraser.
#8: Eraser Sponges
Eraser sponges are cleaning sponges made from a combination of foam and special abrasive material. If all else fails, these products are designed specifically for tough jobs, like getting crayon off your wall.
Just dab the sponge onto the crayon and it should come off easily. If the crayon doesn’t come off with a single dab, you may need to scrub a bit harder (but make sure you test on a small area of the wall before you rub too vigorously).
You may also want to wet the sponge before scrubbing the crayon, as this will help to soften the crayon and make it easier to remove.
#9: Steel Wool
Though steel wool isn’t ideal for cleaning your painted walls, it may be okay to use on wallpaper.
Use a piece of steel wool to gently scrub away the crayon. Be sure to use the finest grade of steel wool available and apply light pressure to avoid damaging the wall. You may want to wear gloves to protect your hands.
Once the crayon has been removed from the wall, use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue.
Tidy Up Portland! Will Scrub Your Walls and Anything Else You Need Cleaned
If you don't have the time to do the job yourself, or if you don't feel comfortable tackling the job, you can always call in the professionals.
Tidy Up Portland! offers a variety of cleaning services, from scrubbing walls to deep cleaning your entire home.
They use professional-grade tools and eco-friendly products, so you can rest assured that your walls will be left sparkling clean and crayon free! Check out all of the services Tidy Up Portland! has to offer.
