How to Remove Crayon Marks

Select the cleaning method that will be the safest and most effective for your surface. If using a liquid cleaner, be sure to test a small, hidden area first to ensure that there will be no damage to the surface. The method below for removing crayon from chalkboards can also be effective for walls and floors.

You Will Need:

• A scraper, such as a plastic spatula or spoon
• An eraser
• Rubber cement
• Mayonnaise
• Baking soda
• Toothpaste
• Shaving cream
• WD-40
• Lighter fluid

Steps to Remove the Crayon:

1. Use a plastic spatula or spoon to gently scrape off the crayon marks. Be careful not to scratch the surface or grind the crayon into the surface.
2. Some types of crayon can be easily removed with an eraser.¹
3. Apply a layer of rubber cement over the crayon mark. Allow the rubber cement to dry and then peel away the rubbery glue and crayon.²
4. Mayonnaise works well to remove crayon from polished wood and vinyl. Dab the mayo onto the crayon with a paper towel and allow the mayo to sit for several minutes. Then, simply wipe away the mayo and crayon.
5. Dab a moist cloth with baking soda and use the paste to clean away the crayon.
6. Place some plain white toothpaste on a dry cloth and gently scrub the area.³
7. Spray shaving cream onto the crayon mark and use a scrub brush or sponge to clean the area.²
8. Spray the crayon marks on wallpaper or porous surfaces, such as concrete, with WD-40 and wipe away the marks.
9. Soak a cloth with lighter fluid and gently rub the crayon marks with the cloth. Be sure to thoroughly wash the cloth afterward, and ventilate the area.⁴

If someone confused a crayon with a piece of colored chalk, use the method below to clean the chalkboard.⁵ This method is also effective for wallpaper and linoleum.⁶

You Will Need:

• An iron
• A hair dryer
• A brown paper bag
• A paper towel

Steps to Remove the Crayon:

1. Set the iron or hair dryer to a low heat level.
2. Hold the paper bag or paper towel over the crayon mark.
3. Rub the warm iron over the paper bag until the crayon melts into the paper.

Don’t cry over crayon marks on your clothing! Select one of the cleaning methods below and your garment will be restored shortly.

You Will Need:

• Shortening
• Vinegar
• WD-40
• Paint thinner

Steps to Remove the Crayon:

1. Rub the crayon marks with plain shortening and launder the garment as usual.³
2. Soak the crayon mark with undiluted vinegar and use a toothbrush to scrub the area before laundering as usual.¹
3. Spray the back of the stained area with WD-40 or paint thinner and allow the stain to soak for several minutes.⁶
4. Spray the front of the stained area with WD-40 or paint thinner.
5. Dab some mild dish soap onto the front of the stain and rub the soap into the garment with your fingers or a toothbrush.
6. Place a paper towel over the front and back of the stained area to absorb the stain and cleaner.
7. Launder the shirt as usual, preferably with hot water if the material allows.

• Plain steel wool (without soap or water) can be used to scrub away crayon.²
• Dry cleaning fluid can be effective at removing crayon stains from wallpaper or upholstery.⁷