4 Best Ways to Get Crayon Off The Walls

Discovering that your child has turned one of your walls into a crayon-covered mural is never a pleasant experience. This unfortunate issue is common enough that many parents have already been through this rite of passage. They have struggled with the crayon removal process before finally finding a solution that works. The good news is that you can learn from their trials and errors.

You may assume that you would need to go through the messy, labor-intensive process of painting over the crayon marks. However, this is not usually the easiest or the most effective solution. While waxy crayon marks may seem to be stuck permanently on your walls, this is not actually the case. In fact, there are several solutions that can easily remove all traces of the crayon marks and deliver the pristine results that you need.

• Removing Crayon Marks from Walls with White Vinegar

The acetic acid in white vinegar can decompose the crayon pigment and wax quickly. However, before splashing the crayon marks with white vinegar, you should understand that this removal method is not safe or effective for cleaning all types of wall surfaces. Whether you decide to use white vinegar or any other products or solutions mentioned here, you must always test a small area before applying to the entire area of concern to avoid causing damage.

To use the white vinegar method for crayon mark removal, dilute the vinegar with warm water in a small bowl. Dip the bristles of a clean toothbrush in the solution. Gently yet firmly scrub the crayon marks with the toothbrush and the vinegar solution. Once all of the crayons are removed, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any remaining vinegar and crayon remnants.

• Using Baking Soda to Remove Crayon Marks

Both baking soda and baking soda products, such as non-gel toothpaste, can be used to fully remove crayon marks from drywall. If you choose to use plain baking soda, mix enough water with the baking soda so that it makes a thick paste. Using your clean toothbrush or a clean, damp rag, rub the baking soda paste onto the crayon marks. If you use a baking soda toothpaste product as an alternative, you will use the same process. As is the case with the white vinegar method, you must rinse off the work area and dry it thoroughly after you have finished scrubbing off the crayon.

• Exploring Some of the Alternative Solutions to Remove Crayon Marks

Have you not seen the desired results after testing a small area of the wall using both the white vinegar method and the baking soda method? While one of these methods will work well for most situations, you may be dismayed to discover that your walls require a different strategy. For some people, using a standard pencil eraser or an artist’s gum eraser to gently wipe away the crayon works well. If you use this method on paint or wallpaper, you must work gently so that you do not damage the surface of the wall with unnecessary pressure.

A few other products have worked well for some people. For example, the oils in mayonnaise, hand lotion, and peanut butter could do the trick. Foaming shaving cream could also be a smart alternative. Avoid using gel-based shaving products. Keep in mind that many of these products are oil-based. The oil could absorb into some types of wallpaper and painted surfaces, and it may be difficult to remove.

• Using Heat to Deal with Crayon Marks on Walls

If you are concerned about damaging your paint or wallpaper with the application of any of these ingredients, one final solution is available. To prepare for this method, mix a bowl of very hot water with a few drops of liquid dish soap. Then, turn a hair blow dryer on the lowest setting.

Point the hot air at the waxy crayon marks. Once the crayon wax is warm enough that it begins to melt, use a clean cloth dipped in the soapy water to wipe away the wax. You may need to repeat this process several times. Be sure to keep the hairdryer away from the water. After the wax is completely removed, use another clean cloth to dry off the surface area.

With many crayon-removing products available in your pantry or cabinet today, you may have at least one or two products in your possession and available for you to use right now. In the rare event that you cannot remove the crayon marks on your own through any of these methods, you can consult with a professional cleaning or painting company for further assistance.