How to Remove Crayon from a Wall Without Damaging the Paint
If your little Picasso used your beautifully painted walls as their art canvas, don't fret—we're sharing how to remove crayon from a wall.
If you have young children, you (and your interior design) have likely been victim to an unsolicited crayon mural canvassing your painted walls. Whether you're dealing with just a few scribbles or a full-blown Twombly-inspired creation, cleaning crayon off a wall is a tricky endeavor. The waxy material doesn't respond well to scrubbing, and too much force can further mar your walls. If you're desperately wondering how to remove crayon from a wall, rest assured that it's entirely possible to restore your home to its usual appearance with these proven methods. And when you're finished, consider investing in an easel for your budding artist to prevent future wall art creations.
Related: How to Clean Walls to Remove Scuffs and Stains
How to Remove Crayon From a Wall
Cleaning crayon marks off your walls may seem like a task even Mr. Clean can't tackle, but there are three proven methods to try before you start cursing Picasso. We've tested how to remove crayon from a wall three different ways, and you likely have everything needed to do so on hand in your own home. Do note you may need to try a combination of methods to remove the marks entirely, so don't be discouraged if one alone doesn't work.
Melt Marks With a T-Shirt and Iron
When determining how to remove crayon from a wall, we found the most effective method is to use a t-shirt and iron.
Set an iron at medium heat. While waiting for the iron to heat up, fold an old t-shirt to create a pad that's several layers thick.
Place the folded t-shirt over the mark(s). Gently press the iron to the shirt and repeatedly swipe it over the material. The direct heat from the iron will melt the crayon and transfer the marks from the wall onto the shirt.
If you have several marks to remove, rotate and refold the t-shirt so you're always putting clean material against the wall. Otherwise, you might transfer the stains back onto the wall.
Heat It With a Hairdryer
If the t-shirt and iron trick doesn't remove the waxy substance entirely and you're desperately thinking the question of how to remove crayon from a wall is a lost cause, don't fret quite yet. There's another heat method to try with a hairdryer.
Heat the crayon mark(s) with a hairdryer.
Blot the wax as much as possible with a paper towel. Don't scrub—this usually sets the crayon even further.
Once you've removed all the crayon, seal the area with two coats of white-pigmented, oil-base sealer, sanding lightly between coats.
Wipe the Wax With Household Cleaners
If the heat methods don't help, try everyday household products—think baking soda, vinegar, glass cleaner, or toothpaste—to remove the crayon.
Apply a small amount of product to a toothbrush and gently scrub the spot.
Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
Tip
If you have fancy wall treatments, test the product in an inconspicuous area before attacking the crayon marks. Certain paints or wallpapers may discolor.
How to Remove Permanent Marker From a Wall
Crayon isn't the only drawing tool known to damage walls. If your kiddo took creative liberties with a permanent marker, there's a solution for removing those types of scribbles too.
Lightly dab the permanent marker streaks with nail polish remover.
Rub the area with a liquid deglosser, such as Oops! or Goof Off.
When dry, sand the wall with 120-grit sandpaper, then wipe away the dust.
Seal the spot with two coats of white-pigmented, oil-base sealer, sanding between coats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to remove crayon from a wall that's been painted?
There are several ways to remove crayon from a painted wall, the best of which involve heat. Use a hairdryer to melt the wax, then blot it with a paper towel, or use an old t-shirt and an iron to heat up the crayon and transfer it to the t-shirt.
Are crayon marks on walls permanent?
No, crayon marks on a wall are not permanent. You can use heat to loosen the wax or household cleaners to wipe it away. Oftentimes you may need to use a combination of methods to completely remove the crayon.
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