4 Reliable Ways to Get Crayon Off Your Wall

Children will use any surface as their canvas — including your walls. Don’t despair, crayon can be removed from walls. We explain how to get it off in this step-by-step guide. And we debunk some crayon removal methods you may have seen elsewhere.  

If you’d like any help keeping your walls and home clean (and crayon-free), Homeaglow is available to lend a hand. Book a professional, affordable cleaner with Homeaglow.

Popular cleaning tips that don’t remove crayon from walls

Before we talk about the cleaning methods that do work, let’s bust some misconceptions about removing crayons from walls. 

Using a dryer sheet

Dryer sheets are touted as an effective crayon removal technique, but they do little in reality, even when dampened. Since dryer sheets are neither inexpensive nor chemical-free, we advise avoiding them for crayon removal.

Using vinegar solution and toothbrush

Like dryer sheets, vinegar and water aren’t effective for crayon stain removal from walls. The level of abrasion required is also likely to damage your paint. Even though vinegar is a fantastic cleaner in other parts of the house, it doesn't remove crayons from surfaces very well.

How to get crayon off a painted wall without removing paint

Cleaning walls to remove crayon marks is no one’s favorite chore. However, it can become essential as your child's canvas grows to include your painted walls. To keep your walls intact, try these crayon stain cleanup techniques that don't remove wall paint. For extra tips, read our mini-guide on cleaning walls without removing paint.

Method 1. Using an old t-shirt and heated iron

The first method for removing crayon marks from walls involves folding an old t-shirt into a thick pad and placing it over the stain. After that, press a medium-heat iron over the pad. The crayon is melted by direct heat, which causes the marks to be lifted off the wall and into the t-shirt. If there are multiple stains to get rid of, turn the shirt over and refold it so the clean side is constantly up against the wall. If not, you risk spreading the spots again.

Method 2. Using a hair dryer

if the t-shirt and iron method doesn't altogether remove it, try heating the crayon mark with a hair dryer. Heat the mark with a hairdryer and blot with a paper towel. Dab carefully to avoid adding more ink to the mark. This simple technique melts the crayon, making it easy to remove from the wall. 

Method 3. Using dishwashing soap and microfibre cloth

This method involves a bowl of warm water, dishwashing soap, and a dry microfiber cloth. A microfiber cloth is preferable to a paper towel because it has longer threads that help remove stains more quickly and thoroughly without leaving any residue.

First, soak a piece of microfiber cloth in warm water. Be sure to avoid using hot water. Then squirt a little dish soap on top of it. With the damp towel, begin to rub the crayon stain carefully. Remember that rubbing too vigorously or getting the wall overly moist will cause the paint on your wall to fade or come off. Take your time and rub slowly to get the mark off. Make sure to periodically rinse the cloth to prevent the stain from spreading.

Method 4. Using WD40 or Goo Gone

WD-40 spray and Goo Gone can remove grease, crayon marks, super glue, gum, and stickers because of their ability to break down oil.

For WD-40 spray, spray some on the stain and let it sit for about an hour. Next, take a paper towel, lightly mist it with some WD-40 cleaning solution, and carefully wipe the spot. Afterward, clean the wall with soap and water to remove the grease left behind. 

Whereas, for Goo Gone, pour a sizable amount onto a microfiber cloth. After that, gently rub the affected area to ensure the paint is not damaged. Next, use soapy water to clean the greasy residue from the wall. Then use a different microfiber towel to clean it properly.

Always be gentle when carrying out any of these cleaning methods, and avoid spraying the Goo Gone adhesive remover directly on the stained wall.

How to get crayon off your wall with baking soda

This solution is considerably more abrasive than the previously listed methods, which helps it remove stubborn crayon stains. As always, try the baking soda in a small area to ensure it won't impact your paint or wallpaper.

Step 1. Prep the baking soda

Start by adding a little amount of baking soda to a bowl. A few tablespoons should be sufficient. Then, add water to the bowl and stir to make a paste.

Step 2. Clean the crayon

Spread the baking powder mixture onto the crayon mark with a wet towel. To maintain a paste-like consistency, feel free to change the water-to-baking soda ratio as needed. Next, carefully scrub the crayon marks to get them off.

Step 3. Remove excesses

Use another clean, wet rag to remove any lingering baking soda once the crayon mark has been removed. Finally, use a paper towel or dry rag to complete the job.

How to get crayon off a wall with mayonnaise

Although it is an unusual technique, mayonnaise can also remove crayon stains from painted surfaces. We advise using full-fat mayonnaise since the more significant oil content helps dissolve and remove crayon wax. However, as with any other cleaning product, test it in an inconspicuous area because the oil could stain your paint or wallpaper.

Step 1. Scoop and spread the mayo

Scoop out some mayo with your finger, then spread it over the crayon mark. Make sure it completely covers the mark by rubbing it in for a few seconds and then let the mayo sit for a few minutes.

Step 2. Wipe with a moist towel

Use a moist towel to clean the area after the mayo has had time to set. Then, wipe it with soap and water to remove any greasy residue left behind.

Get crayon off your walls in no time

Dishwashing soap and a microfibre cloth are the easiest and safest way to get crayon off your wall. You can also try using WD-40, Goo Gone, baking soda, or even mayonnaise.

If you need help keeping your walls or home clean, Homeaglow is always ready to assist. Find and hire the right cleaner online now.