How To Get Crayon Out of Clothes (3 Easy Methods)

Kids love to unleash their inner artists, creating colorful masterpieces with crayons. But sometimes, they forget to empty their pockets, and those little crayons melt in the dryer, ruining an entire load of clothes.

If this has happened to you, we can totally relate. 

In this article, we show you how to get melted crayons out of clothes and restore them to their former glory with three simple and effective methods. Let's jump right in and tackle those stains head-on!

What you’ll need

• A spoon or butter knife
• A clean white cloth or paper towel
• Iron
• Dish soap
• WD-40
• A soft-bristled brush
• Warm water
• Laundry detergent

{{CTA_BLOCK}}

How to get melted crayon out of clothes

To get melted crayon out of clothes, first allow the crayon to harden, then scrape excess with a butter knife or spoon. Next, apply a small amount of dish soap directly on the melted crayon stain. Rub the soap into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse with warm water.

Read on for more detailed instructions on this method, as well as two other ways to remove melted crayon from clothes.

3 easy ways to get crayon out of clothes fast

There are three common ways to get crayon out of clothes. Follow any of these methods. 

Method 1: Dish soap

We briefly described the dish soap method above. Here is the full rundown. 

Scrape off excess crayon wax

Start by allowing the melted crayon wax to cool and harden. Once it has solidified, carefully use a spoon or a butter knife to gently scrape off as much crayon wax from the clothes as possible. However, be careful not to press too hard or rub the stain further into the cloth fibers.

Pre-treat with dish soap

Wet the stained area with warm water to loosen the crayon wax and make removing it easier. Once the fabric is damp, squirt a small amount of dish soap directly on the stained area. Choose a dish soap that is known for its grease-cutting properties.

Next, use your fingers or a soft brush to work the dish soap into the stained area. Be gentle and work in circular motions to loosen the crayon wax from the fabric fibers.

Soak the clothes in warm water

Fill a sink or basin with warm water. Place the clothes in the water, making sure they’re fully submerged. Allow the garment to soak for 15 to 30 minutes to break down the crayon stain further.

Rinse the clothes and launder them as usual

After the soaking period, rinse the clothes under running water, ensuring all the soap and loosened crayon wax is entirely washed away.

Check the stained area to see if the crayon mark has been removed. If it has, launder the clothes as you usually would. 

However, if the stains are still present, treat the clothes with dish soap until the crayon is no longer visible.

Note that it's essential to remove the stain before using your dryer on the clothes, as the heat can set any remaining crayon residue.

And if you ever find yourself dealing with paint stains on clothes, be sure to visit our article on How To Get Paint Out of Clothes.

Method 2: WD-40

Before you use this method, it’s important to note that WD-40 is an oil-based lubricant, and therefore, it should not be used on delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, or satin, as it may leave behind residue or cause damage.

However, you can effectively use it to remove melted crayons from cotton, polyester, and blended clothes.

Prep the area

Begin by laying the stained clothes on a clean and stable surface. Working on a protective layer like a towel or an old cloth is advisable to prevent any stain transfer on the surface underneath.

Test for color fastness

Apply a small amount of WD-40 on an inconspicuous area of the clothes and blot it with a clean cloth. If it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage, then it’s safe to proceed. However, if it does, use any other methods in this article.

Apply WD-40 and blot

Spray a small amount of WD-40 directly on the melted crayon stain. You can add more WD-40 as needed to ensure the stain is thoroughly treated, but it's essential to avoid excessive spraying that could lead to oversaturation of the fabric.

Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the WD-40 to penetrate the fabric and work on the stain, then gently blot with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing the stain, as it may spread the color further.

Repeat this step if the stain remains after the initial blotting until no melted crayon stain is visible.

Launder as usual

Finally, launder the clothes as usual or follow the care instructions accordingly.

Method 3: Heated iron

A heated iron is another tried-and-true way to remove melted crayon from clothes.

Scrape off excess melted crayon

As always, use either a spoon or a butter knife to scrape off the excess melted crayon wax from the clothes. Be gentle to avoid spreading the stain further.

Place a clean cloth or paper towel

Lay a clean white cloth or a few layers of paper towel over the stained area. This step serves two purposes: protection and absorption.

Placing a cloth or paper towel over the stain creates a barrier between the hot iron and the fabric, preventing direct contact and minimizing the risk of causing damage. Additionally, the clean cloth or paper towel acts as an absorbent material. 

Iron over the stain

Set your iron to a low or medium heat setting without using steam. Then, gently press the iron over the cloth or paper towel covering the melted crayon stain. 

Move the iron in circular motions, applying light pressure. The heat will transfer the melted crayon from the fabric to the cloth.

At intervals, lift the cloth or paper towel to check if the crayon residue is transferring to it. If the cloth becomes saturated, replace it with a fresh one to avoid spreading the stain.

Keep ironing with a fresh cloth until no more crayon residue transfers onto the fabric. Be patient and thorough to ensure the stain is entirely removed.

Launder the clothes

Wash the clothes as usual, following the care instructions on the clothing label. This will help to remove any remaining crayon residue.

What else takes melted crayon out of clothes?

A practical alternative method for removing melted crayon stains from clothes is a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Create a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl. Apply the paste directly to the crayon stain with a soft brush. Leave it for 15-30 minutes and rinse the clothes.

Will crayon come out of clothes after drying?

If the crayon stains are not treated before drying, they can set into the fabric, making removal challenging. However, it’s still possible to remove dried crayon stains with the appropriate stain-removal methods. Pre-treat with rubbing alcohol, dish soap, or WD-40 and gently blot to loosen and lift the residue.

Are crayon stains ever permanent?

Crayon stains are not permanent, but they can be tough to remove. The outcome depends on the fabric type, the color of the crayon, and how quickly the stain is treated. The faster you use the appropriate stain removal methods, the higher your chance of successful removal.

Other tricky stains? No problem

• How to Remove Rust From Clothes Once and For All
• Cold or Hot Water for Stains?

Remove melted crayon stains from clothes with confidence

It's always a good idea to check the pockets of your children’s clothes before tossing them into the washing machine. Removing crayons from pockets can prevent mishaps during the wash and save you from dealing with additional stains. 

As with all types of stain, remember that the sooner you address the crayon stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely. Don't let the stain sit for too long before taking action.

Need help keeping on top of your other house cleaning tasks? 

With Homeaglow, you can easily book an affordable, top-rated cleaner in your area. Read reviews, compare your options, and schedule online in minutes.