How to Remove Crayon from Fabric: A Comprehensive Guide

As a parent, or someone who is around children frequently, finding crayon marks on clothes and other fabric is almost inevitable. But, fear not. We’ve got your back with a detailed guide on how to remove crayon marks from fabric. This guide will show you how to tackle even the most stubborn crayon stains with ease.

Here’s How to Remove Crayon from Fabric

Finding crayon scribbles on your favorite shirt or your child’s school uniform is not a reason for despair. Here are the steps for you removing crayon marks and stains, from mild crayon marks to those tough stains caused by melted crayon:

1. Begin by scraping off the Excess Crayon, For this, you need a dull knife. Use a dull knife or a butter knife to gently scrape off as much crayon as you can from the fabric. This will make the stain removal process much easier.
2. Apply Dish Soap Apply liquid dish soap or even dish soap directly to the crayon stain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. The soap works to break down the wax and pigment components of the crayon.
3. Scrub the Stain Using an old toothbrush or a clean white cloth, gently scrub the stained area in a circular motion. Be careful not to push the crayon deeper into the fabric fibers.
4. Rinse with Warm Water Rinse the area under warm water to remove the soap and loosened crayon residue.
5. Launder as Usual If the stain remains, apply your preferred stain remover and machine wash on the heavy soil setting using the warmest water appropriate for the fabric.

It’s also important to take paper towel to check the stained area before placing it in the dryer. Heat can set the stain, so if the crayon marks are still visible, repeat the process. Once the stain is gone, you can dry as usual.

Dealing with Melted Crayon

Knowing how to remove melted crayon is essential, especially if crayons have accidentally gone through hot water during a wash cycle. In such a case, you might not just have to remove crayon stains from one piece of clothing but an entire load.

1. Freeze the Stained Clothes Place your stained clothes in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer for at least an hour. This will harden the melted crayon, making it easier to scrape off.
2. Scrape off the Frozen Crayon Use a dull knife to scrape off as much of the hardened crayon as possible.
3. Use WD-40 WD-40 works great for removing crayon stains. Spray a small amount on the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, gently scrub the stain with an old toothbrush.
4. Apply Dish Soap and Rinse Apply liquid dish soap to the treated area and rinse with warm water. The soap will help to remove any remaining crayon and WD-40 residue.
5. Wash as Usual Machine wash the clothes on a heavy soil setting with warm water and laundry detergent. If the stain remains after washing, you can also apply a dry cleaning solvent before repeating the washing process. Be sure to do a spot test first to ensure the solvent won’t damage the fabric.

Expert Tips for Removing Crayon Stains

Here are some extra tips for dealing with those persistent crayon stains:

• For stubborn stains, consider using a paste made from baking soda and water. This can be especially effective at removing crayon marks from white clothes.
• If the crayon stain is still visible after washing, try soaking the fabric in a solution of oxygen based bleach and warm water before washing again. Oxygen bleach is a safe and effective choice for most fabrics, though it’s always a good idea to do a spot test first.
• For colored clothing, opt for color-safe bleach.
• Another option is to mix equal parts white vinegar and dish soap and apply this mixture to the stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes before washing.
• As an alternative to dish soap, a mixture of laundry detergent and warm water can be effective at removing crayon stains.

How to Get Melted Crayon Out of the Dryer

If you’ve had the misfortune of finding crayon in your dryer drum, removing it from washing machine is crucial to avoid having the crayon stain your next load of laundry. Here’s how to remove melted crayon from the dryer:

1. Remove as Much Crayon as Possible First, you should try to remove as much crayon as possible. Using a plastic scraper or a dull knife, carefully scrape off any visible crayon.
2. Use a Cleaning Solution Next, make a cleaning solution using liquid dish soap, warm water, and a little baking soda. Apply the mixture to a cloth or sponge.
3. Wipe Down the Dryer Drum Wipe down the inside of the dryer drum with the damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn crayon marks, you may need to apply some elbow grease.
4. Apply WD-40 If the stain remains, spray some WD-40 onto a clean cloth and scrub the stain until it’s gone. Remember to wipe the area with soapy water afterward to remove any residue.
5. Dry the Drum Finally, let the dryer drum air dry before using it again. You could also toss in some old towels and run a drying cycle to help remove any remaining crayon residue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

There you have it – your comprehensive guide on how to remove crayon from paper towels and fabric. From crayon stains to melted crayon nightmares, we’ve covered it all. With a little patience and the right cleaning materials, those stains will be a thing of the past.

Remember kids, when dealing with crayon stains, acting quickly can make the stain removal process easier. So, the next time your three kids decide to turn their white shirts into a canvas, you’ll know exactly what to do!