How to Get Crayon Out of Clothes: A Comprehensive Guide

Discovering crayon marks on your clothes can be frustrating, especially if they’ve been through the dryer. But don’t despair! This comprehensive guide will walk you through several effective methods to remove crayon stains from various fabrics and prevent further damage.

Understanding Crayon Stains

Crayon consists primarily of wax and pigment. When heated (like in a dryer), the wax melts and deeply penetrates fabric fibers, making the stain more difficult to remove. The key to successful crayon removal is to act quickly and use the right techniques.

Immediate Actions to Take

  • Act Fast: The sooner you address the stain, the easier it will be to remove.
  • Avoid the Dryer: Heat sets the stain, making it nearly impossible to remove completely. If you suspect a crayon stain, do not put the garment in the dryer until you’ve treated it.
  • Identify the Fabric: Different fabrics require different cleaning methods. Check the garment’s care label for specific instructions.

Method 1: Scraping and Ironing

This method is effective for removing wax from many types of fabric.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Dull knife or spoon
  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • Paper towels or clean cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Scrape off Excess Wax: Gently scrape away as much crayon as possible using a dull knife or spoon. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
  2. Place on Ironing Board: Lay the stained garment flat on the ironing board with the stained side facing up.
  3. Cover with Paper Towels: Place a few layers of paper towels or a clean cloth over the crayon stain. This will absorb the melted wax.
  4. Iron on Low Heat: Set your iron to a low setting (without steam). Iron over the paper towels, applying gentle pressure. The heat will melt the crayon wax, which will then be absorbed by the paper towels.
  5. Replace Paper Towels: As the paper towels become saturated with wax, replace them with clean ones. Continue ironing until no more wax is transferred to the paper towels.
  6. Launder as Usual: Once the wax is removed, launder the garment as usual, following the care label instructions.

Method 2: Dish Soap and Warm Water

This method works well for removing residual pigment and grease.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Dish soap (grease-fighting)
  • Warm water
  • Soft-bristled brush or sponge
  • Clean cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Pre-treat the Stain: Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the crayon stain.
  2. Gently Rub: Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently rub the dish soap into the stain. Work in a circular motion.
  3. Let it Sit: Allow the dish soap to sit on the stain for about 15-30 minutes.
  4. Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse the treated area thoroughly with warm water.
  5. Check for Stain Removal: If the stain is still visible, repeat the process.
  6. Launder as Usual: Once the stain is removed, launder the garment as usual.

Method 3: Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda can help absorb grease and lift the remaining stain.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Clean cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Make a Paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
  2. Apply the Paste: Apply the baking soda paste to the crayon stain.
  3. Let it Dry: Allow the paste to dry completely. This may take several hours.
  4. Brush Away: Once the paste is dry, brush it away with a clean, dry cloth.
  5. Launder as Usual: Launder the garment as usual.

Method 4: Using a Commercial Stain Remover

If the above methods don’t completely remove the stain, consider using a commercial stain remover.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Commercial stain remover (specifically designed for wax or grease)
  • Clean cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before applying the stain remover to the entire stain, test it on a small, hidden area of the garment to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
  2. Apply Stain Remover: Follow the instructions on the stain remover bottle. Typically, you will apply the stain remover directly to the crayon stain.
  3. Let it Sit: Allow the stain remover to sit on the stain for the recommended amount of time.
  4. Launder as Usual: Launder the garment as usual.

Tips for Preventing Crayon Stains

  • Supervise Children: Keep an eye on children when they are using crayons to prevent them from marking clothes or furniture.
  • Store Crayons Properly: Store crayons in a designated container when not in use.
  • Use Washable Crayons: Consider using washable crayons, which are easier to remove from clothing.

What to Do If the Stain Persists

If you’ve tried all of these methods and the crayon stain is still visible, you may need to consult a professional cleaner. Some stains are simply too stubborn to remove at home.

Conclusion

Removing crayon stains from clothes can be challenging, but with the right techniques and a little patience, you can often restore your garments to their original condition. Remember to act quickly, identify the fabric, and choose the appropriate cleaning method. Good luck!