It goes without saying, but if you’re a parent, there are things you need to accept; and cleaning messes is one of them. Some kids like to express themselves in different ways, especially when it comes to art.
This is why crayons can be incredible tools, as they offer a safe and colorful art experience for kids and have been a staple in America for decades now. With that said, just because you give your kids drawing paper to use their crayons doesn’t mean they’re going to stick to it.
In fact, it’s pretty common for children to use their crayons on the walls. No fear though, because you can easily remove crayons from your walls with a few simple steps.
It’s important to understand that natural methods are preferred to clean your walls, no matter what it is you’re trying to remove; but, especially if you have kids. Some cleanup jobs require cleaning sprays, but you should use these sparsely as most contain chemicals that can be harmful to humans and pets.
Luckily, we’re here to provide a myriad of simple, DIY solutions to help you get crayon off your walls safely (without damaging your walls either!).
Related: How to Get Nail Polish Off Walls | How to Get Scuff Marks Off Walls | How to Get Lipstick Off the Carpet | How to Get Dry Erase Marker Off the Carpet
Getting Crayon Off Your Walls With Natural Solutions
Use Some Vinegar
Like baking soda, vinegar is another pantry powerhouse if you are seeking a natural cleanser for crayon messes.
Take an old toothbrush, dip it in the vinegar, and gently scrub to remove the crayon. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, avoid excessive pressure while scrubbing to keep from damaging the paint. Wipe the residue away with water and thoroughly dry.
Try Mayo
Notice some crayon on your wall while whipping up a potato salad? Grab your mayo (regular, fat-free doesn’t have the oomph to remove crayon), a microfiber towel, and a few paper towels. You should also fill a cup with some lukewarm water.
Observe your child’s latest masterpiece one last time, and then liberally apply mayo with a paper towel. Allow the solution to sit on your wall for at least 15 minutes, and then wipe away with a microfiber cloth that has been dampened. Clean any residual residue with water and mild dish soap and then thoroughly dry the wall.
To avoid any mishaps with your kids and pets while applying your mayo concoction, be sure to block off the area. The last thing you want is your pet coming over to lick the mayo off the wall!
Try Baking Soda
As a staple in the pantry, baking soda is a powerhouse natural cleanser. In a small bowl, mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste. Using a sponge or microfiber towel, gently rub the crayon mark to remove. Avoid rubbing too vigorously to protect the paint.
Use a Melamine Sponge
True to their name, Mr. Clean Magic Erasers (which is the most popular brand of melamine sponges) are like magic on hard to clean surfaces in the kitchen and the bathroom, and also work wonders on removing marks from your walls. Dampen the eraser and ensure there is no dripping water. Lightly rub the crayon mark and watch it disappear, as if by magic.
As the eraser becomes dirty, simply flip over to use the other side. Again, easy does it. Rubbing too hard can cause dulling or removing the paint.
Use Soap & Water
Before you dive headfirst into a search for the newest cleanser and tips to remove crayon art from your walls, start simple with soap and water.
Dampen a microfiber cloth and lather with a few drops of dish soap. Gently rub on the spots in a circular motion taking care not to apply too much pressure or water to the area. Rinse the cloth frequently to avoid transferring any removed crayon onto another portion of the wall.
What to do if Natural Methods Don’t Work?
Did your child find a secret stash of non-washable crayons that you swear must be a permanent marker? Is your kid in eternal time out from doing a full-blown gallery of Jackson Pollock inspired art down the entire hallway? Here are a few more aggressive solutions if magic erasers and natural cleansers just won’t get the job done.
WD-40
We’ve saved the mother of all crayon-removal solutions for last. If WD-40 doesn’t do the trick, you may want to consider a full-on repaint. Only use in a well-ventilated area, or wear a facemask to protect yourself from fumes.
Spray a small amount of WD-40 onto a paper towel and gently rub all over the crayon marks on the wall. Use sparingly, and as the paper towel becomes dirty with crayon residue, switch to a clean side or new paper towel to avoid making the mess even worse. Wipe down with soap and water, and dry the wall with a clean cloth.
Windex
Ammonia-based glass cleaner, like Windex, isn’t just for obtaining shiny windows, it can be used for sparkling clean walls as well.
Spray the Windex or other brand (you can even create a DIY glass cleaner if you’d like) directly onto the wall and gently wipe away any drips. Allow the cleaner to sit on the crayon marks for at least 5 minutes, and the marks should begin to fade. Gently rub any remaining artwork with a damp cloth, and dry the wall once you’re satisfied with your results.
Use Goo Gone
Goo Gone, when used properly, is strong and safe to use on walls. Dab a bit of Goo Gone onto a paper towel and rub the crayon marks with firm pressure. As angry as you may be, don’t apply too much pressure to avoid further damage to the wall. Wipe away any oily residue with water and mild dish soap, and then thoroughly dry.
Conclusion
If you’re a parent, it’s almost a given that your child will (at some point) take it upon themselves to make an art exhibit out of your walls. Luckily, a crayon can be removed using the tips we provided above.
The best part is, most of the products we listed can probably already be found in your kitchen, laundry room, or garage. If you simply can’t remove the crayon with using these methods, or you’re too afraid that your walls will become damaged, you might need to consider hiring a professional. Worst case scenario, you may need a fresh coat of paint.
To avoid issues like these in the future, we recommend supervising children when they’re using their crayons and then placing them in a secure place (where they can’t reach) in a small, sealed storage bin or basket.
Want to learn more tips about getting substances off of walls (such as poster putty)? Be sure to stay up to date with our blog!
