Did a budding artist turn your laundry pile into a canvas? Don’t panic. While seeing colorful wax on your favorite shirt is stressful, it is usually fixable. The golden rule is simple: do not toss the garment into the dryer until the stain is completely gone.
Crayons are wax-based, meaning you need to treat the material differently than you would for a standard dirt stain. We have the steps to help you remove melted wax, dried marks, and stubborn color residue from your clothes.
Key Takeaways
- Scrape first: Always remove excess wax with a dull knife or spoon before applying liquid cleaners.
- Treat based on state: Freeze melted wax to snap it off; use heat (ironing) to lift stubborn residue.
- Use grease fighters: WD-40, dish soap, and baking soda are powerful agents for breaking down crayon wax.
- Wash hot: Use the hottest water temperature safe for the fabric to help melt and wash away the oils.
What Are Crayons Made Of?
Crayons are primarily composed of paraffin wax and color pigment (1). Manufacturers melt the wax and mix it with pigments to create different shades. This mixture is poured into molds to cool and harden. Because they are wax-based, water alone will not clean them; you need a solvent or heat to break the bond.
What Dissolves Crayon Wax?
To remove the stain, you must dissolve the wax. Solvents that break down grease and oil are your best friends here. Effective options include turpentine, mineral spirits, naphtha, and WD-40. Even common household items like vinegar and dish soap can help break down the oily components.
Removing Melted Crayon From Clothes
If a crayon went through the dryer or melted on a hot day, you are dealing with a messy situation. Follow these steps to salvage the fabric.
- Freeze the fabric: Place the garment in the freezer for about an hour. This hardens the wax and prevents it from smearing further.
- Scrape the wax: Use the back of a butter knife or a spoon to chip off the hardened wax. Remove as much as you can manually.
- Transfer with heat: Place a paper towel or brown paper bag over the remaining stain. Check your care label for heat tolerance. Press a warm iron over the paper. The wax should melt and transfer onto the paper. Move the paper frequently to keep a clean surface against the fabric.
- Treat the stain: Once the bulk of the wax is gone, apply a laundry stain remover or liquid dish soap. Use a soft brush to work it into the fibers.
- Soak and wash: Soak the item in warm water for an hour. Finally, wash it in the hottest water allowed by the care label.
Beware
Removing Dried Crayon Stains
Dried or “ground-in” crayon marks are slightly easier to manage than melted puddles. If the wax is soft, freeze the garment first to make it brittle.
- Scrape excess: gently scrape off the surface wax with a dull knife.
- Apply dish soap: Apply a few drops of liquid dish soap directly to the mark. Dish soap is designed to cut through grease, making it perfect for wax.
- Massage the stain: Rub the soap into the fabric with your fingers or an old toothbrush. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse and repeat: Rinse with warm water. If color remains, repeat the process.
- Wash heavily: Set your washing machine to a “heavy soil” setting. Use warm or hot water.
- Boost the wash: Add an oxygen-based cleaner like OxiClean to the drum to help lift the pigment without damaging the colors.
- Air dry: Never use the dryer until you are 100 percent sure the stain is gone. Heat will set any remaining pigment permanently.
Best Products for Crayon Removal
If standard detergent isn’t cutting it, try these specific solvents and cleaners to tackle the residue.
WD-40
This is the heavy hitter for stubborn wax. WD-40 is a solvent that dissolves oil molecules rapidly.
- Protect surfaces: Place cardboard or old towels inside the shirt to prevent the stain from soaking through to the back.
- Spray and flip: Spray WD-40 on the back of the stain first, then the front.
- Wait and wash: Let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly to remove the oily residue before putting it in the washing machine.
Warning
Baking Soda
Baking soda works well because it is slightly abrasive. It physically breaks up wax while absorbing oils. Add one cup of baking soda to the wash cycle along with your regular detergent. It acts as a scrub for your clothes during the agitation cycle.
Hot Water
While we usually avoid hot water for stains, crayon wax is the exception. Hot water melts the wax, allowing detergents to wash it away. Use the highest temperature setting your garment can handle.
Cleaning Crayon Out of the Dryer
If a crayon snuck into your laundry load, your dryer drum is likely coated in colorful streaks. Here is how to clean it up.
- Soften the wax: Run the empty dryer on a high-heat setting for about 20 minutes. This melts the wax.
- Scrub the drum: Dip a cloth in soapy water or use a damp dryer sheet to scrub the warm drum. You can also use a Magic Eraser, but be gentle.
- Check traps: Don’t forget to wipe down the lint trap and the rubber seal.
- Test run: Wet a few old rags or towels and run them through a drying cycle. If they come out clean, your dryer is safe to use again.
Removing Crayon From Leather
Leather requires a gentle touch to avoid ruining the finish.
- Scrape gently: Use a fingernail or a plastic card to lift excess wax.
- Apply Fuller’s Earth: Mix Fuller’s Earth Clay with a tiny amount of water to make a thick paste. This clay absorbs oil without drying out the leather.
- Wait: Apply the paste to the stain and let it dry completely.
- Brush off: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to carefully brush away the dried powder.
- Condition: Treat the area with a leather conditioner to restore moisture.
Caution
Does Goo Gone Work on Crayon?
Yes, Goo Gone is effective for removing crayon marks. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for a moment, and wipe away. However, you must rinse the garment thoroughly to remove the Goo Gone before washing. Note: Do not use Goo Gone on leather, silk, suede, or unsealed stone.
FAQs
How Do You Get Crayon Out of Cloth Car Seats?
Spray the stain with WD-40 to loosen the wax, then scrape away the solids with a dull knife. Apply a small amount of Goo Gone or dish soap, scrub gently, and blot dry with a paper towel.
How Do You Remove Crayon From a Bathtub?
Apply a few drops of Goo Gone or a paste made of baking soda and water to the marks. Scrub with a sponge or cloth until the crayon lifts, then rinse the tub with warm water.
Can Dry Cleaners Remove Crayon Stains?
Yes, dry cleaners are generally successful at removing crayon stains. Point out the stain and identify it as crayon wax when you drop off the item so they can use the correct solvent.
Does Alcohol Remove Crayon?
Yes, rubbing alcohol is effective. Apply isopropyl alcohol to a cotton ball or clean cloth and dab the crayon mark vigorously. The alcohol breaks down the pigment bonds, allowing you to wipe it away.
Does Bleach Remove Crayon?
Bleach can help remove the color left behind by the crayon, but it won’t dissolve the wax itself. You must remove the wax first using a solvent or scraping method, then use bleach to treat any lingering dye stains on white fabrics.
Can You Paint Over Crayon Marks on Walls?
You cannot paint directly over crayon because the wax will repel the paint. You must apply a high-quality, oil-based primer or a shellac-based primer over the marks first. Once the primer dries, you can apply your topcoat.
Can Vinegar Remove Crayon from Clothes?
Yes, undiluted white vinegar can help break down crayon wax. Soak an old toothbrush in vinegar and scrub the stain before washing, or add a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle to help soften the fabric and lift residue.
Final Thoughts
Crayon stains are annoying, but they don’t have to be permanent. Whether you choose the freezing method, the ironing trick, or a chemical solvent like WD-40, patience is key. Focus on removing the wax texture first, then attack the color pigment.
Remember, check your pockets before loading the wash next time! With these tips, you can rescue your clothes and get back to more important things.
