How to Remove Crayon Stains: Tips and Guidelines

We probably don't remember the first time our crayon slipped off the paper and onto Mom's new rug. But if the stain removal tips shown here weren't used, chances are that we can still see it.

The first step in removing crayon stains is to identify the stained material.

Below are the most common types of materials that can become crayon-stained, with steps on how to remove crayon from each:

Non-washable fibers such as Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope, Silk, Triacetate or Wool/nonwashable
Washable fibers such as Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex or Wool/washable
Hard surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Aluminum, Bamboo, Bluestone, Brass, Brick, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Concrete, Copper, Enamel, Flagstone, Glass, Gold, Granite, Grout, lron, Ivory, Jade, Limestone, Marble, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Pewter, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain, Sandstone, Slate, Stainless Steel, Terrazzo, Tin, Vinyl Clothing or Vinyl Tile
Porous surfaces such as Asphalt, Cork or Linoleum
Carpet/Synthetic or Carpet/Wool
Felt
Leather or Suede
Silver
Wallpaper
Wood

Non-washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope, Silk, Triacetate, Wool/nonwashable:

Gently scrape (the method of using a scraping tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) to remove excess matter.
Place an absorbent pad under the stain and flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining materials and residue from stain removers) with cleaners such as Afta Cleaning Fluid.
Allow to dry.
Repeat if necessary.

Washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex, Wool/washable:

Scrape to remove the excess.
Place the stain between two pieces of white blotting paper and press with a warm iron.
Change the papers as the stain is absorbed.
This stain can easily spread, so use care while pressing.
On colorfast white cotton or linen, try pouring boiling water through the stain.
After using either method, allow fabric to dry.
If any trace remains, flush it with a dry-cleaning solvent such as Afta Cleaning Fluid.
If any dye remains, sponge (the method of using light strokes with a dampened pad working outward from the center of the stain) it with 1 part rubbing alcohol (do not use on acrylic or modacrylic) in 2 parts water.
Rinse well with clear water and allow to dry.

Hard Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Aluminum, Bamboo, Bluestone, Brass, Brick, Bronze, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Concrete, Copper, Enamel, Flagstone, Glass, Gold, Granite, Grout, lron, Ivory, Jade, Limestone, Marble, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Pewter, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain, Sandstone, Slate, Stainless Steel, Terrazzo, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile

Gently scrape any excess crayon from the surface.
Take care not to scratch the surface.
This should be sufficient to remove the stain.
Wipe with a sponge dipped in a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water.
Rinse well and wipe dry. Remove any shine left on flat paint by sponging lightly with hot water.

Porous Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum:

A treatment for all of these surfaces involves using a metal spatula to gently scrape the surface; take care not to gouge it.

Carpet

Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool:

Gently scrape what you can from the surface.
Add a small amount (to prevent damaging the carpets backing) of cleaners such as Afta Cleaning Fluid and blot with an absorbent pad.
Continue until no more stain is removed.
If a dye remains, dilute 1 part rubbing alcohol with 2 parts water and test on an inconspicuous place.
If the carpet is colorfast, apply the solution to the stain in small amounts, blotting well after each application.
Allow to dry.

Felt

Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from felt:

Very carefully scrape the residue off, taking care not to pull out the fibers.
If any residue remains, try brushing (the method of using a stiff-bristled brush to gently remove dried stains and spots).
In extreme cases, use a razor blade to gently scrape the excess.
Use this as a last resort as it will remove some of the fibers.

Leather or Suede

Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from leather or suede:

With a dull knife or your fingernail, gently scrape up the crayon.
If any stain remains, mix a thick paste of fullers earth and water and apply it to the stain.
Carefully brush it off when dry. Repeat if necessary.
When the stain has been removed, on leather only, follow with cleaners such as Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebings Saddle Soap to condition the leather.

Silver

Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from silver:

Scrape any excess material with your fingernail or nonmetal utensil until no more can be removed.
Wash the silver in hot soapy water.
Rinse in hot water and wipe dry.

Wallpaper

Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from wallpaper:

Spray cleaners such as K2r Spot Lifter onto the stain. Or, lightly rub the stain with a dry, soap-filled steel wool pad.
If stain persists, rub very gently with baking soda sprinkled on a damp cloth.
Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth and dry.

Wood

Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from wood:

Gently remove any material by scraping with a dull knife or your fingernail.
Polish any remains with a chamois cloth.