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Learn how to remove crayon stains from different types of surfaces.
Image Credit: William Thomas Cain/Getty ImagesWe may not remember the first time a crayon slipped off the paper and stained Mom's new carpet. But if the stain removal tips shared here weren't used, there's a good chance that stain is still there.
The initial step in eliminating crayon stains is to determine the material that has been stained.
Here are the most common types of materials that may become stained with crayon, along with instructions 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, Iron, 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 (using a tool to carefully lift off any excess solid or dried stain) to eliminate the excess material.
- Place an absorbent pad beneath the stain and flush (applying stain remover to loosen staining substances and residue from the remover) with cleaners such as Afta Cleaning Fluid.
- Let it dry.
- If needed, repeat the process.
Washable Fibers
Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex, Wool/washable:
- Scrape off the excess material.
- Place the stained area between two sheets of white blotting paper and press it with a warm iron.
- Change the papers as the stain is absorbed.
- Be cautious as the stain can easily spread while pressing.
- For colorfast white cotton or linen, pour boiling water through the stain.
- After using either method, allow the fabric to dry.
- If any trace remains, flush it with a dry-cleaning solvent such as Afta Cleaning Fluid.
- If any dye lingers, sponge (using light strokes with a dampened pad, working from the center outward) it with a mixture of 1 part rubbing alcohol (do not use on acrylic or modacrylic) to 2 parts water.
- Rinse thoroughly 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, Iron, Ivory, Jade, Limestone, Marble, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Pewter, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain, Sandstone, Slate, Stainless Steel, Terrazzo, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile
- Carefully scrape off any excess crayon from the surface.
- Be cautious not to damage or scratch the surface.
- This should be enough to remove the stain.
- Clean the area with a sponge soaked in a solution of washing soda or detergent (avoid soap) and water.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. If there's any shine left on flat paint, gently sponge with hot water.
Porous Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from Asphalt, Cork, and Linoleum:
- For all these surfaces, start by gently scraping with a metal spatula; be careful not to damage or gouge the material.
Carpet
Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool:
- Carefully scrape off any visible crayon from the surface.
- Apply a small amount of cleaner like Afta Cleaning Fluid to avoid damaging the carpet's backing and blot with an absorbent pad.
- Repeat until no more stain is lifted.
- If any dye remains, mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 2 parts water and test it on an inconspicuous spot.
- If the carpet is colorfast, apply the solution to the stained area in small doses, blotting thoroughly after each application.
- Let it dry completely.
Felt
Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from felt:
- Carefully scrape away the residue, ensuring not to pull any fibers out.
- If some residue remains, try brushing gently with a stiff-bristled brush to remove dried spots and stains.
- In severe cases, a razor blade can be used to delicately scrape off the excess.
- Only use this method as a last resort, as it may remove some fibers.
Leather or Suede
Follow these steps to remove crayon stains from leather or suede:
- Gently scrape the crayon with a dull knife or your fingernail.
- If the stain persists, make a thick paste using fuller's earth and water, then apply it to the stain.
- Once it dries, carefully brush it off. Repeat as needed.
- Once the stain is gone, treat leather with conditioners like Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebings Saddle Soap for leather care.
Silver
To remove crayon stains from silver, follow these steps:
- Use your fingernail or a non-metallic utensil to scrape off any excess crayon until nothing more can be removed.
- Wash the silver in warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water and dry with a soft cloth.
Wallpaper
To remove crayon stains from wallpaper, follow these steps:
- Spray a cleaner like K2r Spot Lifter directly on the stain, or gently rub the area with a dry steel wool pad soaked in soap.
- If the stain remains, lightly rub the spot with baking soda on a damp cloth.
- Wipe away any leftover residue using a clean damp cloth, then dry the area.
Wood
To eliminate crayon stains from wood, follow these steps:
- Carefully scrape off any crayon residue using a dull knife or your fingernail.
- Buff the remaining marks with a soft chamois cloth.
