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Parenting

13th Sep 2023

How to remove crayon from a painted wall: An essential guide

Aisling Keenan

We’ve all been there. Kids see your beautifully painted walls as a blank canvas on which to do their best Jackson Pollock impression. But how do you get rid of it?

Artwork on your painted wall *can* be an endearing testament to your child’s creative spirit (ahem) but when you want a clean and pristine wall, it can be anything but endearing. To say the very least.

No matter how well behaved your child is, at some point they’re likely to try their hand at some kitchen graffiti, so knowing how to remove crayon from a painted wall is a valuable skill.

As of 2020, it was found that 72% of Irish households had children under the age of 15, so with so many young artists around, it’s no wonder crayon marks on walls are a common occurrence.

What you’ll need:
Warm, soapy water: Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water.
Soft cloth or sponge: A soft cloth or sponge is essential to avoid damaging the paint.
Baking soda: This versatile household item works wonders on crayon marks.
Rubbing alcohol: It can help dissolve crayon wax.
A plastic scraper or old credit card:
You’ll use this to gently scrape off crayon residue.

Method 1
Dip the cloth or sponge into the soapy water. Gently scrub the crayon marks in a circular motion. Rinse the area with clean water and pat it dry with a towel.

Method 2
Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the crayon marks and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently scrub the area with a cloth or sponge. Rinse and dry the wall.

Method 3
Dampen a cloth or sponge with rubbing alcohol. Gently rub the crayon marks until they start to dissolve. Wipe the area with a clean cloth to remove the crayon residue.

Method 4
Use the plastic scraper or an old credit card to gently scrape off the crayon. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don’t want to damage the paint. Clean any remaining residue with soapy water or rubbing alcohol.

Remember, it’s essential to test any method on a small, inconspicuous area of the painted wall first to ensure it won’t harm the paint. Go gently and patiently to avoid causing any further damage to your wall, too.

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