7 Easy Ways to Get Crayon Off The Wall (Without Damaging It)

Let’s face it. Your walls probably haven’t been the focus of your thoughts. They’ve been a quiet presence, enclosing you, providing shelter, and offering privacy when needed. They support your decorations, books, and gadgets, without a single complaint.

Then, along come kids, and everything shifts. Suddenly, walls transform into a tempting canvas for their creative outbursts. Despite providing them with art supplies, the allure of those empty walls proves strong.

Children, crayons, and walls. It’s almost inevitable, yet you can be ready. Here are seven simple techniques to restore your walls to their pristine, crayon-free state using common household items you likely already have. Sorry, little artists, this battle belongs to the grown-ups.

Crayon cleaning tools

Not all options are necessary. First, check your pantry supplies, then follow our cleaning instructions based on your preference:

Use a preferred gentle dish soap such as Dawn with a microfiber cloth.

Utilize baking soda with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth for delicate wall surfaces, especially flat or matte painted walls.

Opt for mayonnaise (full fat for best results) with a damp rag.

Consider a pencil eraser.

Combine vinegar with an old toothbrush and a microfiber cloth.

Reserve steel wool for wallpaper only if the crayon marks are stubborn.

7 easy methods to get crayon off your walls

1) Dish soap + water

What limitations exist for traditional soap and water? Simply dampen a microfiber cloth, squeeze out excess water, and lather it with a few drops of mild dish soap, such as Dawn. Proceed cautiously to avoid oversaturating the wall and causing paint damage. Approach the task with care and patience, applying gentle but firm pressure. Remember to periodically rinse and wring out the cloth to prevent spreading the crayon marks around.

2) Baking soda

You’ve probably heard this tip countless times, but here it is again: create a paste using baking soda and water (mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water). The consistency should resemble thick cake batter. Apply the paste directly onto the crayon marks using a sponge or microfiber cloth. Gently scrub the crayon off the wall with the paste, then wipe the wall clean with a damp cloth and allow it to air dry.

4) Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise may seem odd, but it can remove crayon marks from painted walls. Simply apply it to the marks using a microfiber towel or rag, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, wipe the wall with a damp rag and allow it to air dry. Full-fat mayo is best as the oil breaks down the crayon wax without harming the paint (test on a small area first). Ensure pets are away to avoid them snacking on grease, which could lead to more messes later on.

5) Pencil eraser

Do you have a pencil in your miscellaneous drawer? If so, use the pink eraser end to work on removing the crayon marks. Dampening the eraser could assist in gently rubbing away the crayon stains.

6) Vinegar

Take an old toothbrush, dip it in distilled white vinegar, and gently scrub the crayon off the wall. Follow up by using a microfiber cloth to wipe the wall clean with warm water. If you’re not a fan of the vinegar smell, opt for Dawn Dish Soap mixed with water to clean the wall after removing the crayon. Remember to finish with a water-only rinse to get rid of any soap residue left behind.

7) Steel wool

Utilize steel wool only when dealing with crayon marks on wallpaper; avoid using it on paint to prevent creating a larger issue. Gently rub the crayon with steel wool, maintaining a consistent direction to effectively remove the crayon marks. Test a small area beforehand for familiarity.

Your walls will soon return to their original state, possibly even cleaner. Remember to periodically clean your walls; they may not demand immediate attention like floors or windows, but regular maintenance is key. Cleaning walls multiple times a year, or seasonally, is recommended, particularly if you have dust allergies. Occasional washing is also beneficial if you often keep windows open, as it can prevent allergens from entering your home.

Despite being a chore, wall cleaning is essential for a dust-free environment.