How to Remove Crayon from Wood [5 Quick Ways]
It’s not just about cleaning off crayon stains on wood. To successfully remove crayon stains from wood, you will need to use several techniques and the right materials.
You also need to understand the type of wood surface you are working with. What type of wood surface do you work with?
Although it is less important than the other factors involved in crayon disposal, this fact should be considered when choosing the best stain removal treatment.
Steps to remove crayon marks from wood
The best known tip is to use mineral solvents(mineral spirits) that are specific for wooden floors.
Step 1: Apply the solvent to a clean soft cloth and rub the crayon stain gently, not using too much force to avoid scratching. Leave the solvent in place for the time indicated on the label. Follow the instructions if it is necessary to repeat.
Step 2: If the crayon is gone, wipe the spot with a clean cloth to completely remove the solvent. To finish, apply mobile polish, as the solvent should remove the cleaning wax.
Step 3: If the mineral solvent does not help, try using turpentine (turpentine essence) to remove the crayon from the wood, it is widely used in the dry cleaning process. But be very careful as it can spoil the varnish.
Step 4: With a glove, pass turpentine on a soft cloth and rub the crayon mark gently. Let sit for a few minutes.
Step 5: To remove the solvent, wipe with a cloth dampened with a little detergent, then wipe with a cloth dampened with pure water to remove the detergent.
Step 6: When the crayon is removed, the wood surface may be opaque, because the cleaning wax will be removed, apply furniture polish to the wood to return to normal
It is now one of the easiest tasks to remove crayon stains from wood. There are many methods for removing crayon stains from wood.
Here are five methods how to remove crayon from wood, which include also a home made !
Method 1: Use Magic Eraser
Here are the items you will need to use to remove crayon smudges from wood:
- Magic eraser
- Hot and clean water
Step 1: Soak the magic eraser with warm water
Hot water is the first step. Before turning off the water, allow the gum to soak completely in water.
After it has been completely soaked, turn off the running water, then press the eraser to remove excess water. A magic eraser can be found in the cleaning section of almost any grocery store, including Target or Walmart. Warm or hot water is recommended to melt the wax from the crayon of your wood.
Step 2: Test the magic eraser on a small wood surface
This eraser would not ruin the finish of your wood. The second step is crucial to prevent this from happening. To determine if Magic Eraser is leaving stains or damage to your wood’s finish, you need to test it. This step may not be necessary if the wood you have is unfinished.
You can test this by gently rubbing the magic eraser on the wood with a little pressure. You can use the magic eraser to remove crayons from furniture, floors, and walls if your wood finish is undamaged. If the eraser leaves a significant stain on your wood, you may need to use another cleaning method.
Step 3: Remove the crayon stain with magic eraser
Then rub the crayon stain with an eraser. The eraser should be held to the wood. This is how the wax melts due to the heat of the gum. Keep it there for a few seconds and then start rubbing in circular motions.
Continue in this way until all crayon stains have been removed from your block of wood. It is possible for the eraser to get stained if there is a lot of it.
It’s best to flip the magic eraser over so you can use the other side. After that, you can either let the wood dry naturally or use a soft, clean cloth to remove any moisture.
Method 2: Use A Hair Dryer
Materials for this method:
- Hair dryer
- Baby wipes
- Use a clean cloth
Step 1: Turn on the heat drier
One reliable way to get rid of the crayon marks is to use a hair dryer and a simple dishwashing detergent. There are many hair dryers on the market. A basic dryer is sufficient for most jobs.
You don’t need a dryer with advanced heat settings, so be sure to get one at a reasonable price. Or just use the one you already have in your bathroom.
First, heat up the dryer. You will need to connect the dryer to an electrical outlet closer to the wood to remove crayon stains.
Use the lowest heat setting. This is to make sure not to damage the wood. You can use the hair dryer to melt the crayon marks from the wood, then wipe it off.
Step 2: Apply heat to remove the crayon marks
Turn on the hair dryer and blow hot air jets over the traces of the crayon. The wax base of the crayon will become softer, making it easier to erase.
Once your dryer is on, turn it down to the lowest heat setting and place it about 6 inches from the surface of the wood. To remove traces of wax on the wood, reheat it.
Keep doing this in a circular motion. Flip the wipe over if one side is dirty. It is recommended to alternate between using the dryer to melt the wax and wiping off the crayon stains.
Because they contain a gentle cleanser, baby wipes are perfect for the job. You will want to test the cleaning method on a small area of the wood’s surface, as we mentioned.
Step 3: Remove the crayon marks from the wood surface
After you notice that the crayon stains have been removed from the wood surface, you can clean the surface with a cloth. A microfiber cloth is the best choice for this job.
You must pay attention to any traces of crayon still visible when using this cloth. If they don’t come off after wiping them off with the cloth, heat the area again with your dryer.
Repeat this steps until the crayon stain is completely gone from the wood.
Method 3: Remove Crayon with Baking soda and Toothpaste
These materials are needed:
- Toothpaste
- Baking soda
- Clean cloth
- Toothbrush
- Warm water in a bowl
Step 1: Prepare the wood surface
White toothpaste is recommended for this purpose. This will ensure that you don’t leave any other stains on the wood. Use a small amount of paste to coat the crayon spots. Make sure the paste reaches all parts of the wood stained by the crayons.
It is recommended to choose a toothpaste whose label indicates teeth whitening. Many toothpastes contain baking soda, which is able to remove crayon stains.
After covering the stain with toothpaste, it is necessary to let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water. To dry the wood, you can use a towel or let it dry naturally.
Step2: Create a paste of baking soda and toothpaste
To effectively remove these stains, you will need to mix a paste of baking soda and water. Mix a tablespoon of baking powder with a small amount of water in a small dish. Mix the ingredients with a toothbrush until you get a paste-like consistency.
You may need to use vinegar or water depending on the severity of the stain. It is important to test the mixture on a hidden area of the wood after you finish it.
You may need to use other methods presented if somehow the wood starts to get damaged during this step.
Step 3: Clean the crayon marks from wood
After testing the solution on the wood, dip your toothbrush in the solution. Then, scrub the crayon stains with your toothbrush, using light circular motions. Continue doing this until you have covered all the stains with baking soda.
To apply more paste to the stain, first use lukewarm water. Then dip your toothbrush in the solution. This will remove any accumulated stains and ensure the wood block is not stained. You should only use your toothbrush for cleaning. That’s why you don’t want to use your toothbrush for any other purpose.
Method 4: Use WD-40
This product is designed to remove crayon stains from wood furniture, walls and other surfaces.
Here is what you will need to complete this task:
- WD-40
- Use a clean cloth
If none of that works, test some WD-40 in a hidden spot on the wood. If it doesn’t spoil the wood, apply a spray bottle to the crayon-stained spot.
Spray some of the solution on a clean cloth to start. A paper towel is sufficient if there is no soft cloth nearby. Use a paper towel or rag to rub the crayon stain off wood surface. It should be applied to all stained areas of the wood. Then use a dry cloth to remove the crayon.
For hard-to-wash or old crayon, more patience may be needed. The WD-40 in the series has a special cleaner for cleaning and removing stains, which also helps a lot with removing a stubborn crayon stains.
To remove WD-40, pass the soft part of the sponge dampened with a little detergent, rub the place in circular movements, do not soak the sponge too much. Wipe clean dry cloth to dry.
Most of the time, the stains disappear immediately after applying the solution. If not, it may be because you have more difficult crayon stains. The WD-40 is known for its mess-free pen, which can be used to remove stubborn stains. Although WD-40 can do a great job, there may be tiny stains on walls or wooden blocks.
Method 5: How to Remove Crayon from Wood with Homemade Products
This is an homemade methods for removing crayon stains from wooden surfaces. Mayonnaise is the best choice for this purpose. These are the things you will need for this project.
- Mayonnaise
- Liquid dish soap
- Cleaning cloth
- Butter knife or spoon
You will need to spread a small amount of mayonnaise on the crayon area of the wood. Wait about five minutes before starting. This method does not require the use of a specific mayonnaise, any brand will do.
Spread the mayonnaise over the crayon-stained wood using a butter knife or spoon. Please allowed to sit for at least five minutes, as mentioned earlier. This is to allow the oil from the mayonnaise to melt the crayon wax. While you’re at it, be sure not to scratch the wooden surface.
After five minutes, wipe the mayonnaise from the wood with a clean rag. To remove stubborn stains, it is recommended to use pressure when wiping. You have to repeat the process until the smallest crayon stain disappears.
Finally, soak a clean towel in water and then wash the wood completely.
Drawing on wood at home with crayons or markers, for example, leaves many parents wondering how to remove stains. Fortunately, by using one of many different common household products, you can have your marker or crayon stains in no time and get back to the aspects of parenting you enjoy.
How to remove crayon with household products:
| Household Products | How to Remove Crayon from Wood |
|---|---|
| Vinegar | Dab a clean dry cloth in water and add a few drops of vinegar. Start rubbing the crayon with the cloth until the crayon mark is removed from wood. |
| Mayonnaise | Put a little mayonnaise on top of the crayon mark and rub with a soft-textured sponge with firm movements. Once you have spread the mayonnaise on the crayon marks, let it act for 5 minutes and then remove it with a damp cloth and let the wood surface dry. |
| Baking Soda | Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Then, with the help of a sponge, gently rub it over the crayon mark. Let it work for 5 minutes and remove it from the wood surface with a damp cloth. |
| Toothpaste | Take white toothpaste (without teeth whitening effect) and apply it to the crayon marks. Gently rub the crayon marks with a toothbrush filled with toothpaste until the crayon marks are removed from wood surface. |
How to Remove Crayon Marks from Wood Furniture
For a child with a crayon in his hand, the whole world is a canvas. If the world includes your wooden furniture, you’ll have a hard time cleaning up. The components and consistency of crayons vary from brand to brand, making some very easy to clean and others impossible.
If you find that chalk stain is the last option, try this handy trick, which can remove the stickiest, most waxy mark without damaging the wood or finish.
Here are the steps to remove crayon marks from wood furniture:
Step 1: Mix a small amount of paste using bleach and cold water. Follow the instructions on the bleach package label to determine the amount of each ingredient.
Step 2: Use a brush, brush or cooking brush to apply a thin layer of the mixture to the entire stained area. Wait for the paste to dry and harden completely. This process can take more than an hour.
Step 3: Use a soft cloth to rub off the paste. Rub in circular motions and apply a little pressure. It is necessary to polish the entire area, until the crayon marks appear and the paste comes off.
Step 4: Dip a paper towel into the water and wring out the excess. Use the damp paper to wipe away any remaining paste. Use a dry paper towel to dry the area.
Step 5: If you want to protect your furniture from future crayon attacks, apply a coat of furniture polish, following the package instructions. This process will create a thin layer of wax, which will make it easier to remove stains.
If you want to protect your wooden furniture you need to learn how to apply beeswax!
Conclusion
If any of the wood, furniture or hardwood floors in your home have recently fallen victim to crayon stains you now know how to remove crayon from wood using different methods.
