How to Clean Crayon Off Walls Without Damaging the Paint

It's a pretty common scenario with a young child. You've just painted or cleaned the walls when a few scribbles appear. Though it may not look like much, trying to clean crayon off walls can be tricky. The waxy material doesn't respond well to scrubbing, and too much force can further mar your walls.

Next time your budding artist uses your clean walls as a canvas, don't freak out. Instead, turn to these expert crayon remover tips. Our proven ways to clean crayon off a wall—including heat treatments and household cleaner applications—will help get your home back to normal in no time.

How to Remove Crayon from Walls

Method 1: T-Shirt and Iron

The best way to clean crayon off walls is to fold an old T-shirt into a pad several layers thick and place it over the mark. Then, set an iron at medium heat and run it over the pad. The direct heat melts the crayon and lifts the marks off the wall and onto the T-shirt. If you have several marks to remove, rotate and refold the t-shirt, so you're always putting a clean side against the wall. Otherwise, you might re-transfer the stains.

Method 2: Hair Dyer

If the T-shirt and iron trick doesn't remove the crayon mark entirely, heat the mark with a hair dryer and blot away as much as possible with a paper towel. Don't scrub, or you might set the mark even further. This easy way to clean crayon off walls melts the crayon and makes it possible to remove. Once you've removed all the crayon, seal the area with two coats of white-pigmented, oil-base sealer, sanding lightly between coats.

Method 3: Household Cleaners

If heat doesn't help, try everyday household products—such as baking soda, vinegar, glass cleaner, or toothpaste—as a crayon eraser. Simply apply a small amount of product to an old toothbrush, and scrub the spot. Next, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth. You may need to try a combination of methods to entirely remove the marks.

Editor's Tip: If you have fancy wall treatments, test the product in an inconspicuous area before attacking the crayon marks. Certain paints or wallpapers may discolor.

Bonus: How to Remove Permanent Marker from Walls

Crayon isn't the only material that can damage your walls. For permanent marker scribbles, lightly dab the spot with nail polish remover. Next, rub the area with a liquid deglosser, such as Oops! or Goof Off. When dry, sand with 120-grit sandpaper, then wipe away the sanding dust. Seal with two coats of white-pigmented, oil-base sealer. Sand between coats.