Creative solutions for removing crayon marks

Crayon-wielding children will always be mysteriously attracted to the walls of your home. They're also known to leave their mark on clothing, furniture and carpet. And crayons, when left in a pocket, can melt and make a mess of the dryer and stain clothing. Here are some tips from removing crayon marks.

• Spray marks on painted walls, glass, metal, tile, marble or porcelain, with a penetrating lubricant and then wipe with a soft cloth.
• Spray first in an obscure spot to make sure it won't harm what you're cleaning.
• If that lubricant doesn't do the trick, dip a sponge into a solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water and wet the crayon mark, rubbing with a circular motion.
• Rinse with warm water, then air dry.

• Place the fabric on a layer of paper towels, then spray with a penetrating lubricant.
• Spray more of the lubricant on a clean rag and apply it to both sides of the stain.
• Allow the lubricant to sit for two minutes.
• Then, using your fingers, rub 1–2 drops of dishwashing liquid into the stain on each side.
• Replace the paper towels as they absorb the crayon.
• Wash the clothing in the washing machine using the hottest water possible and the heavy soil setting.

• Use a light touch on the stain with a dry, soap-filled steel wool pad.
• Or, rub the stain gently with baking soda sprinkled on top of a damp sponge.
• Pre-treat the stain with hair spray before washing.

• Scrape up as much crayon as you can with a metal spoon or dull knife.
• Then wet the mark with a penetrating lubricant and let it stand five minutes.
• Apply elbow grease and a stiff-bristled brush, then wipe with paper towels.
• Spray again with lubricant.
• Dab 1–2 drops of dishwashing liquid onto the stain and work it in with the brush.
• Then wipe with a damp sponge.
• If the stain persists, repeat.
• Or use a dry-cleaning solvent (from hardware stores), according to instructions.

• On vinyl no-wax flooring, use silver polish. Rinse well with water and dry with a paper towel.
• On a wooden floor, place an ice-filled plastic bag on the crayon mark to make it brittle, then scrape with a spoon or dull knife.
• Or place a clean rag on the mark and heat it with an iron (no steam). The rag will soak up the melted wax.