How to Remove Crayon From the Wall Without Damaging It

No matter how young or old, kids can run out of paper for safe creativity and look to the next best canvas. Walls become an excellent surface for their creative fancies, despite all of the sketchbooks, construction paper, notebooks, poster board, newspapers, and smocks you’ve provided.

Any budding creative mind can see blank walls as an inviting new surface to “decorate”. Unfortunately, it’s a tale as old as time that kids are drawn to add their creative touch to blank walls.

But, while this might be an inevitable event, that doesn’t mean you have to be unprepared. Luckily, if your walls have already been struck by your crayon-wielding kiddos, we have a few methods for restoring them back to their former crayon-free glory.

All you’ll need are a few kid-safe products you likely already have around the house. Keep reading to find out how to rescue your walls from crazy crayon designs.

Get Creative with Your Cleaning Tools

Since your little artist is getting creative with their drawing surfaces, you’ll have to get creative with your cleaning supplies. While you likely won’t need ALL the options below, you’ll be better prepared with a variety of methods.

Luckily, you’ll really only have to look around your pantry for most of the supplies, and then you can easily follow the instructions below for the cleaning method of your choice. Here are a few of the best products and tools for cleaning up crayon marks from your walls:

✨ Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable
✨ Microfiber cloths or soft sponges (so you don’t damage the finish)
✨ Dish soap (we suggest Dawn!)
✨ Baking soda
✨ Mayonnaise (full fat works best)
✨ Pencil eraser
✨ Distilled White Vinegar (our favorite green cleaner)
✨ Old toothbrush
✨ Steel wool (ONLY if the crayon is on wallpaper)

7 Ways to Get Crayon Off the Wall

Without any further ado, here are 7 of our best tried and tested methods for cleaning up crayon marks from your walls. Remember to be thorough but gentle so that you don’t create any unnecessary scuffs and damage while you clean. Let us know which method works for you!

Magic Eraser: Extra Durable

It is no secret that melamine sponges like Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are awesome for removing crayon marks from walls as well as pretty much anything from any surface. Ideally, you’ll be able to catch the crayon while it’s still fresh, so it will be easier to get rid of.

All you’ll have to do is wet the eraser sponge and give it a good squeeze to get rid of excess water and activate its cleaning agents. Rub it firmly, but gently, around the crayon marks, and you’re done.

Classic Soap & Water

Is there anything that some water and a little dish soap can’t clean up? Find out by simply soaking a microfiber cloth, wringing it out, and then you can add a couple of drops of gentle dish soap. Make sure not to get your walls too wet so that you avoid damaging the paint.

Remember to take it slow and to rub firmly but gently. Regularly rinse and wring out your rag so you’re not just smearing colorful crayon water around your walls.

Baking Soda Scrub

If you’ve read a few of our cleaning guides, you know how much we LOVE baking soda for cleaning. Obviously, this guide is no different. Simply make a paste with some baking soda and water, we suggest mixing 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. The paste should have a thick consistency, similar to cake batter.

Next, apply the paste directly to the crayon marks with a sponge or microfiber rag and gently scrub the crayon marks from the wall using the paste. Finally, wipe your wall clean with a damp rag, and leave it to fully air dry before checking for remaining marks.

Mayonnaise

We know this is weird and a little gross, but mayonnaise can actually remove crayon marks from painted walls. Just apply it directly onto the crayon marks with a microfiber towel or rag, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then wipe your wall clean with a damp rag, and let it air dry.

We’ve found that full-fat mayo works the best because the oils in the mayo work better to break down the wax from the crayon without damaging the paint on the walls. You might want to test it in a small area first just to be safe.

Just make sure your pets are kept out of the room while you use the mayo ora you’ll just be leaving them a greasy snack which could lead to more clenups later down the road. Who actually enjoys cleaning up pet poo?

Pencil Eraser vs. Crayon

Find a random pencil in your junk drawer? Time to finally put it to good use by rubbing away those stubborn crayon marks using the little pink eraser. Try dampening the eraser to help boost the buffing power against the crayon on the walls.

All-Natural Vinegar Wash

Grab an old toothbrush, dip it into a cup of distilled white vinegar, and use it to gently scrub the crayon off the wall. Then take a microfiber rag, and wipe the wall clean with some warm water.

If you hate the smell of vinegar, you can use Dawn Dish Soap and water to wash the wall after the crayon is gone, but be sure to do a final water-only rinse to remove any lingering soap residue.

Steel Wool Wipe-Down

This is definitely a more abrasive solution, so you should really only use steel wool if your kid has scrawled their art on wallpaper. Avoid using this method on painted surfaces because you’ll have a bigger problem on your hands and possibly a need for fresh paint.

GENTLY rub the crayon marks with a small piece of steel wool, taking care to wipe in the same direction continuously to buff the crayon marks right off. With more abrasive methods like this, we always suggest that you test a small section before cleaning your entire wall to make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Keeping the “Canvas” Clean

With a little bit of luck and the right amount of elbow grease, your walls should be back to their clean and crayon-free state in no time. They might even end up cleaner than they were before the crayon appeared. Who would we be if we didn’t leave you with a little advice?

We always recommend that you do your best to clean off your walls fairly regularly, but we know you’re busy and that your walls don’t need to be cleaned immediately. Sometimes they get a little dusty or attract stray scuff marks, but they don’t take a beating as regularly as your floors, couches, or carpets.

Plus, they don’t really visibility dirty, like your windows or stovetop (unless you’ve discovered some art projects recently). Normally, you wouldn’t have to consider sanitizing them like countertops and other high-touch areas.

However, we remind all our clients to clean their walls several times each year, or at least seasonally, especially if they’re prone to dust allergies. Cleaning your walls more regularly is also a great habit to be in if you like to leave windows open to get some fresh air and unintentionally invite allergens and dirt into your home.

If you’re looking for more tips and tricks, or maybe some highly-rated green cleaning services in Boston, check us out! We’re happy to help and want you and your home to stay happy and healthy all year long.