Crayon stains on clothes can be a challenge, but with the right methods, you can effectively remove them. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get crayon out of clothes using various household items and cleaning techniques.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have the following items:
- Dull knife or spoon
- Paper towels or clean cloths
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol
- Iron and ironing board (optional)
- Stain remover (optional)
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
1. Scrape Off Excess Crayon
Use a dull knife or spoon to gently scrape off any excess crayon from the fabric. Be careful not to spread the stain further.
2. Place Stain Between Paper Towels
Place the stained area between two paper towels or clean cloths. This helps to absorb the crayon as you treat the stain.
3. Apply Dish Soap and Baking Soda
- Apply Dish Soap: Squeeze a small amount of liquid dish soap directly onto the crayon stain.
- Sprinkle Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the dish soap.
- Scrub Gently: Using a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush, gently scrub the stained area in a circular motion. The dish soap and baking soda will work together to break down the waxy residue.
4. Rinse with Hot Water
Rinse the stained area with hot water to remove the dish soap and baking soda mixture. The heat will help to melt and wash away the crayon residue.
5. Apply White Vinegar (Optional)
For stubborn stains, white vinegar can help:
- Mix Solution: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water.
- Apply to Stain: Soak a clean cloth in the vinegar solution and dab it onto the stain.
- Blot the Stain: Blot the stain with the cloth, pressing down to absorb the crayon and vinegar solution.
6. Use Rubbing Alcohol (Optional)
Rubbing alcohol is effective for breaking down crayon stains:
- Apply Alcohol: Soak a cotton ball or clean cloth in rubbing alcohol.
- Blot the Stain: Blot the stain with the alcohol-soaked cloth, working from the outside in to prevent spreading.
- Rinse with Hot Water: Rinse the fabric with hot water to remove the alcohol and loosened crayon residue.
7. Iron the Stain (Optional)
If the stain persists, you can use an iron to help remove it:
- Place Paper Towels: Place the stained area between two clean paper towels.
- Set Iron to Low Heat: Set your iron to a low heat setting.
- Iron the Stain: Gently iron over the stained area. The heat will melt the crayon, and the paper towels will absorb it.
- Replace Paper Towels: Replace the paper towels as needed until no more crayon transfers.
8. Use Stain Remover (Optional)
If the stain is still visible, apply a commercial stain remover according to the product instructions. Let it sit for the recommended amount of time before washing.
9. Launder as Usual
After treating the stain, launder the fabric according to the care instructions. Use the hottest water temperature safe for the fabric. Avoid using a dryer until you are sure the stain is completely gone, as heat can set any remaining traces.
Tips for Effective Stain Removal
1. Act Quickly
The sooner you treat a crayon stain, the easier it will be to remove. Fresh stains are much simpler to clean than dried ones.
2. Test Solutions
Always test cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure they do not cause damage or discoloration.
3. Blot, Don’t Rub
When dealing with crayon stains, always blot the stain rather than rubbing it. Rubbing can push the stain further into the fabric and make it more difficult to remove.
4. Repeat if Necessary
Stubborn stains may require multiple treatments. Be patient and repeat the cleaning process if necessary.
5. Avoid Heat
Avoid using hot water or heat sources until you are sure the stain is completely removed, as heat can set the stain.
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively remove crayon stains from clothes and keep your garments looking their best.
