Kiddipedia
When your child first picks up a pen or crayon and lets their creativity loose, it’s a wonderful thing – who knows, they could be the next Picasso! However, your excitement can quickly turn to panic when they start drawing on anything and everything, even your walls. But don’t worry, there’s no need for those scribbles and scrawls to ruin the look of your beautiful home. Below are some simple and effective ways to remove permanent marker, washable pen, and crayon from walls.
Remember, not only might your little ones get pen or crayon all over your walls, they’re likely to get it on their clothes, too. Fortunately, these stains don’t have to be permanent either – there’s plenty of advice on how to remove permanent marker and other ink stains from fabric out there, too.
How to remove pen from walls
Whether you need to know how to remove permanent marker from walls or you just need to tackle washable marker stains, these tips can help you out. Of course, permanent marker is likely to be trickier to remove, but perseverance is key. You may need to repeat your chosen method a few times, or try a different technique. Remember to test all solutions on a small, discreet area of the wall first, read the instructions provided on labels, and wear rubber gloves.
- Toothpaste
Apply a small amount of white non-gel toothpaste to the mark. Leave for 5-10 minutes, then gently rub the mark with a clean cloth using circular motions – this will help lift the stain. Wipe away the toothpaste with a damp cloth.
- Baking soda
Dampen a sponge and sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto the abrasive side. Then gently rub the sponge against the wall in a circular motion. Rinse the sponge and repeat as necessary.
- Rubbing alcohol
Pour rubbing alcohol (you could also try using alcohol-based hand sanitizer for this) onto a clean, old rag or a piece of cotton wool, squeezing any excess out onto a paper towel. Dab at the mark until your cloth absorbs the ink. Repeat with a piece of fresh cotton wool or a clean side of the rag to avoid transferring the ink back onto the wall.
How to remove crayon from walls
Any of the above methods may work for crayon marks too, but you may also like to consider the techniques below. Again, remember to test any solutions on a small, hidden area of the wall first.
- Hair dryer and dish soap
Grab your hair dryer and blow hot air onto the crayon marks. This will heat the wax and cause it to melt. It will then be easier to wipe the wax away using a clean cloth and a small amount of liquid dish soap.
- Pencil erasers
Simply use a pencil eraser (yes, the ones your child would normally use to erase a spelling mistake!) to gently rub away small crayon marks.
- Vinegar
Dip an old toothbrush into some undiluted white vinegar and scrub the stain. Vinegar is a great all-round cleaner that is non-toxic and inexpensive. Once the crayon mark is removed, wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth.
How to keep your walls scribble-free
Prevent reoccurrences of your kids using your walls as blank canvases by encouraging them to express their creativity in different ways around the home. Here are four ideas:
- Get some white boards and dry wipe pens. These are great for playing group games.
- Use black boards and chalk. Most homeware stores will sell black boards which can easily be hung from a wall. Alternatively, you can buy some chalk board paint and cover a whole surface in your home in it. This area can then be dedicated to your child’s artistic needs – this way, it’s okay for them to draw on the walls!
- Set up an easel in your child’s play room or bed room and place a large pad of paper on it for them to draw as many masterpieces on as they like.
- Create a mounted paper roller. Attach a wooden rod to your wall with brackets and get a large roll of paper that can be rolled out down the wall.
Now you know that removing permanent marker or crayon from walls can be simple, next time your little one unleashes their creative spirit, you needn’t panic! You can use these tips to help get rid of any stains, and you can nurture your child’s creative spirit by giving them places to draw and express themselves. They’ll thank you – and so will your wallpaper.
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