The Easy Way to Remove Marker, Crayon, and Paint Stains

How to Get Crayon Out of Clothes

Crayon stains are wax-based, so you need to deal with the wax before you can get at the color underneath.

Scrape off as much wax as you can with a butter knife or the edge of a spoon. Apply a stain stick or liquid dish soap directly to the stain and work it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash in the hottest water the care label allows. The heat helps dissolve remaining wax.

If crayon melted in the dryer, try the iron method: lay the stain face down on clean paper towels, place another towel on top, and press with a warm iron on low heat. The wax will transfer to the towels. Swap them out and repeat until the wax stops lifting, then treat any remaining color with stain spray and wash.

How to Get Paint Out of Clothes

Most kids' paint (tempera, finger paint, washable watercolor) is water-based and comes out easily if you catch it while it's still wet. Run the stain under warm water to flush out as much paint as possible, apply detergent or stain remover to the spot, and wash.

If the paint has dried, soak the garment in warm water with detergent for 30 minutes before washing. You may need to scrape off dried paint with a butter knife first.

Oil-based paints are less common with kids, but if it happens, blot with rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits, working from the outside inward. Rinse and wash once the paint is loosened.