Kids and crayons go together like laundry and Mondays, and sometimes those crayons end up exactly where you don't want them: on clothes. Whether your little artist got a little too enthusiastic at the kitchen table or a forgotten crayon survived a dryer cycle, waxy crayon stains can feel impossible to remove. The good news? They're not.
With the right technique and a little patience, you can get crayon stains out of most fabrics. Here's exactly how to do it, step by step.
What You'll Need
A dull knife, spoon, or fork (for scraping)
White paper towels
A warm iron
Liquid laundry detergent (heavy-duty works best)
A washing machine
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Crayon from Clothing
Step 1: Scrape Off the Excess Crayon
Before you put anything in water, remove as much of the waxy residue as you can. Use the dull edge of a knife, a spoon, or even a fork to gently scrape away the surface crayon. Work carefully to avoid spreading the stain or pushing it deeper into the fabric fibers. Shake the garment over a trash can to knock off any loose flakes.
Pro tip: Don't rub, always scrape toward the center of the stain to keep it contained.
Step 2: Use an Iron to Lift the Wax
This step is key for waxy stains like crayon. Lay the garment face-down on a white paper towel. Place another white paper towel on top of the stained area. Set your iron to a warm setting, not hot, and press it gently over the paper towel. The heat will melt the wax, which will then transfer from the fabric to the paper towel.
Keep swapping out the paper towels as they absorb the wax, and repeat until no more crayon transfers. This can take a few rounds, so don't rush it.
Important: Always check that the iron is on the paper towel only, never directly on the garment. High heat can set the stain permanently.
Step 3: Pre-Treat the Stain with Liquid Detergent
Once you've removed as much wax as possible, it's time to tackle the color left behind. Apply a generous amount of liquid laundry detergent directly to the stained area. Make sure the entire stain is covered. Gently work the detergent into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush, then let it sit for at least five minutes. This gives the detergent time to break down the pigment.
Step 4: Load the Washer Without Rinsing
Here's one step that surprises people: don't rinse off the detergent before putting the garment in the wash. Load it directly into the washing machine, detergent and all. Leaving it on the stain gives you extra cleaning power right where you need it. Toss in the rest of your laundry load as normal.
Step 5: Wash on the Hottest Safe Temperature
Run the wash cycle using the hottest water temperature that the garment's care label allows. Heat helps break down the remaining waxy residue and crayon pigment. Always check the label first, some fabrics (like wool or silk) can be damaged by hot water, so use the warmest safe setting rather than the absolute hottest.
Step 6: Inspect Before You Dry
As soon as the wash cycle ends, take the garment out and inspect the stain before it goes in the dryer. This is crucial: heat from the dryer will permanently set any remaining stain, making it nearly impossible to remove later. If you can still see crayon residue or color, repeat steps 3 through 5 before drying.
Once the stain is fully gone, dry the garment as usual and breathe a sigh of relief.
What If a Crayon Went Through the Dryer?
We've all been there: a stray crayon left in a pocket goes through the wash and dryer, leaving waxy, colorful smears on an entire load of laundry. Don't panic. Here's what to do:
Let the clothes cool completely before handling.
Scrape off any hardened wax residue once it's cooled.
Pre-treat every affected garment with liquid detergent.
Wash everything again on the hottest safe cycle.
Wipe out the inside of the dryer drum with a damp cloth and a little dish soap before using it again. Melted crayon can leave residue on the drum that transfers to the next load.
Quick Tips for Stubborn Crayon Stains
Act fast. The sooner you treat a crayon stain, the better your chances of full removal.
Check the care label. Water temperature and fabric type matter. Wool, silk, and delicates need gentler treatment.
Use white paper towels. Colored paper towels can transfer dye to your garment when heated with an iron.
Never put in the dryer until the stain is gone. Heat sets stains permanently.
For white fabrics, a small amount of white vinegar applied before pre-treating can help lift the pigment.
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