How to Get Crayon Out of Clothes

Crayon stains are not always permanent and can be removed, even after the dryer

How to Remove Crayon Stains

The Spruce / Joules Garcia

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins - 1 hr
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5 to $10

If you just realized that an entire load of laundry has been ruined by a lone crayon left in the washing machine, you might be feeling a little hopeless. Crayon stains, which combine dye with a waxy oil stain, are notoriously difficult to remove. But it is possible to get crayons out of clothes, and you can use some common household items to do it.

Pull the clothes that need to be treated and don't put crayon-stained clothes in the dryer. You can get crayon out of clothes that went through the dryer, but it's even more difficult. Not only will the dryer's drum get marks of crayon on it, but the stains on the clothing will set from the heat.

Here's what you need to know about how to get crayons out of clothes, including how to get wax out of clothes that have been washed and dried.

Stain type Oil-based, dye-based
Detergent type Heavy-duty
Water temperature Varies by type of fabric
Cycle type Varies by type of fabric

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Ice pack
  • Dull knife
  • Washing machine

Materials

  • Oxygen-based bleach, such as OxiClean
  • Warm water
  • Laundry detergent

Instructions

Materials for removing crayon stains

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

How to Get Melted Crayon Out of Clothes

  1. Harden the Wax

    To get crayon off clothes that went through the dryer—or to remove melted crayon in general—first, you'll have to harden the wax again. Put an ice pack on the crayon wax for about 30 minutes, so it solidifies.

    Hardening the crayon wax with an ice pack

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena


  2. Remove Solid Crayon

    Scrape off as much solid crayon wax from the fabric as you can with a dull knife. (You also can use an edge of a credit card or something similar.) Be careful not to push the crayon deeper into the fabric fibers.

    Using a dull knife to remove the crayon wax

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  3. Soak the Fabric

    Soak the fabric in warm water and oxygen-based bleach, following label dilution instructions, for at least 30 minutes.

    Soaking a crayon stained shirt in an oxygen bleach solution

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  4. Launder the Fabric

    • Wash the fabric in the hottest water it will allow. Let it air-dry, and check for staining.
    • If it remains, repeat the process; and do not put the fabric in the dryer until there are no more traces of the crayon stain.
    Checking for the stain after laundering

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena

How to Get Fresh Crayon Stains Out of Clothes

  1. Scrape off solid wax. Use a dull knife to remove as much solid crayon as you can without embedding it deeper into the fabric.
  2. Apply liquid dish soap. Gently dab dish soap into the stained area with a soft cloth, changing sections of the cloth as the crayon stain begins to bleed away. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center to avoid spreading the stain.
  3. Soak the stain. Repeat dish soap application until no more crayon comes up onto your cloth, and then, soak the fabric in warm water.
  4. Machine wash. Launder your fabric with your normal detergent. Use an oxygen-based bleach, such as OxiClean, if your fabric allows.
  5. Air dry. Air-dry to ensure that the stain has disappeared before putting the fabric in the dryer.

Alternative Methods to Try

WD-40

WD-40 loosens waxy residue from fibers. However, it is filled with mineral oil and may cause oil stains in nylon and polyester clothes which all bond to oil. If you want to proceed, test WD-40 on a hidden area of the fabric to make sure it won't damage the material. If it's all clear, follow these steps:

  • Use your dull knife to scrape off as much solid crayon as possible before adding WD-40.
  • Spray WD-40 on both sides of the crayon stain. Put paper towels between the stained area and the rest of the fabric to keep WD-40 from soaking into the rest of the garment.
  • Let the WD-40 sit for five minutes.
  • Use your dull knife to lift any more crayon solids that the oil loosened.
  • Thoroughly rinse the fabric in cool water.
  • If the stain is gone, launder as normal.
  • If staining remains, try repeating the steps or using a different method.

Tip

Oxygen-based bleach, such as OxiClean, can get the remaining crayon out of clothes after you treat them with WD-40. WD-40 is effective at removing the waxy parts, and the oxygen-based bleach can take care of any staining. Follow the instructions on your bleach for washing, and make sure it's appropriate for your fabric type.

Stain Remover

Look for a stain remover stick, gel, or spray that's appropriate for your fabric type. A liquid spray soaks well into the crayon stain. Then proceed with these steps:

  • Spot-test the stain remover to make sure it won't harm your fabric.
  • Scrape off as much solid crayon as possible from the fabric with a dull knife, but don't rub it in.
  • Follow the label's instructions to apply the stain remover to the stain and let it sit for at least five minutes (but consult the label for recommended timing).
  • Apply the stain remover as many times as needed until you no longer see any improvement.
  • Then, wash the fabric. (Use an oxygen-based bleach if it's suitable for your fabric.)
  • Air-dry the item but if you still see stains, repeat the process or try a different method.

Hot Water

Hot water can help dissolve crayon wax and baking soda can scrub it out. Take these steps:

  • Scrape off as much solid crayon as possible with a dull knife.
  • Wash in the hottest water that the fabric can safely tolerate using your normal laundry detergent.
  • Add 1 cup of baking soda to the wash. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can get crayon out of clothes by breaking up the wax and dyes.
  • Add oxygen-based bleach, fabric-permitting, to help wash out the crayon.
  • Allow the fabric to air-dry, and then check for any remaining stains.
  • Repeat the process or try a different method if you still see staining. Otherwise, you can wash and dry the fabric as normal.

Additional Tips for Handling Crayon Stains

It's not uncommon to repeat a method a few times when removing crayon stains from fabric. Also, always check the interiors of your washer and dryer, as well as clothing pockets, for crayons. If you don't find the source, a crayon stain might show up again in your wash. Moreover, be sure to clean the insides of the washer and dryer if there are crayon marks in them before doing another load of laundry.

If you're dealing with delicate, vintage, or dry clean-only fabric that has a crayon stain, it's often best to bring it to professional cleaners rather than attempting to remove the stain at home. Be sure to point out all stained spots to the cleaners.

FAQ
  • Are crayon stains permanent?

    Crayon may appear permanent but with elbow grease, most marks will come out after multiple tries.

  • Can I use Goo Gone to remove crayon from clothes?

    Goo Gone is good for removing many stains, including crayon. Always test a hidden part of your garment, though, to make sure it is safe for the fabric.

  • Can you use an iron to get crayon out of clothes?

    Yes, it is possible to remove crayon from clothing with an iron. Place the clothing item face down in between two paper towels. Warm up your iron, but do not allow it to get too hot. Press the warm iron on top of the upper paper towel. Some of the crayon will likely transfer to the paper towel. Repeat this process with fresh paper towels until the crayon is removed.