How to Remove Crayons from Shirts and Fabric: A Guide for Homeowners in Seattle

Crayon stains are a common and annoying problem, especially for families with little ones. Whether it’s a small smudge or a big mess, knowing how to get crayons out of shirts and fabric can save your favourite garments and upholstery. This guide has practical tips and hacks to help you tackle these colourful stains and make your home cleaning life easier.

The Problem

Crayons are made of wax and pigments which stick to fabric fibres, making them hard to remove. The wax can melt into the fabric if you apply heat, setting the stain further. So you need to use the right techniques to not make it worse.

First Steps to Remove Crayon Stains

1. Act Fast: The sooner you get to a crayon stain the better. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than those that have set.

2. Remove Excess Crayon: Gently scrape off any excess crayon from the fabric with a dull knife or credit card. Don’t rub the stain as this can spread the wax further into the fibres.

Home Hacks for Crayon Stains

Freezing and Scraping

One of the home hacks is to freeze the crayon stain. Place the affected fabric in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Once the wax is hard you can scrape it off with a blunt object. This works well for smaller stains on shirts and other clothing.

Ironing with Paper Towels

For bigger or more set in stains the ironing method can be useful:

1. Place the stained area between two sheets of plain white paper towels or a brown paper bag.

2. Set your iron to a low or medium heat without steam.

3. Iron over the area, the heat will melt the wax which will transfer to the paper towels. Make sure to move the paper towels frequently to a clean area to not re-deposit the wax onto the fabric.

Dish Soap and Baking Soda

Simple and effective crayon stain removal:

1. Mix a few drops of dish soap with a teaspoon of baking soda.

2. Apply to stain and gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth.

3. Rinse with warm water and repeat if needed.

Vinegar and Water

1. 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water.

2. Dab onto stain with a clean cloth, blot not rub.

3. Rinse with warm water and wash as usual.

Commercial Stain Removers

There are also commercial stain removers for waxy or greasy stains which can be great for crayon marks. Always follow the instructions and test on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first.

Prevention

To prevent crayon stains:

1. Supervise: Watch children during art and craft time and encourage them to use washable crayons or work on washable surfaces.

2. Designate an Art Area: Set up a designated art space that is easy to clean with plastic tablecloths or mats.

3. Stain Resistant Fabrics: When possible use stain resistant fabrics on clothing and upholstery.

Seattle Cleaning Services

For those tough stains or when you’re short on time, professional cleaning services can be a lifesaver. In Seattle there are many home and apartment cleaning services that specialize in stain removal including crayon stains. They use advanced cleaning techniques and products not available to the consumer so you can be assured of a thorough clean.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Service

When choosing a cleaning service in Seattle consider:

1. Experience and Expertise: Look for companies with experience in fabric stain removal.

2. Eco Friendly: Many cleaning services now offer eco friendly cleaning solutions safe for your family and the environment.

3. Reviews: Check reviews and testimonials to see what other customers think of the service.

Crayon stains on shirts and fabric don’t have to be a problem. With these simple cleaning hacks and solutions you can get your garments and upholstery back to new. And for those tough stains, Seattle’s cleaning services are here to help, so your home can be crayon free. Whether you need a one time deep clean or regular maintenance, they can provide the expertise to keep your space clean.