How to Get Crayon out of Clothes in 5 Simple Steps

Kids love to create art with crayons, but when they leave crayons in their pockets, they create a colorful stain. We’ll show you how to get crayon out of clothes, whether the stains are fresh or melted, using household products you already have handy. The most important thing is to act fast so the stain doesn’t spread or set in further. Before starting to treat the stain, always check your clothing’s care label for any specific requirements like dry cleaning.

The easiest way to remove crayon from clothes when stains are fresh

What You’ll Need

• Dull knife or credit card

• Liquid dish soap

• An old toothbrush

• Store-bought stain removers

STEP 1: SCRAPE OFF THE STAIN WITH A KNIFE

First, use a dull knife or credit card to lift off any excess crayon. Gently scrape the surface of the fabric, making sure not to rub or push the crayon deeper into the fabric.

STEP 2: APPLY A TABLESPOON OF LIQUID DISH SOAP

Next, apply a small amount of liquid dish soap to the crayon stain and rub vigorously with an old toothbrush to dislodge the wax. No water is needed during this step.

STEP 3: SOAK THE STAIN FOR A FEW MINUTES

Let the liquid dish soap soak into the stain for a few minutes and then rub the fabric together under warm running water. Make sure to remove all dish soap before using your washing machine since it can cause excess suds, leading to an overflow. 

STEP 4: MACHINE WASH ON HEAVY SOIL SETTING

Now you’re ready to wash your garment in the washing machine using whatever store-bought stain fighting products you have on hand. Use the warmest water recommended on the care tag, and choose a heavy soil setting for best results, like the PowerWash^® cycle by Maytag. 

STEP 5: LINE DRY & REPEAT IF NECESSARY

Line dry the item: heat from a dryer will set any stain left behind that you can't see while the fabric is wet. If the stain remains after it dries, repeat the steps as many times as necessary.

How to Get Melted Crayon out of Clothes

Sometimes you won’t know you have a crayon stain on clothes until you open the dryer and find a colorful mess. When crayon stains have been melted by heat, you can still remove them using common household items with a couple extra steps.

What You’ll Need

• Ice cubes

• Plastic bag

• Dull knife or credit card

• Liquid dish soap

• Bowl or bucket

• Baking soda (optional)

STEP 1: CHILL THE STAIN WITH ICE

Never attempt to remove a hot, melted crayon stain, as it will smear. Instead, place a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply this to the crayon stain to chill the wax until it hardens. 

STEP 2: GENTLY SCRAPE OFF EXCESS WAX

After the wax cools, gently scrape off as much as you can with a dull knife or the edge of a credit card.

STEP 3: APPLY DISH SOAP TO PRETREAT THE STAIN

Apply liquid dish soap to the front and the back of the stain and let it soak in for 30 minutes without scrubbing. No water is needed during this step.

STEP 4: SOAK THE GARMENT FOR AT LEAST 1 HOUR

Mix a soaking solution of a drop of liquid dish soap and a couple cups of warm water into a glass or plastic bowl or bucket. The longer you let the crayon stain soak, the better your chances are for stain removal success. You can soak the stain for a minimum of one hour, but overnight is ideal.

STEP 5: RINSE AND REMOVE DISH SOAP 

Rinse the garment thoroughly under warm running water to remove all traces of dish soap. Dish soap in the washing machine creates excess suds and can cause an overflow.

STEP 6: MACHINE WASH ON HEAVY SOIL SETTING

Wash the garment with regular detergent in the warmest water recommended on the care tag. For best results, use the heavy soil setting. For white clothes, add ½ cup of chlorine bleach to the bleach dispenser. For colored clothes, add ½ cup of color-safe oxygenated bleach or baking soda. 

STEP 7: LINE DRY & REPEAT IF NECESSARY

Line dry the item: heat from a dryer will set any stain left behind that you can’t see while the fabric is wet. If the stain remains after it dries, repeat the steps as many times as necessary.

Shop Maytag^® washers and dryers for stain removal

Maytag^® washers and dryers have the power and dependability to tackle tough stains and keep laundry day moving. With powerful cleaning features backed by a 10-year limited parts warranty, Maytag^® washers and dryers are built to last.