Hacks to Remove Color Marks from Walls, Carpets, and Wood

 

It’s a mom’s worst nightmare and a toddler’s favorite game; doodling all over the house. Leave your little one unattended for five minutes and you will return back to find colored stains on walls, furniture, and sometimes all over their bodies. To keep up the positive parenting vibes, here are some hacks that will help you remove crayon, pencil, permanent marker, and pen stains from walls, carpets, wooden floors, or furniture. All hacks can be done using stuff lying around in your house.

 

Wall marks

Crayon marks:

 

• Method 1: Melt the stains off the wall using a hairdryer as crayon colors are wax-based. Once they start to melt, wipe the wax away with a microfiber cloth dipped in hot soapy water.
• Method 2: Gently scrape off the marks with a ruler then wipe them with water and mild detergent.
• Method 3: Apply a generous amount of mayonnaise over the stains, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe with a clean cloth. Wipe the wall with water and another clean soft cloth.
• Method 4: Soak a toothbrush in white vinegar then scrub the stains.

 

Permanent markers:

 

• Scrub the stains with an old toothbrush and non-gel toothpaste.

 

Pencil marks:

 

• Method 1: Mix some baking soda in a bowl of water, dip a clean cloth in the water, then gently rub away the marks.
• Method 2: Squeeze a tiny amount of toothpaste onto a soft clean cloth and gently rub the marks.
• Method 3: Dilute a small amount of detergent in water and use a soft clean cloth to wipe away the marks. Make sure to use a mild detergent to avoid peeling off the paint.

 

Pen marks:

 

• Method 1: Dip a cotton ball in a nail polish remover and gently rub the wall. Avoid rubbing too hard to protect the paint.
• Method 2: Spray the area generously with hairspray, then wipe with a clean cloth.

 

Carpets

Crayon marks:

 

• Method 1: Scrape away marks with a spoon. Then cover them with a white paper towel. Heat the covered area with a blow dryer to melt the crayon and it will get absorbed into the paper towel.
• Method 2: Put a brown paper bag on the stains then iron the bag. The iron heat will stick the crayon to the paper bag.

 

Permanent markers:

 

• Method 1: Pour a generous amount of oil-free hair spray onto a white cloth. Firmly dab the marks.
• Method 2: Soak a cotton ball in acetone and blot firmly at the stain repeatedly.

 

Pencil marks:

 

• Scrape away the stains with a dull knife. Spray a small amount of WD 40 over the area and leave it for 3 minutes. Scrub it with a stiff carpet brush, then blot with a clean towel. Spray another layer of WD 40. Apply dishwasher soap, then repeat scrubbing. Wipe it with a damp sponge, then blot with another clean towel until it’s completely dry.

 

Pen marks:

 

• Mix some corn flour with milk and wait until a dough is formed. Spread the dough on the stains and leave it to dry. Then rub it off the carpet.

 

Wood

Crayon marks:

 

• Apply toothpaste on the area and leave it for 5 to 6 minutes. Wipe the toothpaste with a damp cloth, then immediately dry the area.

 

Permanent markers:

 

• Method 1: Apply toothpaste on the stains, then rub off with a damp cloth.
• Method 2: Apply a small amount of gel hand sanitizer on the mark, then wipe with a soft cloth.

 

Pen marks:

 

• Stir some baking soda in half a cup of water until the mixture is slimy. Spread it on the stains and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove it with a damp cloth. You might need to repeat this more than once. Drain off the wood with another clean towel.

 

Further reading:

 

• Back to school hacks that will save time
• 10 clever ways to organize your kids’ toys
• Rahet Bally DIY: 10 creative ways to reuse baby clothes