How to Get Crayon Off the Wall: A Dad’s Guide to Cleaning Up Little Messes
As a dad, I get it—the little ones love to express themselves, and sometimes that means drawing on things that aren't exactly meant to be art canvases. We all know the feeling: you walk into the living room, ready to relax, and boom—there it is. Crayon on the wall. And as much as I love their creativity, I also don’t want to live with a wall full of crayon marks. So, here’s a dad-friendly guide on how to get crayon off the wall without losing your mind (or your paint job).
Baking Soda to the Rescue
If you haven’t discovered baking soda’s cleaning magic yet, it’s time. This stuff works like a charm, and it’s safe for the walls (and your sanity). Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Grab a damp cloth or sponge and sprinkle some baking soda on it.
Gently rub the crayon marks in a circular motion—don’t go too crazy, or you’ll end up with a bigger mess.
Wipe the area down with a clean cloth, and voilà—clean wall!
This is probably my go-to method—it’s simple, effective, and you probably already have baking soda in your pantry.
Magic Eraser = Magic Fix
If you’ve got a Magic Eraser lying around, you're in luck. This little sponge works wonders on tough stains, and it’s super easy to use. Here's the game plan:
Wet the Magic Eraser, but don’t soak it.
Gently scrub the crayon marks—just a little elbow grease will do.
Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any excess residue.
But a heads up—these things are strong! I’d recommend testing it in a hidden spot first just to make sure it doesn’t mess with your paint color.
Dish Soap and Warm Water: A Quick Fix
Sometimes, you just need something quick and easy. Dish soap and warm water can be the ticket. Here’s what I do when I want to get the job done without too much fuss:
Mix a drop or two of dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the crayon stains.
Wipe away the soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
This is a pretty chill solution, and it works well on lighter marks.
Vinegar: The Household Hero
You’ve probably got a bottle of vinegar in your pantry right now. And trust me, it’s more than just a salad dressing ingredient—it’s a great cleaner. Here’s how I use it:
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Spray it on the crayon marks, then wipe it down with a cloth.
It’s a solid all-purpose cleaner, and it gets the job done. Just make sure to test it in an inconspicuous spot first, especially if you’ve got a darker-colored wall.
When All Else Fails: Touch-Up Paint
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the crayon marks just won’t budge. If that happens, it’s time to get the paint out:
Grab the same paint color and type you originally used.
Touch up the affected area with a small brush, blending it in with the rest of the wall.
It’s not the worst thing in the world, and hey—it gives me an excuse to use my “dad skills” to fix something!
Bonus Tip: Prevent Future Crayon Mishaps!
I’ll be the first to admit—I can’t always keep an eye on the little ones while they’re coloring. But to avoid the next wall “masterpiece,” I’ve learned it’s a good idea to set up a designated art space. A chalkboard, easel, or even a big piece of butcher paper on the floor can work wonders. It’s all about giving them the freedom to create, just not on your walls.
So, there you have it—how to get crayon off the wall without pulling your hair out. With a little patience (and the right tools), you’ll have your walls looking good as new. And the next time your kiddo draws on the wall, you’ll be ready to handle it like a pro.
Let’s be honest—being a parent is full of surprises, and sometimes the crayon art is just part of the adventure. But as long as you’ve got a few simple tricks up your sleeve, cleaning it up doesn’t have to be a big deal.