How to Get Crayon Off Wood: Solutions Using Household Items

Co-authored by Erik Bakirov and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: October 9, 2024 References

You turn your back for a minute only to find there's now crayon on your hardwood surface. We've all been there, but the good news is that you've probably got the right cleaning supplies around your home. In this article, we'll show you how to get rid of crayon marks on wooden floors, tables, or furniture. One of these easy home cleaning hacks is sure to do the trick!

1

All-purpose wood cleaner

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Choose a spray for furniture or a liquid for wood floors. All-purpose wood cleaner removes light dirt and crayon marks from wood. Plus, it adds a little shine and protective coating. Spritz the cleaner onto wooden furniture, cabinets, or tables and wipe it off with a cloth. If you're getting marks off a wooden floor, squirt the liquid cleaner and mop it up with a dry cloth.^{[1]
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- You buy all-purpose wood cleaners that leave a high level of shine. This can really make your furniture stand out.

2

Soapy water

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Reach for liquid dish soap to remove light crayon marks. If the crayon marks aren't very bright, try simply cleaning it with a soapy solution. Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap into a bowl of warm water and dip a cloth into it. Rub the soapy cloth over the crayon marks to remove the mess from your table, floor, or furniture.
- Try liquid dish soap, so you don't leave oily residue on the floor or cabinets.

3

Baking soda paste

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Baking soda is slightly abrasive, so it can lift crayon marks from wood. If soapy water didn't do the trick, mix 1 tablespoon (14 g) of baking powder with enough water to make a paste-like mixture. Spread the paste on the crayon and scrub it with an old toothbrush. This works well for small marks on cabinets or tables.^{[2]
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- Baking soda should still be gentle enough to use on finished wood, but you can always test the paste in an inconspicuous spot first.

4

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

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Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can lift tough or stubborn stains. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are essentially super fine sandpaper blocks. Rub a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser over your crayon stain, but stop as soon as the crayon is lifted or you could remove the finish on the wood, especially if the mark is on a cabinet or table.^{[3]
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- If you're getting rid of crayon from unfinished wood, it's fine to use a very fine sandpaper sheet. For instance, rub 220- to 400-grit sandpaper on the crayon mark.

5

Vinegar

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Use vinegar to naturally break down the crayon stain. Dip a cloth in water and add a few drops of white vinegar, or just spray white vinegar directly onto the stain if you already have it in a spray bottle. Rub the crayon stain with the cloth until the color is gone.^{[4]
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- The vinegar smell is strong at first, but it disappears once it dries.

6

Toothpaste

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Work non-gel toothpaste into the wood to lift minor stains. Squirt white toothpaste onto a cloth and rub it onto the crayon marks. The toothpaste is slightly abrasive and it can break down the wax on your wooden furniture or table.^{[5]
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- Check that the toothpaste is non-whitening since you don't want ingredients that will lighten or discolor the wood.

7

Lubricant

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Spread water-displacing lubricants to break up tough crayon stains. The product gets into the crayon wax, so you have an easier time rubbing it away. Squirt a lubricant like WD-40 onto a cloth and wipe it onto the floor, furniture, table, or cabinet.^{[6]
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- You might have lubricant left on the wood. To clean it, wipe the wood with a soapy cloth.

8

Mayonnaise

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Mayonnaise and a little elbow grease can remove crayon from finished wood. Mayo works a bit like lubricant—the fats can penetrate the stain, so you can get the crayon out. Just dab a cloth into some mayonnaise and spread it on the crayon. Let it sit for at least a few minutes before you scrub it away.^{[8]
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- It's totally fine to use light mayonnaise although you'll need to let it sit longer to have an effect.

9

Lemon essential oil

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Scrub stubborn crayon stains with lemon oil to break down the wax. Pour lemon essential oil onto a paper towel or soft cloth and rub it onto the crayon marks. Put a little pressure onto the wood as you scrub, so you lift the crayon.^{[9]
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- If the lemon oil doesn't do the trick, add a drop of olive oil and repeat the process.
- Pop on gloves or wash your hands immediately after handling the essential oil. Undiluted essential oil can irritate or damage sensitive skin.

10

Ice

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Place ice on melted crayon to harden it, so you can pop the wax off. Get rid of the excess wax by pressing an ice cube directly onto the wax. Once the wax hardens, take a spatula or knife and carefully pop the wax off of the wood.^{[10]
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- To prevent scratches, use a plastic spatula or knife and avoid digging into the wood itself.

11

Blowdryer

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If you're dealing with really waxy crayons that have left thick residue, hit them with your blowdryer set to high heat. Once the wax looks soft or melted, spritz it with an all-purpose cleaner and scrub it off with a cloth.^{[11]
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Warnings

Avoid using solvents like paint thinner, rubbing alcohol, or nail polish remover on wood surfaces. These can lift the finish and make the wood grain rough.

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