Having an artistic kid can be a lot of fun when you have plenty of pieces to hang on your fridge or walls. The problem is when kids decide to skip the picture frame and add art to your walls directly. Here’s how to clean up when your kids get creative with the interior decorating.
How to Get Crayon Off Walls
Ah, the classic: a kid scribbling on the wall with a crayon in each hand. If you notice a wax masterpiece added without your permission, here’s how to get it off:
- Gently scrape off as much excess wax as possible with a plastic scraper or butter knife, being careful not to damage the paint. If you have a hairdryer and are worried about damaging the paint, you can melt the wax off instead. Set the hairdryer to the highest heat and lowest fan setting, blowing it over the crayon. As the wax melts, wipe away the excess with a paper towel.
- Mix warm water and liquid dish soap in a bowl.
- Using a damp, soft sponge or cleaning cloth, work the soapy water over the remaining stain in gentle, circular motions.
- Rinse the area with clean water. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as needed.
- Dry the wall with a clean cloth or paper towel.
How to Get Pencil Off the Walls
If gently erasing the marks with a rubber or gum eraser doesn’t work, reach for the water and dish soap again!
- Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
- Dip a clean cloth in the mixture and use it to gently wipe away pencil marks.
- Let the wall air dry.
- If any marks remain, dab a little white toothpaste on a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Gently rub the toothpaste over the marks, using small, circular motions.
- Wipe the remaining toothpaste away with a clean cloth.
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How to Get Permanent Marker Off Your Walls
The secret to getting rid of permanent marker is 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol! While harsher cleaners can take permanent marker stains off the wall, they usually start taking paint or wallpaper off as well. However, it’s always recommended to test a small part of your wall to ensure your paint type will tolerate rubbing alcohol.
- Dampen a soft cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol.
- Gently blot the stain.
- Wipe any excess rubbing alcohol with warm soapy water.
- Blot the wall dry.
How to Remove Acrylic Paint from Walls
The age-old question: how to remove craft paint without removing wall paint? The answer? A little water, dish soap, elbow grease, and some vinegar.
- Mix warm water with a few drops of liquid dish soap.
- Dampen a cloth or paper towel and gently rub over the paint stains. This method works best on fresh stains.
- If the paint is particularly thick, let the water sit on the wall for a few minutes. Then, use a plastic scraper or butter knife to carefully scrape off the excess paint.
- If the paint isn’t coming off all the way or the stain is old, heat some white vinegar in the microwave so it is warm, but not boiling.
- Use a clean cloth or sponge to gently scrub the stain with the warm vinegar.
- Wipe the wall clean with a damp cloth, then use another towel or cloth to dry it.
How to Get Dry Erase Marker Off the Walls
Dry erase marker didn’t stay on the whiteboard? No problem! Try 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol for this stain. Be sure to test on a small area of the wall first to ensure your paint type can tolerate the solution.
- Dampen a cloth or cotton ball with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Gently blot the stain with up-and-down motions; don’t rub! This helps remove the stain without taking off the paint at the same time.
- Wipe any excess solution with warm soapy water.
- Blot the wall dry.
Let Us Handle the Regular Messes...
…so you have more time to take care of the irregular ones! Set up routine cleaning services from the experts at The Cleaning Authority so you have more time to devote to channeling your kids’ creativity away from the walls!
Call (888) 658-0659 or request an estimate online today!