Cleaning Ink, Marker & Crayon Stains

As part of our Back to School series, we'll guide you through the steps to effectively clean ink, marker, and crayon stains. Quick action is crucial, as the faster you tackle a stain, the higher your chances of completely removing it. Remember, always dab rather than rub when treating stains on fabrics to avoid setting the stain deeper.

Ink Stains

Ink stains are among the most challenging to remove, but with patience and the right approach, you can increase your chances of success.

Steps to Remove Ink Stains:

Blot Immediately:

• Use a clean cloth to blot the excess ink.

• Place another cloth under the stained area to prevent the ink from spreading.

Apply Rubbing Alcohol:

• Spray or dab rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer directly onto the stain.

• Let it sit for a few minutes to break down the ink.

Blot Again:

• Blot the area with a clean cloth, pressing down and lifting up to avoid rubbing.

• Rotate the cloth frequently to avoid re-transferring the ink.

Pretreat with Dish Soap:

• Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain as a pre-treatment.

Wash on a Cold Cycle:

• Wash the garment in the washing machine on a cold cycle.

• Check if the stain is gone before drying. If not, repeat the process.

Tip: Avoid using heat on ink-stained items until the stain is completely removed, as heat can set the stain permanently.

Marker Stains

Permanent markers are designed to be long-lasting, making their stains particularly tough to remove. However, certain household items can help lift these stubborn marks.

Steps to Remove Marker Stains:

Blot the Stain:

• Place a cloth under the stained area to catch any ink that may seep through.

Apply Hairspray:

• Spray hairspray onto the marker stain.

• Let it sit for a few minutes to break down the ink.

Blot and Rinse:

• Use a clean cloth to blot the stain, followed by spraying the area with water.

• Continue blotting until no more ink comes off.

• Rotate the cloth to avoid re-transferring the stain.

Pretreat with Dish Soap:

• Apply dish soap to the stain, then wash the item on a cold cycle.

Alternate Method:

• Instead of hairspray, you can use rubbing alcohol following the same steps.

Crayon Stains

Crayon stains can appear on a variety of surfaces, from walls to fabrics. Washable crayons are a parent’s best friend, but if you have regular crayons, here’s how to tackle the mess.

Steps to Remove Crayon Stains from Surfaces:

Freeze and Scrape:

• If the crayon is on fabric, freeze the item to harden the wax, then scrape off the excess with a dull knife.

Buff with Baking Soda:

• For walls and surfaces, dip a wet sponge into baking soda.

• Gently buff the crayon marks off the surface.

Non-Gel Toothpaste Method:

• Use non-gel toothpaste on a wet toothbrush to gently scrub crayon marks off walls or surfaces.

Rinse and Dry:

• Rinse the area with water and dry with a clean cloth.

Tip: Store crayons in a plastic case to prevent them from breaking and making a mess in your child's backpack.

Conclusion

Stains from ink, marker, and crayon are common, especially in households with children. By acting quickly and using the right techniques, you can effectively remove these stains and keep your fabrics and surfaces looking their best. Remember to always dab rather than rub to avoid setting the stains further. With patience and persistence, you can tackle even the toughest stains.

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