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Removing crayon stains
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Removing crayon stains
Washable crayons are fun for children, but not quite as fun when they end up on the floor, sofa or carpet. As crayons contain greasy pigments, they are absorbed quickly and tend to leave a visible coloured mark. It can be difficult to clean this properly, especially on soft surfaces.
The sooner you take action, the easier it will be to remove the stain. Once the crayon has set or spread, it becomes much more difficult to remove the colour and greasiness completely. With the right approach, removing a crayon stain is quite easy. Below you will read how best to do this for each substrate.
Voor deze vlekken geldt hetzelfde advies: crayons, Wasco crayons, Chalk, Watercolour crayons, Oil pastels
Characteristics (anatomy) of a crayon stain
A crayon stain consists of a combination of fat (wax or oil) and colour pigment. The fats ensure that the crayon writes smoothly, but also make the mark stubborn. The pigment can penetrate deep into fibres or pores and, when it dries, leaves behind a coloured haze or streak. If you try to rub it, the grease will spread, making the stain bigger. With porous materials or fabrics, the stain can become ingrained and cause permanent discolouration, especially if you do not act quickly.
Removing crayon marks from carpet or rugs
A crayon stain on carpet is a challenge: the wax sticks to the fibres and the pigment often sinks deep into the pile. It is difficult to remove all residues, especially from carpets with a high pile or loose weave. The combination of grease and colour creates a noticeable, sometimes greasy spot that attracts dirt.
If you leave the stain, the dyes will spread further and the carpet may become permanently discoloured. The layer of fat can also trap dust, causing the area to become increasingly darker.
First, carefully remove the chalk residue with, for example, a blunt knife, without wiping or pressing. Then work only on the stain itself, using a suitable cleaner that dissolves grease but does not damage the carpet, such as James Stainspray. Do not wet the carpet and dry the area thoroughly afterwards to avoid causing a new stain.
Treat with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth
You can treat this stain with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth. For this you need James Stainspray and a white cotton cloth. Next:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the stain using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading the stain. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
- Directly spray James Stainspray onto any residue and repeat the process using wide sweeping strokes.
Treat with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth
You can treat this stain with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth. For this you need James Stainspray and a white cotton cloth. Next:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the stain using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading the stain. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
- Directly spray James Stainspray onto any residue and repeat the process using wide sweeping strokes.
Removing crayon marks from hard floors
On hard floors such as PVC, laminate, vinyl, LVT and natural stone, crayons often leave a greasy, coloured streak. These stains are particularly noticeable on light or matt floors. The wax layer makes the area shiny or sticky, while the pigment can adhere to the top layer.
If you don’t act quickly, the grease will soak into the floor or form a dull spot where dirt will stick. With natural stone, there is also a risk that colourants will penetrate the pores, which can cause discolouration.
Start by removing loose crayon without wiping. Then treat only the stain itself with, for example, James Remover. Ensure that the area is thoroughly clean and dry afterwards, so that no greasy film or difference in shine remains.
Treatment with James Remover
This stain can be treated with James Remover. Before use, always test the surface in an inconspicuous place for colour and material resistance: apply, leave to set for 5 minutes, wipe the tested area with water, allow to dry and assess.
- Spray directly onto the purpose area
- Leave to soak for about 1 to 5 minutes
- Then, use a white cotton cloth to remove the grease
- If necessary, gently treat stubborn stains with a soft brush or plastic spatula.
- After use, always clean the area with water.
Attention: be careful when working near a glue seams. Allow James Remover to soak in shortly. Do not let the product penetrate into cracks or seams.
Treatment with James Remover
This stain can be treated with James Remover. Before use, always test the surface in an inconspicuous place for colour and material resistance: apply, leave to set for 5 minutes, wipe the tested area with water, allow to dry and assess.
- Spray directly onto the purpose area
- Leave to soak for about 1 to 5 minutes
- Then, use a white cotton cloth to remove the grease
- If necessary, gently treat stubborn stains with a soft brush or plastic spatula.
- After use, always clean the area with water.
Attention: be careful when working near a glue seams. Allow James Remover to soak in shortly. Do not let the product penetrate into cracks or seams.
Removing crayon marks from upholstery
A crayon mark is particularly troublesome on upholstery. The fats are quickly absorbed into the fibres and the pigment can cause permanent colour differences. The stain is particularly noticeable on light-coloured or finely woven fabrics. If a child has played with crayons on the sofa, there is a high risk that, in addition to colour, a greasy stain will remain.
If the stain is not treated quickly, the grease will penetrate further into the fabric and filling. This can cause the area to become shiny, darker or even sticky to the touch. Odour problems may also occur if the grease is not completely removed.
First remove as much of the crayon as possible without rubbing. Then use a grease-dissolving, safe cleaning agent for upholstery and treat only the stain. This can be done, for example, with James Stainspray. Use as little moisture as possible and dry the fabric thoroughly afterwards to prevent a greasy film or new marks from remaining.
Treat with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth
You can treat this stain with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth. For this you need James Stainspray and a white cotton cloth. Next:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the stain using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading the stain. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
- Directly spray James Stainspray onto any residue and repeat the process using wide sweeping strokes.
Treat with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth
You can treat this stain with James Stainspray on a cotton cloth. For this you need James Stainspray and a white cotton cloth. Next:
- Test for colour and material resistance in an inconspicuous area: apply, let it dry completely and evaluate.
- Spray James Stainspray on a dry, white cotton cloth.
- Use this cloth to wipe the stain using wide sweeping strokes, without spreading the stain. Repeat frequently with a clean part of the cloth.
- Directly spray James Stainspray onto any residue and repeat the process using wide sweeping strokes.
All our James products are professional cleaning products, all carry the European ECO label Cleanright and have been specially developed to remove stubborn stains, including adhesive residues. Order your James products online today or visit a sales outlet near you.
Frequently asked questions and myths
There are all sorts of stories going around about how to remove these crayon marks. From granny’s remedies to persistent tips from the internet – but what really works? In this section, we answer frequently asked questions and debunk a few myths. This allows you to get started with confidence.
Why is crayon difficult to remove from fabric or carpet?
crayons consist of a combination of fats (such as paraffin or beeswax) and colour pigments. When it comes into contact with fabrics or floor coverings, the light melts due to body heat or pressure, causing it to penetrate deep into the fibres. The dyes adhere to the fibres, while the fat leaves a sticky or shiny residue. This double composition makes it extra difficult to remove.
Does white spirit or benzine help with crayon stains?
Although these products can dissolve grease, they are often too harsh for carpets, furniture or floors. They may cause discolouration or damage the surface. Therefore, it is preferable to use a cleaner that has been specially developed for delicate materials.
Does hot water help dissolve crayons?
Hot water can soften the grease in crayons, but it does not dissolve it. At the same time, the dyes do not melt along with the rest, which means you are merely shifting the problem rather than solving it. On hard floors, it can also leave marks on the top layer. A specific fat remover without heat is usually more effective and safer.
Why does the colour remain visible even after the grease has been removed?
The pigments in crayons are often brightly coloured and quickly absorb into porous or fibrous surfaces. Even when the grease has dissolved, a layer of colour remains that is difficult to see until you view the surface from a certain angle. This requires a second treatment aimed at colour removal.
Is crayon easier to remove from hard floors?
Yes, in theory, because it cannot adhere as deeply. But here too, the grease leaves a film and the dye can adhere to microtextures or joints. Especially with textured floors (such as wood grain or matt tiles), a thorough approach is needed to remove everything without leaving dull spots.
Deal with any stain using the right approach from James
crayon stains are a typical case of “small accident, big impact” – especially on porous or soft materials. By acting quickly and removing grease and colour, you can prevent the stain from setting or spreading. Avoid heat, pressure and foam, and work step by step towards a clean result. This gives your floor, rug or sofa the best chance of a spotless recovery, even after a creative drawing session by your children.