How do I clean crayon stains from pants?

Gently scrape off as much of the crayon as possible, pre-treat with a starch-based cleaner, machine wash in cold water, dry on low heat, check for any remaining stains, and iron the area for best results.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Crayon > Pants

6 Tips to Easily Remove Crayon Stains from Pants

Crayon stains can be tricky to remove but, with the right tips and tricks, you can make sure your pants are back to looking sharp in no time. From using a spoon to an iron method, here are six easy steps to get rid of any crayon stain.

Updated 20 Jun 2023

By Isabelle Trottier

1. Gently Scrape Off As Much Of The Crayon As Possible

The first step to removing crayon stain is to use a spoon or dull butter knife to gently scrape off as much of the crayon wax as possible. Be careful not to rub too harshly so that you don’t cause the crayon to spread further.

2. Pre-Treat With A Starch-Based Cleaner

Once the majority of the crayon wax has been removed, pre-treat the stain by applying a starch-based cleaner such as Shout, Spray 'n Wash, or a homemade paste of equal parts cornstarch and water. Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes and then rub the fabric together or agitate with an old toothbrush.

3. Machine Wash In Cold Water

Set your washing machine for a cold water cycle and add detergent. Include a color-safe bleach if you have white fabric with the crayon stain. If not, opt for a gentle detergent that won’t irritate the fabric.

4. Dry On Low Heat

When done washing, transfer the pants into the dryer set on the low heat setting. Checking periodically, stop dryer when the garment is almost dry to avoid setting the stain.

5. Check For Any Remaining Stain

Once the pants have been washed and dried, examine the area for any remaining stains. If needed, repeat process of pre-treating, washing, and drying until the stains are gone.

6. Iron The Area For Best Results

To finish the job and ensure your pants look good as new, use an iron on the lowest heat setting to press the fabric. This should help to remove any remaining stains.

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