What other products can I use to pretreat the stain?

There are many commercial products available that are designed for washing delicate fabrics. Some examples include Woolite, Dreft and Joy Detergent. These can be used instead of dishwashing liquid to pre-treat the stain.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Crayon > Tops

3 Proven Steps to Eradicate Stubborn Crayon Stains from Your Clothes!

Q: How do I tell if fabric is colorfast?

Rub an inconspicuous patch of the fabric with an old, white rag that has been dipped in some cold water. If no damp color transfers onto the rag, then the fabric is colorfast.

Crayon stains are a nuisance to get out and it can be hard to know the best way to go about it. Today, we’ll take a look at 3 tips you can use to effectively remove crayon messes from your clothes.

Updated 21 Jun 2023

By Peter Blackwood

Step 1: Test for Colorfastness

Before you begin attempting to remove the crayon stain, it is important to ensure that the fabric is colorfast. This will protect you from further discoloring or damaging your clothes. To do this, you can rub an inconspicuous patch of fabric with an old, white rag that has been dipped in some cold water. If no damp color transfers onto rag, then the fabric is color-fast. If there is any color on the rag, fabric is not colorfast and the method of removing crayon should be adapted accordingly.

Step 2: Soften and Scrape the Crayon Away

Grab an ice cube and place it over the stained area. The freezing temperature will help harden wax so that it is easier to scrape away. Once the wax has hardened, use the edge of a butter knife or stiff credit card to carefully scrape off the surface wax. Take care not to damage the garment fabric when scraping the hardened wax away. Using a dull knife will prevent any tearing or stretching of the fabric.

Step 3: Pretreat and Clean the Stain

Prepare a pretreatment solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with a cup of warm water. Apply the solution directly to the stained area and rub it in. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Next, launder the garment as usual, but make sure to use the hottest water setting that is safe for the fabric. Check the label for information about how hot the water should be for cleaning. Once garment is washed, inspect the stain and repeat the pretreatment process if necessary.

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