How to Clean Crayon Out of a Carpet

Co-authored by Haim Shemesh

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

Crayon stains in the carpet are another fact of life if you have youngsters. Do not worry, however, because there are various methods that you can try to remove crayon from your carpet. The first method uses a simple liquid dish soap solution to remove crayon from your carpet. Alternatively, you can use an iron to transfer the crayon from the carpet to a clean towel. If it is a more stubborn stain, a carpet cleaner may be able to remove the stain.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Liquid Dish Soap

1
Scrape away excess crayon with a dull knife. Try using a butter knife to do this. If the crayon is still soft (and not easily scraped), then hold an ice cube wrapped in a plastic bag to the crayon. The ice will harden the crayon, making it easier for you to scrape up.^{[1]
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- Use a vacuum to remove the scraped pieces of crayon from the carpet.
2
Mix the liquid dish soap with water. Mix ¼ teaspoon of a mild liquid dish detergent with 1 cup of warm water. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.^{[2]
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3
Test the solution on a small area.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Haim Shemesh
Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.} Apply the solution to a small, inconspicuous spot. Let the solution set for at least a minute. Use a clean, wet cloth to sponge the area. Look for any signs of discoloration, staining, or residue. If you see discoloration or staining, then use a different method.^{[4]
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- Always test all products and methods on a small area first before applying them to the affected area.
4
Apply the solution to the stain. Do this by pouring the solution onto the affected area until the whole area is covered. Let the solution set for at least five minutes. Once the solution has set, begin blotting the area with a clean, dry cloth or rag. Blot until the crayon is removed.^{[5]
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- Do not rub or wipe the stain. This can push the color deeper into the carpet, making it harder to remove. It can also damage the fibers of your carpet.
5
Rinse the area with water. Once the entire crayon stain is removed, blot the affected area with a clean, wet cloth. Blot until all of the solution is removed from the carpet. Then, blot the spot with a clean, dry cloth to dry the area.^{[6]
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- Vacuum the area when the spot is dry to restore the carpet’s texture.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Crayon with an Iron

1
Test the iron on a small section of the carpet. Because some carpets are made with fibers that melt at very low temperatures, test the iron with the cloth on a small, hidden area first. If the carpet fibers melt, become disfigured, or if there are any other unwanted effects, then you may want to try a different method.^{[7]
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2
Cover the area with a clean white cloth. Then, plug in your iron and place it on a low setting. Once the iron is heated, use the tip of the iron to press into the cloth where the stain is. The iron’s heat should begin to transfer the crayon wax to the cloth.^{[8]
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- If you are dealing with melted crayon, then pour soapy water onto the clean cloth first. Let the soapy water seep into the stain before using the iron. Remember to blot dry afterwards.^{[9]
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- If the cloth becomes saturated with wax and there is still more to remove, then move a clean area of the cloth over the stained area. When doing this, be careful not to get wax from the saturated area onto other areas of your carpet. Use a new cloth if you need to.
3
Blot the area with a cleaning solution. If crayon remains, use a clean cloth soaked in water and dishwashing detergent to sponge the area. Blot the area until the crayon is removed. Then, rinse with cold water and blot dry.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Carpet Cleaner

1
Remove excess crayon from the carpet. Do this by scraping away the crayon with a dull knife or object. Once you have removed as much crayon as possible, the carpet will be ready for the cleaner. If any pieces of crayon are left in the carpet, simply use a vacuum to remove these pieces before applying the cleaner.^{[11]
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2
Purchase a carpet cleaner. You can find carpet cleaners in the cleaning aisle of your local grocery or hardware store. If using a solvent-based cleaner, make sure to purchase one that is safe to use on nylon carpet or fabric.^{[12]
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- Make sure to read the instructions and test the cleaner on a small, hidden area before using it on the affected area.^{[13]
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  Expert Source
  
  Haim Shemesh
  Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.}
3
Spray the carpet cleaner onto the affected area. Let the cleaner set on the spot per the instructions. Once the cleaner has set, blot the affected area with a clean, dry cloth until the crayon is removed. You may need to spray more carpet cleaner if it is a stubborn stain.
- Once the crayon is removed, blot the area with a clean, dry towel.
- Depending on the cleaner, you may need to rinse the area with clean water before blotting it dry.

Things You’ll Need

Liquid dish soap
Ice
Butter knife
Iron
Clean cloths/rags
Carpet cleaner
Vacuum

Warnings

Be careful using bleach to remove crayon or other stains from your carpet. Due to the strength of the solution, bleach can discolor or permanently damage your carpet.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Haim Shemesh
Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.}

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