Get Scribbles off the Wall Without Damaging the Paint
Before you put your toddler up for adoption, take a deep breath and try these tricks instead!
You turn away for less than a minute and come back to find you have a little graffiti artist in your midsts! Every kid colors on the walls at some point, no matter how diligent you are with keeping the Sharpies out of reach. Before you panic and repaint, first try these tricks to save your walls.
Crayon
Supplies
- Hair dryer
- Mixture of baking soda, a few drops of Dawn dish soap, and just enough hot water to make this into a thick paste
- Rag
Directions
Step 1) Heat the crayon scribbles using a hair dryer.
Step 2) Dip a damp cloth into the thick baking soda mixture and wipe over the heated crayon scribbles.
Step 3) When you're done, use a clean cloth and plain warm water to wipe off any baking soda residue from the walls.
Tips
- Focus on one small area at a time so you have time to wipe away the warm wax before it cools and sets again.
- Keep the hair dryer moving around instead of stationary to avoid melting the wall.
Washable Marker
Supplies
- Window cleaner
- Rag
Directions
1) Spray window cleaner on the washable marker scribbles.
2) Immediately wipe away the washable marker scribbles with a rag.
Pencil & Colored Pencil
Supplies
- Window cleaner
- Rag
Directions
1) Spray window cleaner on the marker scribbles. Let it soak for a few moments.
2) Using a rag, apply moderate pressure as you rub away the pencil scribbles.
Dry Erase Marker
Supplies
- 409 cleaner
- Rag or paper towels
Directions
1) Spray window cleaner on the marker scribbles. Let it soak for a few moments.
2) Using a rag, apply moderate pressure as you rub away the dry erase marker scribbles.
Pen & Permanent Marker
Supplies
- Isopropyl alcohol (91%) or hairspray
- Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
Directions
1) Wet the end of a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol or hairspray and then gently trace the cotton swab over the permanent marker scribbles. Leave it to marinate for a few moments.
2) Using a clean rag, rub away the permanent marker scribbles.
Tips
- This works best by focusing on small sections at a time
- Be careful, as alcohol can take off the paint. Using a cotton swab helps concentrate the alcohol on the ink and minimize contact with the unaffected wall surface.
Helpful Hints
- These methods work best on fresh stains. The longer the scribbles stay on the walls, the harder it is to remove.
- Paints with a glossy/eggshell finish are easier to clean than flat paints.
- If you're not sure about a method, test it out on an inconspicuous spot first.
Warning: Do NOT Use these products on your walls!
If you're looking for a way to get rid of scribbles AND your paint, use this list as inspiration.
- Acetone (nail polish remover)
- Liquid drain cleaner
- Melamine foam (Magic Eraser)
- Undiluted bleach
Final Thoughts
(Image Source - @DrMassicotte via My Modern Met)
There you have it! A few different ways to get those pesky scribbles off your walls without damaging the paint. Do you have any tips for getting marks off the wall? Let us know in the comments!
Tried everything and still can't get the marks off? Call us today to get your free quote and let our painting professionals cover up all the evidence like it never even happened.
