The Ultimate Guide: How to Get Crayon Out of Dryer

We’ve all been there – a load of laundry is done, and you open the dryer door only to find crayon stains smeared all over your clothes and the dryer’s dryer drum. Whether it’s a result of little kids leaving crayons in their pockets or simply a misplaced crayon, the result is a mess of melted crayon on your fabrics and appliance.

Before you panic, take a deep breath. These three crayon stain catastrophes are more common than you think, and they’re not irreversible. With a little elbow grease and some common household items, you can restore your dryer and clothes to their former glory. Let’s delve into the specifics of tackling these stubborn crayon stain.

Why Do Crayons Melt in the Dryer?

First things first, understanding the phenomenon can be half the battle. Crayons melt due to their primary component: get crayon wax. The dryer’s high heat causes the crayon to melt and spread onto the fabrics, resulting in stubborn crayon wax stains.

Initial Steps to Remove Melted Crayon Stains

1. Unplug the Dryer: Always prioritize safety. Before attempting to clean the dryer drum, ensure the machine is unplugged.
2. Gently Scrape Off Excess Crayon: Using a dull knife or credit card, gently scrape off as much of the crayon as possible. This will make the subsequent steps more effective.

Tackling Crayon Stains Inside the Dryer

Dish Soap & Baking Soda: A Powerful Duo

1. Prepare the Solution: Mix a few drops of dish soap with baking soda to form a thick paste.
2. Scrubbing Time: Apply the mixture to the stained area of the dryer drum. Using an old toothbrush, scrub the area gently but firmly.
3. Rinse: Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth, ensuring no residue is left behind.

Magic Eraser: The Name Says It All

The Magic Eraser can be a godsend when dealing with crayon marks. Dampen the already clean magic eraser slightly and gently rub it over the stained areas in the dryer. You’ll be surprised at how effective this tool can be!

WD-40: Not Just for Squeaky Doors

WD-40 can break down the waxy areas of wax and crayon stains effectively.

1. Spray a small amount on the crayon stains.
2. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
3. Wipe away with clean rags.
4. Wash the area with warm water and dish soap to remove any oil residue.

Dealing with Stained Clothes

Discovering melted crayons on your favorite clothing can be disheartening. Here’s what to do:

1. Freeze & Scrape: Lay the stained clothing flat and place an ice cube over the crayon. Once it’s frozen, use a dull knife to scrape off the excess crayon.
2. Dish Soap to the Rescue: Apply a few drops of dish soap to the stain and rub the fabric together to work in the soap. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water.
3. Heavy-Duty Wash: Add the stained clothing to the wash with your regular laundry detergent and an oxygen-based bleach. Set your washing machine to heavy soil setting and use the hottest water the fabric can tolerate.
4. Inspect Before Drying: After washing, check the stains. If remnants remain, repeat the process. Do not place the clothes in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone, as heat can set the stain deeper.

It’s essential to act fast when dealing with crayon stains in your dryer and on clothes. The sooner you tackle the issue, the better your chances of complete removal. Remember, crayons are designed for kids to use, which means manufacturers anticipate accidents. With patience and the right techniques, you can get your dryer and clothes crayon-free again!

Advanced Tips for Tackling Tough Crayon Stains

The Aftermath of a Crayon Catastrophe

We’ve gone through the basics of addressing crayon stains on clothes and in the dryer. But what if you’ve got those really tough stains that just won’t budge? Or what about those waxy residues that seem to smear more, the harder you try to clean them? Fear not; we’ve got you and crayon deeper covered.

The Heavy-Duty Methods

Bon Ami: The Gentle Giant

Bon Ami is a cleaning powder that’s been around for ages. Known for its gentle yet effective cleaning power, it’s perfect for those persistent oil stains.

1. Wet the stained area slightly.
2. Sprinkle a small amount of Bon Ami over the stain.
3. Using an old cloth or old toothbrush, gently scrub the area.
4. Rinse with warm water and inspect the area. If the stain remains, repeat the process.

WD-40: The Extended Attack

We mentioned WD-40 earlier, but it’s worth diving deeper. For really stubborn stains, especially on clothes:

1. Spray a liberal amount of WD-40 onto the stain.
2. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
3. Use a dull knife or credit card to scrape off loosened crayon.
4. Wash the clothing on heavy soil setting with oxygen-based bleach.

Heat It Up: The Hot Iron Method

Sometimes, applying heat can help to lift the crayon wax from fabrics.

1. Place an old cloth or paper towels over the crayon stain on the fabric.
2. Heat an iron (make sure it’s free from water to avoid steam) and gently press it onto the cloth or paper towel. The heat will melt the crayon, transferring it to the towel or cloth.
3. Check the fabric. If any crayon remains, you can treat it with dish soap or WD-40 before washing.

Preventing Future Crayon Calamities

Check Pockets: This can’t be stressed enough. Before throwing clothes into the wash, always check pockets for crayons or other items that could cause stains.

Educate the Kids: Teach kids about the importance of keeping crayons out of their pockets and the potential mess they can cause in the laundry.

Dedicated Play Clothes: If your kids are avid crayon users, consider designating specific “play clothes” for them. This way, if a crayon does find its way into the laundry, it won’t ruin their best outfits.

Removing melted crayon from a dryer and clothes can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can get rid of those pesky stains. Whether you’re using common household items like dish soap or baking soda, or reaching for a Magic Eraser or WD-40, the key is to act fast and be persistent. Remember, it’s just wax and pigment, and with some effort, you can restore your clothes and dryer to their pristine conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there any way to get melted crayon out of clothes?

Absolutely! You can use methods like freezing to harden the crayon, scraping off excess, treating with dish soap, and washing on a heavy soil setting with hot water.

2. How to remove crayon from clothes that went through the dryer reddit?

Reddit users often recommend treating the crayon-stained fabric with dish soap, followed by washing with an oxygen-based bleach. Always check the stain before drying, as heat can set stains deeper.

3. How do you remove crayon from appliances?

For appliances, gently scraping off the excess crayon with a dull knife or credit card, followed by cleaning with a dish soap and baking soda mixture, can be effective. Magic Erasers and WD-40 can also be useful tools.

4. Are crayon stains permanent?

While crayon stains can be stubborn, they’re not typically permanent. With prompt treatment and the right techniques, you can successfully remove crayon stains from fabrics and appliances.