(From a Parent + Professional Cleaner Who’s Seen It All)
There are two types of parents in this world: Those who have found crayon on their walls…and those who will.
Because at some point, every child looks at a perfectly good piece of paper and thinks, “This is nice… but the wall has so much more creative potential.” One minute your house is peaceful. The next minute, you’re staring at a rainbow mural that definitely wasn’t there yesterday, wondering:
Take a deep breath. I’ve got you.
I’m not just a parent who’s been there, I’m also a professional cleaner who has spent years cleaning up messes made by little ones in real homes. I’ve seen crayon on flat paint, glossy paint, textured walls, rental walls, older paint, brand-new paint, and everything in between.
And here’s the good news:
👉 Crayon on walls is fixable.
👉 You don’t need harsh chemicals.
👉 And baking soda is one of the safest, most effective tools when used correctly.
Let me show you exactly how to do it without damaging your paint, your walls, or your sanity.
Why Baking Soda Works on Crayon (And Why Parents Love It)
Crayons are made with wax. Wax doesn’t dissolve easily with water alone, which is why scrubbing with a wet rag usually just smears the problem around.
Baking soda works because:
That last part is key because how you use baking soda matters just as much as using it at all.
First Things First: Know Your Wall Type
Before you touch that crayon mark, you need to know what you’re working with. Different paints and surfaces respond differently to cleaning.
This method works on:
⚠️ Pro Rule: Always test in a small, hidden area first. Closets, behind furniture, or low corners are your best friends here.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need a shopping cart full of products. Here’s what I recommend:
That’s it.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Crayon From Walls With Baking Soda
Step 1: Make a Gentle Paste
In a small bowl, mix baking soda with just enough warm water to create a thick paste. Think toothpaste consistency not runny, not dry.
Step 2: Apply Gently
Dip your cloth or sponge into the paste and lightly dab it onto the crayon mark. No scrubbing yet.
Step 3: Gentle Circular Motion
Using very light pressure, rub the area in small circles. Let the baking soda do the work. If you’re pushing hard, you’re doing it wrong.
Step 4: Wipe Clean
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the residue. (Check out my 3 Towel System Here)
Step 5: Dry and Inspect
Dry the area completely and check your results. If the crayon is still visible, repeat slowly and gently. Patience beats pressure every time.
How This Works on Different Paint Types
Flat & Matte Paint
This is the most delicate surface. Baking soda works well here when used gently.
✔ Use minimal pressure
✔ Soft microfiber only
✘ No aggressive scrubbing
Eggshell & Satin Paint
More forgiving than flat paint but still needs care.
✔ Gentle circular motion
✔ Repeat if needed
✘ Avoid abrasive pads
Semi-Gloss Paint
This is the easiest surface to clean.
✔ Baking soda works quickly
✔ Less risk of paint damage
✘ Still don’t scrub aggressively
Textured Walls
These take patience.
✔ Use a soft cloth
✔ Work in small sections
✔ Dab more than scrub
Real Parent Reality Check
As parents, we’ve all seen it before. One day your child is proudly holding a crayon masterpiece…The next day, the wall becomes the canvas. I’ve cleaned this exact mess more times than I can count, in my own home and in clients’ homes. The biggest mistake I see parents make is panic cleaning.
And suddenly a small crayon mark turns into a shiny patch, faded paint, or worse… a repaint job. Slow. Gentle. Intentional. That’s how you win this cleanup.
⚠️ IMPORTANT WARNINGS: What NOT to Do
This is where I save you money, time and regret.
❌ Don’t Use Magic Erasers on Flat or Older Paint
Yes, they remove crayon. They also remove paint.
❌ Don’t Scrub Hard
Pressure damages paint faster than crayon ever could.
❌ Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
Degreasers, acetone, and solvent-based cleaners can discolor walls permanently.
❌ Don’t Try Random “Internet Hacks”
Oil-based tricks can darken paint and leave greasy stains behind. If it sounds aggressive, skip it.
When Baking Soda Isn’t Enough
Some crayon marks have been there longer. Some paints are older. Some kids really commit to their art.
If baking soda doesn’t fully remove the mark:
Cleaning smarter means knowing when to stop.
How to Prevent the Next Crayon Incident (Because It’s Coming)
Let’s be real prevention beats cleanup.
And most importantly: don’t beat yourself up. This is part of parenting.
You’ve Got This
Crayon on your walls doesn’t mean your home is ruined. It means your house is lived in, loved in, and occasionally turned into an art studio without adult approval. With the right approach, baking soda can safely remove crayon from almost any painted surface when you use it gently, patiently, and intentionally. If you want to make this cleanup easier next time (and safer for your walls), I’ve already done the guesswork for you.
👉 Visit the Clean That Up Amazon Store for parent-safe, wall-safe cleaning tools I trust in real homes with real messes. Because cleaning shouldn’t feel overwhelming and your walls deserve a second chance. Same mess. Smarter clean. 🧽🖍️
Wall-Safe Cleaning Tools (Parent-Approved & Paint-Friendly)
1️⃣ Microfiber Cloths (Non-Negotiable)
Why they’re wall-safe:
Pro tip: Use a clean, damp microfiber for wiping and use one for drying and one for final buffing. (Check out my 3 Towel System Here)
2️⃣ Non-Scratch Sponges
Look for sponges labeled:
Why they work:
🚫 Avoid anything labeled heavy-duty, power scrub, or abrasive.
3️⃣ Soft Foam Cleaning Pads
These are smoother than sponges and perfect for:
They’re excellent when using baking soda paste, because they distribute pressure evenly.
4️⃣ Soft-Bristle Detail Brushes
Best for:
Important: Use only very soft bristles and light pressure. This is for dabbing and light agitation, not scrubbing. (this is optional)
5️⃣ Clean White Cotton Cloths
Simple but effective.
🚫 Tools That Are NOT Wall-Safe (Even If the Internet Says So)
I want to be very clear here:
❌ Magic Erasers (especially on flat or older paint)
❌ Abrasive scrub pads
❌ Steel wool or stiff brushes
❌ Rough towels or paper towels
❌ “Power scrub” sponges
Yes, some of these remove crayon they just remove paint along with it.
How to Tell If a Tool Is Truly Wall-Safe
Ask yourself:
If the answer is no, keep it away from your walls.
Pro Parent Rule (This Saves Walls)
👉 Light pressure + patience beats force every time.
If you’re scrubbing hard, the tool isn’t wall-safe or the technique isn’t.
Want the Guesswork Removed?
I keep the wall-safe tools I actually use in one place so parents don’t have to experiment (or repaint).
🧽 Visit the Clean That Up Amazon Store to grab:
These are parent-approved, paint-safe, and tested in real homes with real messes. Because cleaning kids’ messes is hard enough your tools shouldn’t make it harder. 💪
