Removing crayon - for all you mums with toddlers

Crayons are resistant to water and any water soluble cleaner. In fact, water tends to spread crayon stains making the condition even worse. Therefore, other means, such as "mechanical" or "solvency" must be used to remove the crayon. Immediate heat, or "wet" solvency treatment may spread and set these stains. For the best chances of removal, please follow these steps:

1. Mechanical (where applicable) Carefully scrape up (with the edge of a butter knife) or lift off as much solid "crayon" matter as possible. Be careful not to spread the stain with this physical removal.
2. Next, place a tray full of ice cubes into a zipper type freezer bag and rest it over an affected area for several minutes. As the cold makes the crayon more brittle, use the butter knife once again to scrape off any further residue. If the area is larger than ice bag, then use the same procedure systematically until entire area is treated.
3. Steps #1 & #2 are the "scraping process". (to be used again later on)
4. After this "cold" method has removed as much of the crayon as possible, you should then dry these "warm-hot" methods.
5. First, use your hair dryer (on "HI" setting) to soften the crayon. Once again, carefully scrape up (with the edge of a butter knife or piece of cardboard) as much solid "crayon" matter as possible OR place a very absorbent material, such as a "thick" paper towel or napkin over affect area. Take a 'warm-hot' iron and apply over this covering. Hopefully the crayon will either soften so you can repeat step 1 or liquefy the crayon so it will be absorbed up into material.
6. Pre-Soak stain in isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Allow to stand about 30 minutes. Agitate with a scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly with water. Once satisfied with results, allow surface to completely dry.

Note: Always test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness, etc. before treating the exposed area. Also note that certain stains are permanent