As parents we encourage our children to explore their artistic side. While we prefer their artwork on paper, children tend to find other surfaces in the home to showcase their latest creations. Walls, floors and tables are anything but safe from the reach of tiny hands and curious minds. Here are a few cleaning tips that will come to your rescue when your little artist uses your home as his own personal canvas.
Crayon on Walls
A tube of Colgate toothpaste will remove crayon marks from walls. Apply the toothpaste to a cloth and gently scrub until the marks disappear. Wipe off any residue with a clean damp sponge. Another method you can try is warm water mixed with baking soda. These are both gently abrasive and won’t damage the paint.
Crayon on Ceramic Tile or Wood Floors
Crayon marks on your floors will require a little work to get them back to looking good as new. Add some dish detergent to warm water and grab a sponge. Move in a circular motion over the marks until they are gone. It may take some time, but it will get the crayon out without scratching the wood or tile.
Stains on Granite Surfaces
Granite is a beautiful stone, but it is also porous and can soak up stains and leave unsightly marks. To remove crayon or paint from your granite table or counters try making a thick paste of baking soda and water. Leave the paste on the spot and cover with plastic wrap for 24 hours. After, remove the paste and clean the area with soap and water. If you have difficult stains it may be wise to call a professional. Companies like All American Stone & Tile Care Inc. have products that will thoroughly clean the surface and repair any damage.
Stains on Carpet
There are two ways to clean your carpet depending on the stain. For paint spills, blot but do not scrub as much of the stain as possible. With a solution of dish detergent and hot water, pour over the paint and let sit for several minutes. This should soften the paint enough for you to pull it up from the carpet. To remove crayon from the carpet first scrape as much of the crayon up as you can. With a clean towel blot the area with carpet cleaner until the stain comes up. This may take a few tries.
Next time you give your little Picasso a new art set, rest easy knowing you can handle the cleanup process of their next wall canvas of choice. Consider investing in surface-friendly art supplies for your little one. This way their creative juices, and your granite finishes, will remain untouched.
