DIY Network

Creative Mess Removal Creative Mess Removal From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-107

Crayons, markers and paint can be tools of artistic destruction when placed in a child's hands. If your children are expressing artistic talents all over the house, try these tips for stain removal:

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Crayon on fabric: Remember, like removes like -- or here, grease removes grease. Put a pad of paper under the crayon spot and spray the marks with WD-40 lubricant (figure A). Leave on the stain for approximately 15 minutes. Pour undiluted liquid dish soap on the area and work in with your thumbs. Launder as usual.

• Crayons on walls: Spray WD-40 on the wall and, using a circular motion and a sponge, rub into the marks. If the wall is textured, use a soft toothbrush. Wash the wall with undiluted dish soap and warm water to remove the residue.

• Magic Marker on plastics, computers or appliances: Squeeze white nongel toothpaste on a damp cloth and work into the marker stain (figure B). The gentle abrasive in the toothpaste should easily remove the marker, leaving no damage to the surface. Mild, soft scrubbing products can also be used.

• Marker on wood: Using a circular motion, work petroleum jelly into the stain (figure C. This may require several applications. If the marker isn't completely removed, work white nongel toothpaste into the stained area. Rinse and buff with a soft cloth.

• Marker on carpet: Pour rubbing alcohol on the stain, rub gently and blot. This is a tedious process and may take some time for complete stain breakdown. Do in stages, if necessary. Flush the area with club soda. The carbonation bubbles up the marker stain, and the salts keep it from staining. Blot the area and, if any residue remains, use a carpet spotter to clean the area one last time.

• Marker on clothes: Wrap a rubber band tightly around the stained area to keep the stain from spreading during cleaning. Place the stained area in a dish of rubbing alcohol and let it soak for about 15 minutes, occasionally squeezing the liquid through the fabric but never rubbing. This method takes time and may require additional soaking time. When the stain is removed, launder as usual.

• Fingerpaint: Place layers of paper towels underneath the fabric, then saturate the stain with either acetone or nonacetone nail-polish remover (figure D). The stain will immediately begin to bleed onto the toweling. Blot the area and move the toweling around as the stain bleeds through, keeping a clean area under the stain. When the stain is removed, pour laundry spotter on the area and launder as usual.

Tips:

• Add a little liquid dish soap or shaving cream to each fingerpaint container before use. If stains happen, clean up is easy.

• Wash teething rings and rattles in the dishwasher.