Children love to draw, and not always on paper. Wax crayon on wallpaper, felt-tip on a wardrobe door, poster paint on the floor: a familiar sight for many parents. There is no need to scold the young artist or reach for abrasives that take the paint off along with the drawing.
The method depends on what was used and on what surface. Wax crayon and oily markers dissolve well with WD-40, water-based paints wash off with warm soapy water, and light marks need nothing more than baking soda.
What you will need
Important: Always test any product on a hidden area. Do not use WD-40 on porous surfaces, bare wood, non-washable paper wallpaper or certain plastics, as it may leave a mark.
Step 1
Check the surface
Walls in washable paint, tiles, glass, lacquered furniture, laminate and smooth plastic all cope well with cleaning. Matt emulsion and non-washable wallpaper need care: there you can only fade the mark. Apply a little product somewhere hidden and wait a few minutes.
Step 2
Dissolve crayon and marker with WD-40
Spray WD-40 Smart Straw directly onto the drawing. Leave it for a few minutes: it softens the wax and pigment so they lift easily from the surface.
Step 3
Wipe and repeat
Wipe the mark with soft microfibre in one direction, without smearing it across the wall. If the outline is still visible, apply WD-40 Multi-Use again and wipe once more. On washable wallpaper, moisten a cloth with the product and dab only the drawing itself.
Step 4
Wash off paint and light marks with soda or soapy water
Poster paint, watercolour and finger paint dissolve in water. Dip a sponge in warm water with washing-up liquid and wipe the stain, watching each stroke so you do not strip the wall paint. For small marks, use a damp cloth with a pinch of baking soda and rub gently.
Step 5
Carpet, fabric and desks
On a rug or jeans, apply WD-40 to the stain, wait 1-5 minutes, then rinse with warm soapy water and blot. Wash clothing as usual afterwards. On a desk top, remove the mark the same way and then wipe with a damp sponge to clear the product.
Step 6
Remove product residue
Finally, wipe all treated areas with a sponge and warm soapy water and dry them. This leaves no greasy patches for dust to cling to.
Tip: The fresher the drawing, the easier it comes off, so do not put it off. To steer future masterpieces to the right place, hang a roll of paper or a whiteboard on the wall at child height.
What next
A can of WD-40 Multi-Use at home also deals with tape residue, stickers and shoe scuffs on the floor. Store it out of children's reach.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».