The Ultimate Guide to Removing Ink, Crayon, and Marker Stains from Kids’ Clothing

As any parent knows, kids and art supplies are a recipe for messes - especially when those materials end up on their clothes.

Ink, crayon, and marker stains can feel like a nightmare, but with the right approach, most of these stains are easier to remove than you think.

Whether your child has been drawing their masterpiece or simply had a little mishap, these tips and tricks will help you get their clothes back to looking fresh and clean.

Ink stains are often among the trickiest to tackle, but very common if you have school-aged kids. Here’s how to remove those stubborn ink marks:

- Rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol, such as Isocol from Coles or Diggers from Bunnings) or hand sanitiser (both contain alcohol, which breaks down ink)

- Paper towels or a clean cloth

- Mild laundry detergent

1. Blot the Stain: Start by gently blotting the ink stain with a paper towel or cloth to remove any excess ink. Don’t rub, as that can spread the stain further.

   

2. Apply Rubbing Alcohol / Hand Sanitiser: Soak a cotton ball or clean cloth in rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the stained area. You should start to see the ink lift. 

3. Blot Again: Keep blotting with a fresh cloth until the stain is mostly gone. You may need to repeat this process for larger or older stains.

4. Wash Immediately: Once the stain is treated, wash the clothing in cold water with a mild detergent. Check the stain before drying the clothing, as heat can set the stain permanently.

Tip: If rubbing alcohol doesn’t work, try using a mix of dish soap and bicarb soda to scrub the stain gently. 

Crayons can leave behind greasy, waxy stains that seem impossible to remove, but don’t worry—there are ways to tackle these marks without ruining the fabric.

- Bicarb soda

- Dish soap (preferably grease-cutting)

- White vinegar

- A toothbrush or soft-bristled brush

1. Scrape Off Excess Wax: Use a butter knife or spoon to gently scrape off any excess crayon from the fabric. Be careful not to rub it in further.

2. Apply Dish Soap: Dab a little dish soap directly onto the stained area. The soap will help break down the grease and wax.

3. Add Bicarb Soda: Sprinkle bicarb soda over the dish soap. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub the stain in small circular motions. This will lift the stain and break down any waxy residue.

4. Rinse and Wash: Rinse the stained area with warm water to remove the soap and crayon residue. Then, wash the clothing as usual with a mild detergent.

5. For Persistent Stains: If the stain lingers, mix a solution of white vinegar and warm water (1:1 ratio) and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.

Markers are another common art / school supply that can lead to unwanted stains, especially if your child gets a little too creative. Whether it’s washable or permanent ink, here’s how to get rid of marker stains.

- Baby wipes

- Dish soap or laundry detergent

- Old toothbrush (for stubborn stains)

1. Act Quickly: The sooner you tackle a marker stain, the better. Start by blotting the stain with a baby wipe to remove excess ink. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain.

2. Soak in Soapy Water: If the stain is still visible, soak the area in warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.

3. Scrub with Toothbrush: For stubborn stains, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the area in a circular motion. This can help lift any residual ink.

4. Wash the Clothes: Launder the clothing as usual. Check to see if the stain is gone before drying. If it’s still there, repeat the process.

Tip: If you’re dealing with a permanent marker stain, rubbing alcohol is your best friend. Apply it directly to the stain and blot it until the ink begins to lift.

While stains are inevitable, a little bit of prevention can go a long way in keeping your kid’s clothes art-free:

- Use Art Smocks or Old Shirts: Protect your child’s clothes by using art smocks or older, washable shirts for crafting and painting sessions.

  

- Choose Washable Art Supplies: Always go for washable crayons, markers, and paints when possible. These products are designed to be removed easily, especially if the stain is caught early.

- Teach Kids to Be Careful: As they get older, encourage your child to be more mindful when using art supplies. Simple reminders like "don’t press too hard" or "keep your art on the paper" can help reduce the chances of stains.

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Ink, crayon, and marker stains are part of the creative chaos that comes with kids and their art projects. Fortunately, with these easy steps, you can remove even the toughest stains and keep their clothes looking fresh. Whether you’re dealing with a tiny doodle or a full-blown masterpiece gone awry, don’t stress - just grab the right tools and follow the steps for a cleaner, happier laundry day.