How to Remove Melted Crayon from Washed & Dried Clothes

The Logic Verdict

Don’t panic. The dryer heat melted the wax into the fibers, which is why regular washing won’t work. You need a solvent to dissolve the wax, then a degreaser to remove the solvent.

The Fix: The “WD-40” Method

1. Protect: Place paper towels behind the stained fabric so the stain doesn’t bleed through to the other side.
2. Solvent: Spray WD-40 generously on the crayon spots (both sides of the fabric). It dissolves wax instantly.
3. Wait: Let it sit for 10 minutes.
4. Degrease: Apply dish soap (like Dawn) directly onto the WD-40 spots. Rub it in vigorously with your fingers or a brush. This removes the oily WD-40.
5. Wash Hot: Wash the load again on the hottest water setting safe for the fabric.

Important Warning

Do not dry the clothes until you are 100% sure the stain is gone. If you dry them again, it will be much harder to remove. (See: How to Remove Set-In Stains)

Cleaning the Dryer Drum

If the dryer drum has crayon marks:

1. Spray WD-40 on a cloth.
2. Wipe the drum.
3. Wipe again with a soapy cloth to remove the WD-40.
4. Run a load of old rags/towels to catch any residue.