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Many mothers are surprised by their children's drawings decorating the walls of the house, from pencil scribbles to wax crayons and permanent ink marks. But before thinking about repainting, you can try simple methods to clean the walls, provided you choose the appropriate method for the type of pen and paint, and avoid vigorous scrubbing that could damage the surface.
First: Identify the type of pen
The method of removing drawings varies depending on the tool used, as each type has a suitable method, and some means may work for certain stains and not others.
1. Pencil marks
Start by using a clean, soft eraser and rub it gently over the marks without pressing hard. Then, remove the eraser residue with a dry cloth.
If faint marks remain, wipe them with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water. Avoid repeated scrubbing, especially on walls painted with matte paint, so that the texture of the paint does not change or spots of a different color appear.
2. Wax crayons and coloring pens
Wax crayons leave greasy and colored marks that may not come off with water alone. To clean them, remove the raised residue using a blunt plastic card, taking care not to scratch the wall.
After that, wipe the area with a soft sponge dampened with warm water and a little dish soap. Remove the soap residue with a clean cloth slightly dampened with water, then dry the area. If the color remains, repeat the process gently instead of increasing the pressure.
3. Washable coloring pens
The marks from these pens are often easier to remove. Start by wiping the marks with a damp sponge, then use a diluted solution of water and dish soap.
Be sure to rinse the sponge constantly so that the color does not transfer to other parts of the wall. If the stain remains, you can try a cleaner designed for painted surfaces, after testing it on an inconspicuous area and ensuring it is suitable for the type of paint.
4. Permanent ink and marker pens
These stains are among the most difficult to remove, as the ink may penetrate the paint layer, so soap and water are not enough to get rid of it.
Some ink removers or products designed for stains may help, but you should be careful when using alcohol or solvents, as they may remove the paint or change its color and sheen. Therefore, test any product on a small hidden area first, and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions.
If the mark persists, do not continue scrubbing hard; repairing the damaged part or repainting it may be better than damaging a larger area.
Simple steps to clean walls safely
To get the best result and minimize the chance of paint damage, follow these steps:
Remove dust: Use a soft, dry cloth before starting to clean.
Test the cleaner: Try it on an inconspicuous part, and wait until the wall is dry to ensure that the color or sheen does not change.
Start with soap and water: Add a small amount of dish soap to warm water, dampen a cloth with the solution, and wring it out well.
Clean gently: Wipe the marks in small circular motions, and avoid rough tools and vigorous scrubbing.
Remove soap residue: Use a clean cloth slightly dampened with water, then dry the surface.
Move to another solution when needed: If the stain remains, choose a product suitable for the type of pen and paint after testing it.
Remember that excessive use of water may damage some types of paint and wallpaper, so stick to a slightly damp cloth.
How do you clean drawings off wallpaper?
If your home's walls are covered with wallpaper, first check if it is washable. Washable types may withstand a slightly damp cloth and a gentle cleaner, while non-washable paper or paper made of fabric and natural fibers may be damaged when exposed to water.
Therefore, follow the manufacturer's instructions and test the cleaning method in an inconspicuous place. Avoid scrubbing or saturating the paper with water so that it does not peel or change color.
When is repainting the solution?
Some pens, especially permanent markers, may leave marks that are difficult to remove without damaging the paint. If gentle methods do not work, repainting the damaged part may be the most appropriate option.
Before painting, clean the surface and let it dry completely. If the ink is strong and may reappear through the new paint, you may need to use a stain-blocking primer according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
If the paint is new, check its instructions before cleaning it; some types need time to harden and become more resistant to washing.
Final tip: Always start with the simplest and gentlest solution, and do not use strong cleaners before testing them. You may be able to restore the cleanliness of your walls without needing to repaint them entirely.
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