Common Children Paint Messes and How to Clean Them
Kids can be a little expressive when paint and a clean surface is involved.
If you just painted your home or furniture in Ottawa, Ontario but stains have surfaced up courtesy of your creative little ones, here are a few tips on how to resolve most kids’ stains
Paint on their Face
If you are lucky, your child will have used your makeup, which washes off fairly well.
However, if they decided to use paint instead, it’s a whole different story.
You will need a little more patience, depending on the pencil or the paint used.
Try first with a mild makeup remover. You may need to repeat several washes, but with a little patience, most paints and pencils will wash off.
If your child has used a permanent marker, you can clean their skin with sweet almond oil.
Apply it directly to the skin and rub gently with a children’s washcloth. Repeat the process several times.
Paint on the Stairs
While you were busy painting your living room, the children probably took the opportunity to surprise you and repaint your stairs.
If the paint is freshly spilled, you can try to wipe it off with a damp cloth and save your stairs.
On the other hand, if the drying time has started, your only option will probably be to sand your stairs or install carpet.
You can also try repainting your stairs for a better result.
Marker or Pen Marks on the Wood
Phew! These stains are very difficult to clean because the ink penetrates the wood quickly.
You will need to be quick to clean your surface and ensure a better result.
Soak a cloth in 70% alcohol and dab the stain. Wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
You will probably need to apply a varnish or wax, as alcohol can damage the protection of your wood.
And if you notice it too late, you may need to paint your wood to refurbish it.
Stickers on the Walls
Have your kids decided their sticker books are full? That your white walls lacked originality?
You now have all the characters from their favorite cartoons pasted on your wall.
Do not panic! You can peel them off without damaging your wall.
Simply heat the surface with a hairdryer to easily peel them off without damaging your paint.
If any glue remains, use white vinegar. Soak a cloth and rub gently.
They Painted Your Pet!
A felt-tip pen forgotten by the big brother is all it takes to make a few spots on your pet.
If the felt cleans with water, grooming will need to be added to your schedule.
Be careful, though, if your child has used a permanent pencil.
Some components can be toxic. Consult your veterinarian.
Painted Clothes
For felt-tip pen or paint stains, soak a cloth in white vinegar and rub vigorously.
Wash stained clothes in lukewarm water. Be careful with wax crayons; the procedure is different.
No machine wash immediately. Scrape off the stain well and place the item of clothing between a paper towel (the stained side) and a clean item of clothing.
Iron at medium temperature to remove excess wax. Apply commercial stain remover before washing the garment.
Remember that your children’s silence is often suspect, but painting and drawing blunders are often reversible.
Give them some space where they can let their creativity go when they want.
Need some ideas? A chalkboard wall, a roll of white paper to unroll, or a space to paint directly on the wall.
If your kid has created large stains on your painted surfaces, you might need to repaint the entire surface to cover the stains.
If you need help with cleaning, painting, or staining your home exterior, our professional team at Millers Painting would love to help.
We offer high-quality interior/exterior painting, staining, and refinishing services in Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, and Westboro areas of Ottawa, Ontario.
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