Chalk Stain Removal Guide

A chalk stain can happen when the kids get too wild with the sidewalk chalk, or when you accidentally rub against a chalk board.

It would seem that chalk would be easy to remove, but sometimes, especially with colored chalk, it can be a stubborn stain to remove.

Part of the reason for this is our natural inclination, when you get any type of stain, is to put water on it immediately. That is not the appropriate thing to do with chalk, because this just makes it smear more.

Instead, try to brush, shake or vacuum up as much of the chalk as possible before using wet methods of stain removal.

Below are step by step instructions for how to remove stains caused by chalk from washable fabrics and clothing, upholstery and carpet.

Chalk Stain Removal From Clothing And Fabric

Step 1: Shake or lightly brush off as much of the loose chalk dust as possible from the fabric.

Step 2: Pretreat the stain with a laundry prewash stain remover.

Step 3: Launder in the hottest water the fabric will allow to get out the stain, and either chlorine bleach if the fabric will allow it, or color bleach if not.

Hint: Make sure the stain is gone after washing, but before you place in the dryer or you may set the stain.

Step 4: If the stain from the chalk still remains sponge the stained area with rubbing alcohol to remove the stain, and then wash the item again. Rubbing alcohol is a natural stain remover for chalk.

Removing Stains From Chalk From Upholstery

Step 1: Vacuum up as much of the chalk as possible, being careful not to spread the stain from the chalk further.

Step 2: Mix a solution of two cups cool water and one tablespoon dishwashing liquid.

Step 3: Using this solution, sponge the stain from the chalk with a clean white cloth.

Step 4: Next, blot at the stain until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Repeat steps 3-4 until the stain is removed from the upholstery.

Step 6: Now that the stain is removed you should get plain cold water and a new white cloth and sponge the area to remove the cleaning solution, and then blot dry.

Hint: Be sure to get the upholstery only as wet as necessary to remove the stain from the chalk.

If this does not work, an alternative is to use a dry cleaning solvent on the upholstery until the stain disappears.

You can get more information on how to clean upholstery here.

How To Remove Chalk Stains From Carpet

The instructions for removal of stains caused by chalk from carpet is the same as for upholstery.

You may also find this video demonstrating art chalk and charcoal stain removal from carpet helpful.

Get Even More Stain And Spot Removal Help Here

Are you a stain magnet like me? If so, check out the A to Z Stain Removal Guide which gives directions for how to remove over 100 types of stains from all kinds of surfaces.

Third photo by timsamoff, fourth photo by r0Kk, and fifth photo copyright of Stain Removal 101

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CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains and messes just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some cleaning methods can harm your item, so if what you want to clean or launder is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.