Publish date:: May 26, 2010
Updated on: Nov 7, 2018

How to Get Melted Crayons or Gum Out of Your Clothes Dryer

If you forgot to check your kids' clothes before doing the laundry and have a melted mess on your hands, follow this advice to prevent it from getting all over the next load of laundry.

Instructions

Step 1: Toss towels into dryer Toss old towels into the dryer and run it at the hottest setting for a few minutes.
Step 2: Mix dishwasher detergent and water Make a paste of powdered dishwasher detergent and water.
Step 3: Scrub the spots Scrub the spots of melted crayon wax and gum with the paste and a towel.
TIP: Be careful not to scrub through the dryer's enamel coating.
Step 4: Rinse Wash the paste residue out of the dryer with a rag and soapy water.
Step 5: Run a cycle with the old towels Run a complete dryer cycle with the old towels to make sure all the spots are gone.
Step 6: Check for loose crayons and gum Check for loose crayons and gum in all pockets before doing the laundry to avoid having another mess.
FACT: The first self-service, coin-operated laundry machines were not produced until the 1950s.