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How to Clean All Types of Kid's Messes

Kids are adorable bundles of joy... and mess. From mystery stains on the carpet to rogue scribbles on the walls, it often feels like your home is a canvas for their creativity (and chaos). If you’ve ever Googled “how to clean permanent marker off” or shouted “what IS that?!” while scrubbing the sofa, this post is for you.

We’ve rounded up the 21 most common messes kids make, and how to clean them properly, safely, and without damaging your surfaces. Plus, we’ll let you know when it’s time to wave the white flag and call in the pros.

Peanut BittContents

The 21 Most Common (and Frustrating) Kid Messes, Solved

1. Permanent Marker on Leather Sofa

When it happens

You leave your toddler alone for two minutes (just two!) and return to find your beautiful leather couch transformed into a modern art piece, courtesy of a permanent marker they found in your junk drawer.

Solution

Dampen a microfiber cloth with a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Gently blot the marked area, never rub. Follow up with a dry microfiber cloth to lift remaining residue. Then apply leather conditioner to restore moisture.

Avoid

Do not use nail polish remover, magic erasers, or harsh scrubbing tools. These can strip the leather’s finish and cause permanent discoloration.

Pro Tip: Always test your cleaning method on an inconspicuous spot first.

2. Slime in Carpet

When it happens

Your kids are making DIY slime videos for their pretend YouTube channel, and suddenly, there’s a green glob mashed deep into the living room rug.

Solution

Gently scrape off as much slime as possible with a dull butter knife. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Apply the solution to the slime spot and blot with a microfiber towel until the residue lifts. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.

Avoid

Don’t use hot water as it can melt slime and cause it to seep deeper into carpet fibers. Avoid aggressively scrubbing, which can damage the carpet pile.

Pro Tip: If any color remains, a small dab of rubbing alcohol can help lift dye, but test first.

3. Crayon on Walls

When it happens

Your preschooler decides to “decorate” their room and uses your freshly painted walls as their personal art gallery. Bonus points if it’s just before guests arrive.

Solution

Make a gentle paste with baking soda and water. Apply to the crayon marks and lightly rub with a microfiber cloth using circular motions. For more stubborn spots, a Magic Eraser can help, just use minimal pressure.

Avoid

Do not use abrasive scrubbing pads or chemical cleaners, especially on matte or flat paint,they can strip color or leave behind shiny patches. Avoid using Magic Erasers on delicate finishes without testing first.

Pro Tip: For semi-gloss or glossy paint, a dab of mild dish soap on a damp cloth can also help remove crayon.

4. Milk or Formula Spills in Upholstery

When it happens

A bottle tips over on the couch during an early morning feeding. You’re too tired to deal with it immediately, but by the next day, the smell is unmistakable.

Solution

Mix a few drops of dish soap with cold water in a bowl. Dampen a microfiber cloth and blot the spill (never soak it). For odors, sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming. If needed, follow up with an enzyme-based cleaner to break down milk proteins.

Avoid

Don’t use hot water as it can cook the proteins in milk and set stains or odors. Avoid soaking upholstery, which can lead to mold or lingering moisture.

Pro Tip: Flip removable cushion covers inside out to spot treat the inner fabric as well.

5. Sticker Residue on Furniture

When it happens

Your child gets a sticker book and redecorates every cabinet, coffee table, and dresser with their favorite characters.

Solution

Apply a small amount of coconut oil, olive oil, or white vinegar to the sticker residue. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then gently rub with a microfiber cloth until the adhesive lifts. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Avoid

Don’t scrape with sharp objects like knives or razors as they can scratch wood or laminate surfaces. Avoid alcohol or acetone-based removers on finished wood as they may strip the varnish.

Pro Tip: If oil leaves a greasy mark, a mild dish soap and warm water wipe-down will remove it.

6. Chewed Gum in Hair or Fabric

When it happens

One kid shares gum with the other, and five minutes later it’s tangled in hair, the carpet, or the car seat. Panic sets in.

Solution for hair

Coat the gum with peanut butter or coconut oil and gently work it out with your fingers, then shampoo.

Solution for fabric

Press an ice pack or bag of ice cubes onto the gum to harden it. Once firm, gently chip away the pieces with a dull knife or spoon. Follow with a dish soap and water blot to remove residue.

Avoid

Don’t pull or cut gum out of hair immediately as it can cause pain and damage. Avoid hot water on fabric as it softens gum and spreads it.

Pro Tip: Vinegar can help break down gum residue if oil or freezing doesn’t fully remove it.

7. Play-Doh in Rugs

When it happens

You create a quiet craft corner so you can take a call, only to later discover Play-Doh mashed deep into the living room rug.

Solution

Let the Play-Doh fully dry first. Once it’s hardened, use a vacuum to remove chunks. Gently brush remaining crumbs out with a stiff-bristled brush. If necessary, finish by dabbing the spot with a damp microfiber cloth.

Avoid

Do not use water until after the bulk of the Play-Doh is removed as moisture reactivates it, turning it into a sticky paste. Avoid rubbing it while wet.

Pro Tip: For dried dye residue, a mild soap and cold water spot treatment can help.

Close-up of a wooden floor with visible grain and texture.

8. Glitter Everywhere

When it happens

Your child’s school project calls for glitter, and now it’s everywhere in the cracks of your hardwood, stuck to your eyebrows, and somehow embedded in your dog’s fur.

Solution

Start with a lint roller or press a piece of duct tape (sticky side out) onto affected surfaces to lift the bulk of the glitter. Then vacuum thoroughly using a hose or brush attachment to reach baseboards and corners. For furniture or hard floors, a slightly damp microfiber cloth can help lift stragglers.

Avoid

Don’t use a broom, glitter will scatter like confetti and cling to bristles. Avoid soaking cloth surfaces; glitter clings more when wet.

Pro Tip: Keep a handheld vacuum just for glitter-prone projects, it’ll save your sanity.

9. Spilled Juice on Mattress

When it happens

A “bedtime drink” turns into a major spill on your child’s mattress, and you don’t find out until the next day when the smell starts to rise.

Solution

Blot the spill immediately with a dry microfiber towel to absorb excess liquid. Mix 1 cup water, 1 tbsp white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. Apply sparingly with a damp cloth and blot again. Sprinkle baking soda over the spot and let sit for several hours before vacuuming.

Avoid

Don’t oversaturate the mattress as it’s difficult to dry thoroughly and may lead to mildew. Avoid steam cleaning, which can lock in sticky juice residues.

Pro Tip: A waterproof mattress protector is worth every penny.

10. Mud-Caked Shoes on Entryway Floors

When it happens

Your kid bursts in after puddle-jumping or soccer practice, tracking thick clumps of mud across your tile, laminate, or hardwood entryway.

Solution

Let the mud completely dry as it’s easier to remove. Use a broom or vacuum to lift loose dirt. Then mop the area using warm water and a mild, floor-safe cleaning solution. Buff dry with a microfiber mop head or towel to prevent streaking.

Avoid

Don’t mop wet mud as it just smears. Avoid acidic cleaners on stone or hardwood floors, which can damage the finish.

Pro Tip: Keep a microfiber floor mop near your entryway for quick cleanups.

11. Toothpaste Smears on Bathroom Mirrors

When it happens

Your independent kid is “brushing all by themselves” and manages to spray minty blue paste all over the mirror like modern art.

Solution

Spray glass cleaner or a 50/50 vinegar-water solution on the mirror. Wipe clean with a flat-weave microfiber cloth using circular motions. Buff with a dry side to remove streaks.

Avoid

Don’t use paper towels as they leave lint and can streak. Avoid scrubbing with abrasive sponges which can scratch some mirror coatings.

Pro Tip: Keep a dedicated glass cloth in the bathroom for quick morning wipe-downs.

A white skirt with floral patterns and blue scribbles on the side.

12. Marker or Pen Ink on Clothing

When it happens

You hand them a marker for a project, and by the end of the day, their shirt (and sometimes yours) has turned into a doodle pad.

Solution

Dab rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer onto the ink stain using a cotton ball or cloth. Let sit for 5–10 minutes. Rinse with cold water, apply liquid laundry detergent directly, and wash in cold water. Repeat as needed.

Avoid

Don’t use hot water as it can set ink stains. Don’t toss stained clothes in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone.

Pro Tip: Keep a stain removal pen in your bag or car for on-the-go ink accidents.

13. Nut Butter Smears on Walls and Furniture

When it happens

Your toddler wants to make their own sandwich (or just eat peanut butter straight from the spoon) and suddenly there are greasy smears on your table legs, cabinets, and walls.

Solution

Use a microfiber cloth dampened with warm, soapy water (mild dish soap works great) to gently wipe the area. For tougher smears, a 50/50 vinegar-water mix can help cut through oils. Rinse with clean water and dry with a separate microfiber towel.

Avoid

Don’t use abrasive scrubbers or bleach-based sprays on painted walls or finished wood as they can strip paint or protective coatings. Avoid using excessive water on wood surfaces.

Pro Tip: For textured walls, use a soft toothbrush with your cleaning solution to gently loosen sticky residue.

Child sitting in a car seat, holding a pouch of food.

14. Dried Yogurt on Car Seat Fabric

When it happens

Your little one squeezes a yogurt pouch mid-drive. You clean up what you can, but the rest dries into a chalky crust that smells off by the next day.

Solution

Scrape off dried yogurt gently with a spoon. Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap and blot the stain with a microfiber cloth. Rinse the area lightly with clean water and blot dry. For odor, apply baking soda and vacuum once dry.

Avoid

Don’t oversaturate car seats as they’re difficult to fully dry and may develop mold or mildew. Avoid using vinegar directly on car seat straps as it can degrade the webbing over time.

Pro Tip: A handheld fabric steamer can refresh car seat fabric after spot cleaning.

15. Chocolate Handprints on Walls or Bedding

When it happens

Your child gets a chocolate treat and suddenly starts touching everything, from walls, pillows, bedding, even your face, before you can grab a wipe.

Solution (walls)

Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and mild dish soap. Blot gently to dissolve the chocolate.
 

Solution (bedding)

Rinse the fabric in cold water. Apply liquid detergent or a stain remover, let sit 10 minutes, then wash on a cold cycle.

Avoid

Don’t use hot water as it melts chocolate and pushes it deeper into fabrics or wall paint. Avoid rubbing forcefully, which can spread the stain.

Pro Tip: Keep unscented baby wipes nearby as they’re great for immediate chocolate smudge control.

16. Baby Powder Explosion

When it happens

Your toddler finds the baby powder and reenacts a snowstorm, coating everything from the floor to the dog in a fine, fluffy cloud.

Solution

First, sweep or vacuum the bulk of the powder. Then use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop or cloth to gently lift the fine particles from hard surfaces. For soft surfaces like upholstery, vacuum with an upholstery tool and blot with a damp cloth.

Avoid

Don’t vacuum heavy powder directly with bagless vacuums as it can clog filters. Don’t wet the powder too soon; it’ll turn to paste and smear.

Pro Tip: For a final polish, a dry microfiber cloth removes lingering powder haze from furniture or baseboards.

17. Paint on Clothing or Furniture

When it happens

Your kids are crafting and you’re multitasking, and by the time you turn around, there’s paint on the floor, their clothes, the chair legs, and their siblings.

Solution (water-based paint)

Act quickly! Rinse fabric under cold water and treat with dish soap or stain remover. Wash on cold.
∫ Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. If dry, scrape gently with a plastic edge and clean with soapy water.

Avoid

Don’t let paint dry on fabric as it becomes much harder to remove. Avoid using abrasive cleaners on wood or laminate; they can scratch the finish.

Pro Tip: Keep kids in oversized “crafting shirts” during painting sessions. Your future self will thank you.

Living room with a sofa, coffee table, and decorative rug.

18. Urine Accidents on Rugs or Cushions

When it happens

Potty training is going well… until it isn’t. A “close call” becomes a full-blown puddle on your favorite rug or couch cushion.

Solution

Blot up as much as possible with paper towels or a dry microfiber towel. Then apply an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet or human urine as these break down odor-causing proteins. Let sit per the product instructions, blot again, and allow to air dry.

Avoid

Don’t steam clean urine as heat can permanently set the smell into the fibers. Avoid masking the smell with air fresheners; it’ll come back once the scent wears off.

Pro Tip: Enzymatic cleaners work best when they’re allowed to air dry naturally, no hair dryers.

19. Crumbs Ground into the Couch

When it happens

Your kid brings a snack to the couch (again) and somehow the entire box ends up ground into the cushions like breadcrumbs on a cutting board.

Solution

Remove cushions if possible and vacuum thoroughly using a crevice tool to get between seams. For oily spots (common with crackers), wipe with a warm soapy microfiber cloth, then dry with a clean towel.

Avoid

Don’t rub with water alone as it can smear oils deeper into upholstery. Avoid shaking cushions aggressively; crumbs might scatter further inside.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle baking soda on oily areas, let sit 15 minutes, then vacuum before wiping.

20. Vaseline Smeared on Fabric or Pillows

When it happens

Your toddler finds your lip balm or Vaseline jar and decides to “moisturize” every fabric surface within reach, leaving greasy, waxy streaks on couch cushions and bedding.

Solution

Scrape off excess with a spoon. Apply cornstarch or baking soda to absorb oils, let sit for 15–30 minutes. Vacuum, then dab the spot with dish soap and warm water using a microfiber towel.

Avoid

Don’t toss anything with Vaseline into the washer immediately as it can coat the drum with grease. Avoid hot water or heat drying until the residue is fully removed.

Pro Tip: Repeat the baking soda soak twice if the stain feels waxy to the touch after the first round.

21. Makeup Stains on Laminate Cabinets and Floors

When it happens

Your child gets into your makeup bag and decides the bathroom cabinets (and floor) would look fabulous with a bit of foundation and blush, especially in hard-to-reach corners.

Solution

For powder makeup, use a dry microfiber cloth to lift the pigment without smearing. For cream or liquid foundation, mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water. Dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe gently. For tougher spots, use a 50/50 vinegar-water mix and follow with a dry towel.

Avoid

Don’t use acetone, bleach, or scrub brushes as these can scratch or discolor laminate. Avoid using excess water, which may seep into seams and cause swelling.

Pro Tip: If the makeup has dried, use a plastic spatula or old credit card to lift it gently before cleaning.

When to Call in the Experts

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the mess wins. Here’s when to bring in the pros:

  • Stains that return after cleaning (especially on upholstery or carpet)

  • Strong odors that linger no matter what

  • Delicate materials like antique wood or high-end fabric

  • Water damage from spills that soak through flooring

A professional cleaner can prevent long-term damage and restore your peace of mind, and your furniture.

Kids Make Messes. You’ve Got a Plan.

From glitter explosions to rogue lipstick masterpieces, messy kids are part of the journey. But now, you’ve got a go-to guide packed with real-life solutions for cleaning up the chaos, without damaging your stuff or losing your mind.

The secret? Act fast, use the right tools (hi, microfiber!), and know when to call in backup (ahem, professional cleaners). Messes are temporary. These memories? Priceless.

Our curated cleaning kit for homeowners

We’ve curated a cleaning kit of our favorite must-have products to keep a home in top shape. It contains two types of microfiber towels, a microfiber duster, and a heavy duty mop it. Check it out!

Escrito por

Em Rey

Content Contributor at

Microfiber Wholesale

Em has been writing content for over eight years, creating articles for lifestyle, home, and beauty publications.

She’s passionate about smart, effective cleaning and loves sharing practical tips that actually work, especially when it comes to microfiber products.

With a deep understanding of the cleaning industry, Em crafts content that connects with professionals and everyday cleaners alike.

Outside of work, you can find her trying out a new recipe, restaurant, or exploring the outdoors with her toddler in tow.

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