Messes and Masterpieces: The Ultimate Arts and Crafts Cleanup Guide

Paint-splattered tables, glittery floors, slime-covered sleeves—welcome to the beautiful chaos of crafting. Whether you're raising the next Picasso or just enjoying a weekend project with the kids, the aftermath of creativity can feel more like a crime scene than a cute keepsake.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through cleaning crafts messes with pro-level tips, product recommendations, and a plan to get everything (and everyone) looking fresh again. From how to get slime out of clothes to the right way to remove paint from the carpet, we’ve got every sticky, smeary, colorful scenario covered.

Crafting Is Fun … Until It Isn’t

Arts and crafts offer endless benefits for both kids and adults, from heightened creativity and confidence to improved focus and fine motor skills, all in the form of relaxing, screen-free fun.

However, those projects come with a price—namely, the mess. Paint splashes. Marker stains. Glitter everywhere. Thankfully, most art messes are fixable with a little strategy and the right art cleaning solution.

How to Get Slime Out of Clothes (Without Losing Your Mind)

Slime might be a fan favorite with the kids, but parents know the truth: it's sticky, stretchy, and stubborn. Here’s how to get slime out of clothes the smart way:

1. Scrape off excess slime with a spoon or dull knife.
2. Soak the area in white vinegar or rubbing alcohol for 5–10 minutes.
3. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush to loosen slime.
4. Rinse and wash as usual—but skip the dryer until the stain is gone.

Pro Tip: Keep vinegar and baking soda handy for slime disasters! Explore more kid-friendly fixes in our cleaning tips for kids' rooms.

How to Clean Paint Brushes After a Project

You’ve channeled your inner artist. Now it’s time to remove paint from brushes the right way and make sure they’re ready for the next masterpiece.

How to Clean a Paint Brush: Water-Based Paint

1. Rinse under warm water immediately.
2. Use dish soap to lather and remove residue.
3. Rinse until water runs clear, then dry flat.

How to Clean a Paint Brush: Oil-Based Paint

1. Wipe excess paint off onto a rag.
2. Soak in mineral spirits or paint thinner.
3. Rinse, wash with soap, and dry.

Keeping paint brushes clean makes cleaning crafts easier overall and saves you from frequent replacement costs, especially if you work with high-quality brushes.

Paint on the Carpet? Don’t Panic

Before you roll up the rug in defeat, try these tips to remove paint from the carpet:

1. Blot, don’t rub, using paper towels or a dry cloth.
2. If it’s water-based paint, use dish soap and warm water to dab and lift the stain.
3. For stubborn spots, use an art cleaning solution like vinegar and baking soda or a carpet-safe commercial cleaner.
4. Blot until the stain lifts.

Do you need more carpet TLC? Check out the best methods to clean carpets.

How to Get Markers Out of Clothes (and Off of Everything Else)

Permanent marker is a misnomer when you know the tricks. Here’s how to get marker out of clothes without making it worse:

1. Place paper towels under the stained fabric.
2. Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
3. Blot and lift the stain, switching to clean paper towels as you go.
4. Rinse and wash. Repeat if needed.

To remove marker stains from other surfaces:

• Use a Magic Eraser on walls or furniture.
• Try toothpaste (non-gel) for hard surfaces.
• Baking soda paste works well on plastic and tile.

How to Get Crayon Off the Wall (Without Repainting)

If your little artist prefers walls to canvas, don’t worry. Here’s how to get crayon off the wall quickly and gently:

• Baking soda paste: Rub gently in a circular motion.
• WD-40 or Goo Gone: Spray lightly and wipe clean.
• Magic Eraser: Use with care to avoid removing paint.

Test a small area first to prevent damage. Then, you may want to invest in more coloring books and washable crayons and markers.

Glitter, Glue, and Goop: The Hidden Hazards

Cleaning crafts often means dealing with more than just paint and markers.

• Glue: Soak dried glue in vinegar and gently peel it off.
• Glitter: Use a lint roller, playdough, or a damp sponge to gather.
• Clay: Let dry, then scrape off and vacuum any leftover dust.

Sticky floors? Splattered sinks? Molly Maid^® is here to help. Learn about our home cleaning services for support beyond the playroom.

Tips to Prevent Craft Messes Before They Happen

Implementing good cleanup habits early makes cleaning crafts less stressful for everyone involved. Here are a few preventative tips to make cleanup easier after your next craft session.

• Cover tables and walls with butcher paper or a plastic cloth.
• Set up crafting zones using trays or bins.
• Keep paper towels and wipes nearby.
• Store smocks or oversized t-shirts for quick protection.

When It’s Time to Call the Pros

Let’s face it: some messes aren’t worth the fight. From stained upholstery to glitter-dusted floors, calling in help can save time (and sanity). Molly Maid is proud to back every cleaning with the Neighborly Done Right Promise^® to ensure your satisfaction the first time. Find your local team and let us help you enjoy more creating and less cleaning.

Request a free estimate and discover how easy it is to get the help you need.

Final Brushstrokes: Clean Creativity Starts Here

With the right tools and know-how, even the messiest crafting session can have a happy ending. Whether you're trying to remove paint from the carpet, get slime out of clothes, or figure out how to clean paint brushes, you don’t have to do it alone.

For more helpful advice, explore our full library of home cleaning tips and make every cleanup a little easier.

This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Molly Maid is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content. Molly Maid services may vary by location. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Molly Maid nearest you for more information and a professional on-site assessment.

FAQs About Arts and Crafts Cleanup

Since 1984, Molly Maid has proudly provided a reliable, professional, and affordable solution to a messy, dirty home. Providing the house cleaning services that busy homeowners need also includes using our years of experience to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about arts and crafts cleanup.

What’s the fastest way to clean up after arts and crafts with kids?

The go-to method of cleaning up after arts and crafts sessions is to contain the mess with tablecloths or drop cloths, then gather supplies into bins. Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth and use handheld vacuums for loose particles.

How do I remove glitter from floors and furniture?

Use a lint roller, duct tape, or a vacuum with a brush attachment. For carpets, finish with a damp cloth to catch any sparkles left behind—essential when you need to remove glitter from floors effectively.

How can I clean paint off tables or countertops?

For water-based paints, use warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth. For dried paint, use a bit of rubbing alcohol or vinegar to clean paint off surfaces safely.

What’s the best way to clean glue and sticky messes?

Warm, soapy water works well to remove most crafting glues. For tougher adhesives, try rubbing alcohol or a citrus-based adhesive remover. Be sure to test on a small, hidden portion of the surface first.

Any tips for preventing major craft messes ahead of time?

Use aprons, table covers, and washable materials to prepare the area and your little artists for craft time. Make sure to have wipes and trash bags nearby to encourage quick spot-cleaning.