Kid chaos and how to cut down time wasted cleaning up after them

First try the simplest fix, which will be least harmful to the wall, and then use tougher methods if that doesn’t work.

Wipe with a dry paper towel.

If the mark is still wet or the surface is smooth and nonporous, the paper towel may remove the mark.

If wiping with paper alone doesn’t do it, try moistening the towel with rubbing alcohol.

It’s still there? Go for the hard stuff—mineral spirits or kerosene.

These are flammable, so be careful.

They can also alter wall finishes, so test them first in an inconspic-uous area of the same surface.

Vomit is a protein-based stain, so avoid using warm or hot water, which can fix the stain in the fibers of a carpet.

First remove any solids using paper towels.

Next, spray the area with cold water and blot. Repeat until the stain is gone.

If residue remains, soak the accident site in an enzymatic cleaner, the kind you buy at pet stores to remove odors.

Wash and rinse according to product directions.

Grab some ice, put it in a plastic bag (to prevent leaking), and rub the ice on the gum until the gum freezes and hardens.

Scrape away the hardened gum with a dull knife. If residue remains, remove it by blotting with a dry-cleaning solvent, such as Carbona.

Be sure to test the solvent first, however, in an inconspicuous spot to make sure that it won’t damage the carpet.

This procedure also works with upholstery.

Two common household items help remove crayon marks.

For painted surfaces, put a dab of non-gel toothpaste on an old toothbrush or dry rag and rub.

For stained or untreated wood, rub real mayonnaise on the marks with a rag, let it sit a minute or two, and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.

Your young child is playing in his room – perhaps too quietly.

You walk in and discover that the budding artist has doodled on his wallpaper with a pencil.

Don’t panic. Instead, head for the kitchen for a slice of fresh bread.

Rub the bread across the penciled area, and you’ll erase the marks without marring the wallpaper.