How to Remove Paint from Carpets
No matter what type of paint it is, you can still get it out of your carpet with a few household remedies! It can be a bit tricky, but as long as you follow these guidelines you will have a paint free carpet in the end.
Type of Paint & Initial Removal
The first step in removing paint from your carpet is determining what type of paint it is so you can figure out what method will work best in lifting the stain.
If you notice the accident right away while the paint is still wet, start by gently blotting up the paint. Start blotting the edges of the stain and moving towards the center stain to prevent from the stain from getting larger.
If the paint is already dry, start by scraping off as much dried paint as you can with a butter knife or something similar. Then after you have scraped away all the dry paint, vacuum up all the bits and flakes.
Then soak the area in a 1:1 ratio combination of hot water and dish soap to soften the paint. You can also steam the area use a handheld steamer or a clothing iron on the steam setting. If you use an iron place a wet rag between the carpet and the iron so you don’t burn the carpet fibers.
Once the paint has softened, go back and gently scrape it off the carpet. Continue to add more of the solution as you scrape and get rid of the paint and continue to blot away paint.
Water-based or Latex Paint
Water-based or latex paint is easy to clean up with dish soap.
After you have blotted away the excess paint, combine warm water with dish soap and apply it to the stain. Grab a clean towel or sponge and soak it in the dish soap and blot it on the stain. Again, start on the edges of the stain and work towards the center that way it prevents the stain from spreading.
Continue doing this until the stain has lifted.
Once all the paint has lifted, rinse the are with a clean cloth dipped in plain water. Then dry the area with a clean towel or paper towels.
Oil-based Paint
Oil-based paint is made using synthetic or natural oils. Oil-based paint is more resistant and harder to dissolve, so this will take a little more elbow grease.
Start by cleaning the area by using water and dish soap, like with water-based paint, or by using a handheld carpet cleaner and make sure the stain is fully saturated.
Use paint cleaner, turpentine, acetone, or hydrogen peroxide to remove the stain. Always do a test patch on a hidden part of your carpet to see if the solution will damage your carpet. When using a harsher solution like any of these be sure to use the proper protection like gloves and goggles while cleaning the stain. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and blot the stain so that the paint begins to break down. Be sure to open a window or use a fan to keep proper ventilation.
After you have blotted away the paint with your dissolving solution, you will want to clean the area and remove any further discoloration. Use a 1:1 ratio of dish soap and hot water and blot the area with a sponge or clean towel soaked in the water.
Then rinse the area with a clean cloth dipped in water to remove the soap.
After all the soap is removed then dry the area with a clean dry cloth or with paper towels.
Conclusion
While paint can be hard to remove, it is not impossible. Using household solutions and the proper precautions will help get the paint out.