How to get paint out of carpet – your guide

How to get paint out of carpet

Identify the type of paint first

Before you begin cleaning, it’s crucial to determine whether you’re dealing with water-based, acrylic, or oil-based paint. Each type requires a different approach and cleaning solution. Water-based paints are the easiest to remove, whilst oil-based paints need stronger solvents like turpentine.

Act fast for fresh spills

The sooner you tackle a paint spill, the better your chances of complete removal. Fresh paint hasn’t had time to bond with the carpet fibres, making it much easier to lift. If you’ve just spilled paint, grab a clean cloth immediately and start blotting.

Gather your cleaning supplies

Before starting, collect everything you’ll need: white cloths or rags (coloured ones may transfer dye), dishwashing detergent, lukewarm water, a putty knife or scraper, and specific solvents depending on the paint type. For acrylic paint, you’ll need acetone or isopropyl alcohol. For oil-based paint, turpentine is essential.

Blot, don’t rub

This is the golden rule of carpet stain removal. Always blot paint stains gently rather than rubbing or scrubbing. Rubbing pushes the paint deeper into the carpet fibres and can spread the stain wider. Use a dabbing motion, working from the outside of the stain towards the centre.

Test solutions in hidden areas

Before applying any cleaning solution to the stained area, test it on an inconspicuous section of your carpet first. This ensures the cleaner won’t discolour or damage your carpet fibres. Wait a few minutes to check for any adverse reactions.

Ventilate your space properly

When using strong solvents like acetone or turpentine, ensure your room is well-ventilated. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. Consider wearing a mask to protect yourself from prolonged exposure to fumes, which can be harmful to your health.

Rinse thoroughly after treatment

Once you’ve successfully removed the paint, it’s important to rinse the area with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Use a damp cloth to blot the area, then dry it with a clean towel. Any leftover cleaning products can attract dirt and create new stains.

Consider professional help for stubborn stains

If you’ve tried multiple methods and the paint stain persists, it may be time to call in professional carpet cleaners. They have industrial-strength equipment and specialised products that can tackle even the most stubborn paint stains without damaging your carpet.

Removing latex/water based paint

If you have to clean water or latex-based paint, the first step is to blot the stain with wet paper to soak up any excess.

To both use painting hacks & clean like a pro, don’t scrub the area because you’ll push the paint deep into your carpet fibres. If you do not find a paper towel handy, the other alternative to clean is using a cloth towel.

Mix your cleaning solution

The best way to clean for less is by washing the spill with dishwashing detergent solution (237ml of lukewarm water and 15ml dishwashing detergent). Ensure that you add the solution to a white rag because coloured rags may end up staining your carpet.

Treat dried paint

If the water-based paint has dried on your carpet, you should let the solution sit for five minutes before cleaning it.

Remove excess paint

If you have a lot of paint to clean, use a scraper or knife to remove it. Once you’re done blotting the spill, use a dishwasher detergent solution before vacuuming the area.

Consider additional tools

You may also want to consider household products such as a wet vacuum cleaner to help you get even better results.

Removing acrylic paint

Scrape away dry paint

Begin by removing any tangible dry paint by scraping the spot using a citrus cleaner or putty knife.

Apply acetone or isopropyl alcohol

You should then bloat the affected area with a clean cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol/ acetone. Soak the area and leave it untouched for about twenty minutes to loosen the stain.

Acetone does a great job of breaking down the paint, making it easier to remove from your carpet. You must add enough acetone to wet the area. It is still okay to use a nail polish remover that contains acetone.

Safety precautions

Take note that the area you are working in should be well ventilated because lengthy exposure may be harmful to your health. If possible, wear a mask when cleaning the stain from the carpet.

Consider commercial cleaners

While acetone does a great job if you want to clean and clear paint, a commercial carpet cleaner will give you even better results. What’s more, it makes it easy to vacuum your carpet.

Removing oil based paint

Act quickly and blot the paint

Oil-based paints are easy to clean when fresh, which is why you need to clean quickly. Begin by dabbing a paper towel with a stain remover of your choice. You should be careful not to smear or rub into the carpet because it can get deeper into the carpet fibres.

Ensure that you blot as much paint as you can until a certain point where the cloth isn’t removing the paint anymore.

Apply turpentine

Soak the cloth you are using to bloat in turpentine to help separate oil-based paint from the carpet fibres. This way, you will remove paint without the need to scrub. This will also help you to remove more paint, if not all of it.

Clean with detergent solution

For an overall clean house, it would help if you then cleaned the stained section of your carpet using cold water and dishwashing detergent. Take note that while blotting the paint with turpentine will remove the actual paint, you may want to clean the carpet off any discolouration.

A mixture of half a litre of cold water and 15 ml of dishwashing detergent can help. You need to dip the white cloth into the solution and sponge the area until the section of the carpet is clean.

Rinse the area

Using a towel, wash off any leftover solutions.