No matter how careful you are, there’s always a chance that paint could spill or splatter onto your carpet. And if you’re reading this, you probably already have a spill and don’t have a clue how to get it out. Worry not! With the right tools, cleaning products, and some elbow grease, the paint will come out. This guide explains how to get all types of paint stains – wet or dry – out of your carpet.
First Thing’s First: Prep the Carpet
Wet Stain
If your spill just happened and you’re dealing with wet paint, that’s a good thing (well, better anyway). Here’s what to do first:
Scoop up as much paint as possible with a putty knife or scraper tool, or soak up the excess paint with a towel, cleaning cloth, or some paper towels.
Note: Do not press down hard on the paint or scrub the area because that will push the paint further into the carpet fibers and worsen the problem.
Dry Stain
If the paint has dried, that’s ok, we got you! The first thing to do is use a dull knife to scrape off the paint, pliers to pull chunks of paint off of the carpet, and a strong needle to separate the dried paint. Anything you can do to loosen the paint will be helpful. Once you’ve gotten as much off as you can this way, vacuum the carpet to remove all the debris.
Additionally, if you have a steam floor cleaner, you can use it to moisten and soften the paint stain, making it easier to clean. Keep the steam cleaner in one spot, though! Otherwise, you risk lifting the paint and spreading it across the floor. A handheld steamer or iron with a steam feature would also work for this purpose. Simply aim the steamer at the stain or hover the iron on the steam setting above the stain to allow the steam to soften the paint.
Stain Removal Methods Based on Paint Type
Water-Based Latex Paint
- Water and Dish Soap: Mix one cup of warm water with a half-ounce of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the soapy water onto the paint stain and let it soak for several minutes. Using a cleaning brush or toothbrush (depending on the affected area), work the solution into the carpet, creating a lather, and working from the outer edges in. Add more cleaning solution as needed. As the paint begins to lift, blot the area to remove excess moisture. Continue the process until all the paint is gone. Finally, apply carpet cleaner according to the package instructions and vacuum.
- White Vinegar and Dish Soap: Mix one-quarter cup of white vinegar with a tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Saturate a cloth or paper towel with the solution and cover the stained area. Press down to let the mixture seep into the carpet fibers and penetrate the paint stain. Next, blot the wet spot with paper towels or a clean rag and then repeat these steps until the stain has completely lifted.
- Nail Polish Remover/Rubbing Alcohol: If your stain is a bit stubborn and the dish soap solution isn’t working, try using nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Use a clean white cloth (to avoid color transfer) to dab the alcohol or polish remover onto the stain. These chemicals are stronger than dish soap, so they’ll break down the paint better. Continue adding the remover and blotting the paint away till it’s gone. You can also alternate this method with the dish soap and water solution.
Oil-Based Paint and Acrylic Paint
Acetone, Turpentine, or Paint Thinner: Apply the solution of your choice to a clean cloth and dab it onto the paint stain. When the stain is saturated with the remover, gently press a dry cloth onto the stain to absorb the paint. You’ll see the paint being transferred to the dry cloth. Alternate applying the remover and blotting the stain until all the paint is removed from the carpet. When the paint stain is removed, clean your carpet with a carpet cleaner to remove the chemicals. Finally, vacuum the carpet.
*Important: When using these chemicals, be sure to open a window and wear a mask to protect yourself from the fumes. Also, wear goggles and gloves to protect your face and skin.
Emulsion Paint
Rubbing Alcohol: Soak a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently dab it onto the paint stain. Then soak some paper towels in glycerin and press them gently onto the stain. Use a clean cloth or some paper towels to blot up excess moisture. Continue this process until all the paint has been removed. Finally, use a carpet cleaner to remove the alcohol from the carpet.
Safety Tips When Cleaning Paint Off of Carpet
Protect Yourself
Anytime you use chemicals for cleaning oil-based paint stains, be sure to protect yourself. Proper ventilation is crucial, as is protecting your skin. Open windows, use a fan and/or air purifier, and take frequent breaks. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and shoes to protect your body, and goggles and a mask to protect your face.
Protect Your Carpet
Acetone, turpentine, paint thinner, and rubbing alcohol can damage your carpet. Test the cleaner on a well-hidden spot before trying to remove the paint. Let the chemical sit on the carpet for at least five minutes before proceeding to ensure it doesn’t discolor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know what type of paint spilled?
Start with the gentlest approach (soap and hot water solution) and work your way up. If the soap and water solution works, you have a water-based paint. If the paint doesn’t budge with soap and water, it’s fair to assume it’s oil-based.
Does WD-40 work to remove paint?
This is up for debate. WD-40 is a lubricant, not a remover, but some people still swear by it. You can try using it to soften up and loosen the paint and then blot it away with soap and water, but there’s no guarantee it will work. If it’s all you have on hand, give it a try, but be prepared for it to not work. If you do go this route, you’ll need to use a carpet cleaner when you’re done to get the smell out.
What about spray paint?
Spray paints are either water- or oil-based, so follow the instructions above based on the spray paint bottle’s label.
How do I remove paint from other surfaces?
Check out our other article about cleaning up spilled paint to learn how to remove paint from all different surfaces, including tile, wood, vinyl, and glass.
Avoiding Paint Spills
Now that you’ve been through the stressful experience of spilling and cleaning up paint, be sure to protect your floors thoroughly before you paint again. Or, just call the pros instead. Paint Gnome’s painters will be sure to provide an excellent paint job, while also protecting your furniture and floors.
Main Photo Credit: severija / Canva Pro / License
