How To Get Paint Out Of A Rug

Did paint spill all over your carpet? It's a good day to stress out! We've got simple solutions to restore it back!

Let's Begin!

Things to Keep In Mind When Removing Paint from Carpet

Before we share the methods for cleaning paint out of carpet, let's have a look at some of the things that can make a difference in your carpet cleaning process.

1. Act quickly
The quicker it's done the better!
*Use a clean cloth/Paper towel and don't rub it too hard.

2. Identify the type of paint

Identify the type of paint to follow the most effective method for cleaning it.

Different paints require different types of cleaning agents. Some are easy to clean and some might require paint thinners.

Types of paint:

Acrylic paints
Latex paints
Oil-based paints
Water-based paints

Well, this guide has the cleaning methods for all the above types of paints.

3. Test spot the paint removal solutions

To prevent discoloration read carpet care guides to avoid using strong cleaning agents or simply test it out on the other side of the carpet that's hidden.

4. Wear the necessary protective gear

Cleaning products often release harmful fumes which can cause irritation in your eyes and skin burns.

Wear:
Safety glasses, Gloves & a Facemask.

5. Call professional carpet cleaners when stains get tougher

Some paint stains can give you a hard time, for instance, knocking over an entire can of oil-based paint on the floor covering material. Cleaning dried-up stains or paint spread over a large area requires the use of professional equipment and methods.

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Get Paint Out Of Carpet

We will discuss the tips for cleaning both fresh and dried paint stains. Whether you are dealing with acrylic, latex, water-based or oil-based paints, we have you covered.

How to Get Acrylic Paint Out Of Carpet

scrub brush

What you will need:

Cleaning cloth, rag, or paper towels
Toothbrush or scrub brush
Needle nose pliers
Utility knife
Laundry detergent
Acetone/ nail polish remover containing acetone/ isopropyl alcohol/ or citrus-based dissolving agent
Commercial carpet cleaner
Wet vacuum cleaner
Gloves and a face mask

Procedure:

Step 1: Blot the stained area or scrape off the dried paint
Use a wet, clean cloth or paper towel to blot as much fresh paint as possible. In case you are dealing with dried stains, brush the spot using a scrub brush or toothbrush. Next, take needle nose pliers and break up the large dried up paint, and then gently scrape it away with a utility knife.
Step 2: Blot with a laundry detergent
First off, you need to wet the stained spot with a damp rag by dabbing. Acrylic is water-soluble. To loosen up the paint further, add about 15ml of laundry detergent to your cleaning rag and pat the area. Then, blot as many times as needed.
Step 3: Use an acrylic dissolving agent
If the acrylic paint has dried up, you might need more than water and detergent to break it down. You can use acetone, nail polish remover containing acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or citrus-based dissolving agent.

1. 1. Dampen your rag with any of the above acrylic dissolving solutions
  2. Dab the stained spot to break down the stubborn paint stains-
  3. Blot the spot once more with a laundry detergent
  4. Repeat until the stain is gone
  5. Leave the carpet to air dry before vacuuming

Step 4: Apply a carpet cleaner
If you're not satisfied with the results, try commercial carpet cleaners. They will lift off any traces of paint left in your carpet fibres. Specially designed cleaners are more powerful than acetone and the other dissolving agents we mentioned above.

1. 1. Gently scrub the carpet fibres with a toothbrush
  2. Spray the carpet cleaner on the affected area
  3. Let it sit for approximately 5 minutes
  4. Dry up the spot using a wet vacuum cleaner

! Safety Precautions For Cleaning Paint Stains With Acetone !

Acetone fumes pose a significant health risk when inhaled for a prolonged period. Therefore, ensure you're wearing a mask and the room where you are should be well ventilated. Also, be sure not to overwet your carpet with acetone because you risk disintegrating the latex bond.

How to Get wet Latex Paint Out Of Carpet

bottle of Vinegar

What you will need:

Absorbent washcloths or paper towels
Mild dish soap
Hot water
Putty knife
Vinegar
Steam iron
Spray bottle
Needle nose pliers
Vacuum cleaner

Procedure:

Step 1: Remove excess paint with a putty knife
Scoop up as much paint as you can, but be careful not to spread it. Start from the outside of the stain towards the centre. Target the fresh paint sitting on the top layer of your carpet.
Step 2: Dap at the paint
Next, grab an absorbent washcloth and gently dab at the remaining paint. The low tenacious nature of this type of paint means a towel can absorb much of the spill. Make sure you dab the spot with clean sections of the cloth or rag. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the paint out, as this can push the wet latex paint into the fibres.
Step 3: Soak the stained area using a cleaning solution
Pour a mixture of mild dish soap (1 teaspoon) and lukewarm water (240 ml) in a spray bottle. Apply the cleaning solution directly to the stained area and leave it for about 5 minutes. Don't saturate the spot.
Step 4: Blot the dented part again
This time, though, you will blot with the cleaning solution prepared above. Dip your cleaning cloth or towel into the solution and blot the affected area. Repeat with clean towel sections until no paint gets transferred to the towel. For stubborn stains, try blotting with vinegar. After getting the latex paint out of carpet, use a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up any moisture remaining in your carpet. Leave it to air dry.
Step 5: Vacuum your carpetOnce the treated area is dry, vacuum it thoroughly to lift those downtrodden carpet fibres.

How To Get dried Latex Paint Out Of Carpet

What you will need:

Same supplies as per wet latex paint

Procedure:

Step 1: Scrape off the paint
Using a putty knife, scrape away any loose paint. Large chunks of paint stain will require needle nose pliers.
Step 2: Saturate the stain with hot soapy water
Latex paint is water-soluble. However, for better results, you should apply a mixture of hot water (240 ml) and mild dish soap (4ml). Apply enough soapy water to saturate the spot. The solution should loosen up dried out paint within 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can saturate the paint stain using more powerful solvents, preferably vinegar, WD-40, or acetone.
Step 3: Scrape at the paint stain
Try to get out as much loose paint as possible with a putty knife. In case you are dealing with a large amount of paint, add some solvent while brushing the zone with a stiff-bristled brush. This helps loosen the latex paint, making it easier to blot with a towel.
Step 4: Steam iron any stubborn stains
Holding a steam iron over the stain can do the trick. It will loosen the stubborn paint stains, and you can remove everything with a putty knife. Next, blot the area dry using clean towels. Vacuum it thoroughly to pick up any remaining loose paint particles.

How to Get Oil Based Paint Out Of Carpet

What you will need:

Putty knife
Clean cloth or paper towels
Mild dishwashing detergent
Gloves and face mask
Turpentine
Steam cleaner
Needle-nose plier or pins
Vacuum cleaner

Procedure:

Step 1: Scrape off the wet paint or apply a steam cleaner to dried paints
Before you start blotting the fresh paint, try to collect some of it with a putty knife. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the stain. When it comes to dried oil-based paint stains, you should treat the spot using a carpet steamer. Steaming will soften the paint. If there are huge chunks of dried paint, use needle-nose pliers or pins to break them up.
Step 2: Dab the stain
Moisten a towel with a paint thinner recommended for the paint, and then dab the dented area. The most commonly used solvents include white spirit, acetone, and turpentine.
Step 3: Blot up the area
Once you have applied a paint thinner, blot with a clean cloth. Repeat it a couple of times with clean cloth sections until you get rid of the stain.
Step 4: Rinse your carpet
First off, you need to combine about 15ml of mild dishwashing detergent with 473ml of cold water. Don't apply this cleaning solution directly to the paint zone. Instead, dampen a towel with it and sponge the area.
Step 5: Dry the area
Use clean towels to soak up moisture from the carpet. Once dry, run a vacuum cleaner over the carpet to pick up any remaining loose paint debris and straighten the fibres.

! Safety Precautions For Cleaning Paint Stains With Turpentine !

If you are going to use turpentine for paint removal from carpet, make sure you wear gloves and a face mask. Also, your spaces should be well-ventilated.
Turpentine can produce fumes that are highly toxic if inhaled. If this paint thinner comes into contact with the skin, it can also cause skin irritation.

Do not store turpentine together with sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, or any other oxidants.

How to Get Water Based Paint Out Of Carpet

What you will need:

White cloth or rag
Hot water
Dull knife
Dishwashing detergent
Wet vacuum cleaner
Carpet steamer

Procedure:

Step 1: Blot up the paint (skip if the paint is already dry) Blotting with a dry towel can absorb a great amount of water-based paint from a carpet. As always, resist the urge to scrub or rub the stain. Otherwise, you will force the wet paint into the fibres.
Step 2: Mist the dried up stain with hot soapy water ix 15ml of dishwashing detergent with hot water (237 ml). Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it directly to the affected spot. Let the solution sit for about 5 minutes to loosen the paint.
Step 3: Scrape off the loose stain
Use a dull knife to scrape off the softened paint. Place the knife under the dented spot and gently lift out loose materials. Add more soap water as needed while removing the paint.
Step 4: Apply a carpet steamer
Breaking some stubborn stains may require a little bit of steam. Make sure you steam your carpet while scraping the stain.
Step 5: Blot the area with the cleaning solution in step 2
Dip a clean cloth in the solution and blot the stain. Repeat as many times as necessary until there's no paint collected on the towel.
Step 6: Vacuum thoroughly
Once the stain is gone, vacuum your cover flooring material thoroughly using a wet vacuum cleaner.

Call in Professional Carpet Cleaners When Nothing is Working Out

Dealing with stubborn or persistent paint stains can be such a pain in the neck. If the above techniques and tips on how to get paint out of carpet do not provide the results you need, it's best to turn to professional carpet cleaners like Carpet Cleaning London Pro.

Here at Carpet Cleaning London Pro, we use advanced cleaning tools, methods, and strategies that can bring even severely stained carpets back to life. We can effectively address a wide range of carpet issues, other than cleaning paint stains. Call 07915 486 314 today or fill in our online form to request a free quote.