How To Get Paint Out Of Carpet

Disastrous things happen. Sometimes carpets are ruined by paint spills or other, less dramatic mishaps. While the carpet can’t be replaced as quickly as other furnishings, it is still possible to have a restored space sooner rather than later.

Removing paint from carpets is difficult, but there are ways of making it easier and less time-consuming. In this article, we explain how to get paint out of carpets with tips and tricks from professionals in the cleaning business.

Whether you need to remove older paint stains on a white carpet or stop paint splatters from sticking to a new rug before they dry and become permanent, these cleaning hacks and techniques will help you out.

Identify What Type of Paint You’re Removing

Depending on the type of paint, you may be able to clean it using a paintbrush or even a vacuum. However, some paints are more stubborn than others, so before you start, be sure you know what kind you’re dealing with.

• Latex-based paints are water-based paints that can be cleaned with water and a mild detergent or solvent.
• Oil-based paints are thicker than water-based paints. You’ll need a solvent, such as mineral spirits, to remove them altogether.
• Acrylic paints are water-based paints, but they can be more challenging to remove because they can be more difficult to dissolve.

Find Out How To Safeguard Your Carpet and Yourself From Damage

Make sure to wear gloves when cleaning up even simple paint spills. It can be tricky to get paint out of fabric; even if it looks clean at first, it may bleed through later. You don’t want to cause any long-term damage to your carpet.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re using the correct type of cleaning product, so be sure to do some research before you start scrubbing. Using the wrong type of solvent can make the paint worse by mixing it with the cleaning product and making it more difficult to clean.

How to Clean Excess Fresh Paint from Spills

While you should always be prepared for paint spills, there are ways to be more proactive about minimizing the mess if you know you’re painting soon.

• Cover the floor with sheets or drop cloths. Drop clothes are thin enough that they’ll quickly be picked up and thrown away.
• If you are using a roller to paint a wall, be sure to use a paint tray. It will catch the paint as you roll and make clean-up easier at the end.
• If you use a paintbrush, dip it in water every so often to keep the paint from building up on the bristles.

How to Eliminate Extra Dried Paint

If you find that you’re dealing with dried paint, you may be able to remove it with a simple razor blade. Be sure to wear gloves, and take precautions so you won’t accidentally cut yourself.

You can also try scraping the paint off with a putty knife, a paint scraper, or a putty/scraper comb. Be careful, though, as scraping can damage the carpet if you scrape too hard. It’s also important to note that scraping paint might not remove all of it. If the paint was able to seep down through the carpet, the damage might be permanent. 

Ways for Removing Latex-Based (Water-Based) Paint from Carpet

Latex-based paints are water-based paints that can be cleaned with water, so you can clean them with a few mops, buckets, and towels. You may need to do a couple of rounds of mopping, but it will be worth it when you don’t have to replace your carpet or repaint the walls.

• Use lukewarm water with a bit of mild detergent. Avoid using hot water because it can set the paint.
• You may also want to consider buying a paint remover product to make cleaning the carpet more accessible and efficient.
• After you’re done mopping, wring out the towels and mop. They will also collect paint as you clean up the spill.

How to Remove Oil-Based Paint from Carpet

Because oil-based paints are thicker and more difficult to remove, you will likely need to use a solvent to get the paint out of your carpet. If you can get to the spill quickly, you can try blotting the paint with paper towels or cloths, but this will likely only work for small spots.

You can also try pouring mineral spirits onto the paint. Mineral spirits are a type of paint thinner that will help break the paint down so you can remove it with a mop. Be sure to protect your hands and eyes while you’re pouring the mineral spirits.

You want to make sure you don’t get it on yourself, and you don’t want to accidentally splash it in your eyes.

How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Carpet

Acrylic paints are water-based, but they can be more challenging to remove because they can be more difficult to dissolve. You can try mopping the paint as you would with other paints, but you may find that that doesn’t work either.

You may need to use a paint thinner or specific solvent to help dissolve the paint. You can either pour it directly onto the paint or put the paint-stained portion of the carpet into a bucket with the solvent.

Be sure to protect your hands and eyes while you’re pouring the solvent. You don’t want to accidentally splash any of it into your eyes or your hands.

Other Tips for Getting Paint Out of Carpets

If you’re in a hurry, try putting ice cubes on the paint. This is a great way to cool the paint down and make removing it more manageable. Be careful, though, because paint can stain your carpets. Use a commercial stain remover if you can’t get the paint out in a few days.

When you paint, putting painter’s tape around the edges of the room you are painting is always a good idea. This will prevent the paint from getting on your carpet and making a big mess. If you paint over your carpet, don’t worry. You can use a stripping agent to remove all of the paint from the fibers of your carpet.

Final Thoughts

Carpet can be a beautiful addition to any room, but it cannot be kept in good condition. For this reason, you may consider purchasing a carpet cleaning machine. They are another option for keeping your carpets clean.

If you want to keep your carpets clean, you have to clean them regularly. You should vacuum your carpet at least once a week, but you should also try to clean it one or two times per month.