Nobody likes the sight of a stained rug, so if you're wondering how to get rid of paint on a carpet, the good news is that it doesn't usually take long. But this will depend on how long the stain has been there and how soon after you notice it you treat it. Knowing how to remove stains from old carpets can be complicated, and prevention is always key, so the best thing to avoid the headache that spills out is to cover the rugs with a sturdy material when you're decorating them. But for those times when that's easier said than done, we've outlined several methods for removing paint that will work wonders on your carpet.
To start, add some mild dish soap to the damp area and start scrubbing the area with a stiff bristle brush until the water and dish soap mix and form a light lather. Keep rubbing until the paint stain starts to dissolve. For persistent stains, go over the area with a vertical or hand-held carpet cleaner. Whichever method you choose, remember to thoroughly rinse all traces of cleaning products.
If you need more help removing other stains, read our guide on how to clean carpet stains. It's a fact that sometimes you won't notice a paint stain on the carpet until it has already dried. But don't worry, this simple method will teach you how to remove dried paint from carpet fibers in an instant. Steam cleaning can be an effective method for changing dry paint stains, but it usually requires the use of a solvent or the services of a professional carpet cleaner. Dried paint can be removed from various surfaces, such as glass, tile, wood, and plastic, using many different methods.
Some of the techniques will require the use of a solvent and others will only require water or olive oil. If you're wondering how to remove paint from clothes, our handy guide is full of useful tips. As each surface reacts differently to solvents and to different cleaning methods, the best advice is to do your research before deciding on the right process to remove dried paint. If there is still some paint left, repeat steps 1 through 5 until you've completely removed the paint from the carpet. Follow the instructions for removing wet or dry latex paint when you discover oil-based paint stains on the carpet.
Using a hard brush, rub the cleaning solution on the dry paint area until the stain disappears. WD-40 is a lubricant that can penetrate oil and can be effective in removing dry paint from the carpet.
Removing Water-Based Paint
Water-based paint, like emulsion, dissolves in water, so it reacts well to this relatively simple process of cleaning stains from water-based paint. Always test the solvent in a hidden place to see if there is any color change in the carpet before trying to remove the paint stain. Absorb as much paint as you can and dry the area - don't scrub it as this will only make things worse if you push the paint deeper into the carpet. Of course, the degree of dryness of paint stains will affect the carpet's reaction to these home remedies.Sometimes, these steps may not be enough to remove all dried paint so it may be time to call a professional carpet cleaner. If you notice a color transfer or if the paint stain is large, it is best to consult a professional carpet cleaning service.
Removing Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint, although water-based, may require a little more effort when removing it from carpets - especially if it is dry. To get rid of acrylic paint from carpets, start by blotting up as much of it as possible with paper towels or an old rag. Then mix one part white vinegar with one part warm water and apply it directly onto the stain with a sponge or cloth.Let it sit for about 10 minutes before blotting up any excess liquid with paper towels or an old rag. You may need to repeat this process several times before all traces of acrylic paint are gone from your carpet.
