How to Remove Paint Stains From Carpet

How to Remove Water-Based Paint Stains on Carpet

1. If Dry, Re-Wet the Stain

   If the paint stain is completely dry, you'll need to re-wet it to lift up what you can.

   • Mix some hot water and laundry or dish detergent into a solution.
   • Apply the mixture to the paint stain with a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush. Let it sit for five minutes to soften the paint.

   A wet paint stain that is still a glob of paint does not need to any added moisture.
   

2. Lift Excess Paint

   Once the stain has been sufficiently softened (of if it began wet), you can lift any excess paint away from the carpet fibers with a dull knife, the edge of a credit card, or a spoon.

3. Blot With a Clean Cloth

   Then use a clean wet paper towel or white cloth to blot—not rub—away the remaining paint. Keep moving to a clean area of the towel and don't stop until the paint is gone.
   

4. Re-Wet the Stain If Necessary

   
   If you're working on a dried paint stain, continue to re-wet it to lift the stain. Blot the stain until the paint stops lifting, then apply more of the hot water and dish detergent solution and blot more.
   

   Tip

   If the dried paint is still not softening, consider using a handheld clothes steamer to add a boost of heat. Do not use an iron because it can be too hot and actually melt the synthetic fibers. Just be patient and keep working.

5. Air-Dry and Vacuum

   Allow to dry thoroughly away from direct heat and then vacuum to lift any matted carpet fibers.

How to Remove Oil-Based Paint Stains on Carpet

1. Remove Excess Paint

   Blot the wet paint with a clean white cloth or paper towel to absorb as much excess paint as possible. Use a light touch and try not to push the paint deeper into the carpet. As you blot, use a handheld clothes steamer to keep the paint damp and soft. Separate the carpet fibers with a heavy needle or straightened paper clip as you keep blotting, blotting, and blotting.

2. Treat the Stain

   Dip a clean white cloth in acetone, paint thinner, or turpentine to blot away the remaining paint. Work slowly and be patient. Only dab clean spots of the cloth on the stain so as to avoid spreading it, and be careful not to let the dirty parts of the cloth come into contact with anything else it could stain.

   Warning

   Be sure to test the cleaner first in a hidden spot to be sure that it doesn't remove the color from the carpet.

3. Trim Off the Stain (As Needed)

   As a last resort, let the stain dry and use tiny, sharp scissors to trim away stained fibers. Cut as little as possible, or your carpet will have a bald spot.

Additional Tips for Handling Paint Stains

• Oil-based paint is much more difficult than water-based paint to remove on any type of material. Be patient and work methodically as you try to remove an oil-based paint stain.
• Though dried paint stains may seem harder to fix, wet paint stains pose their own particular challenges. Because the paint is wet, it's very easy to accidentally transfer it to another surface and stain it by accident. Keep multiple clean cloths on hand and have a designated spot for dirty cloths to avoid creating more stains.