Paint spills on the carpet may happen accidentally in the process of accomplishing some home decor project or intentionally by pets or kids as part of their fun-filled activity. No matter what the reasons are, there is no need to worry or blame each other because paint can be removed easily from the carpet with the right technique. The only thing to consider when removing the paint is to identify the type of paint spilled on the carpet, as different paints need different cleaning solutions.
In this article, we discuss "how to get paint out of carpet," which includes ways to clean all types of paint.
Points to Consider Before Beginning the Cleaning Process
Before starting the cleaning process, it's advisable to consider certain points for better results.
Test the Cleaning Solution on a Small Area of the Carpet
The chemical composition of certain cleaning agents like alcohol may discolor the carpet, so it's better to test on a small spot (probably the unnoticeable spot) for compatibility, or else the entire carpet may get ruined.
Avoid Using Colored Cloth to Remove Paint
Use a light-colored or white cloth to remove the paint because colored cloth may leave its color on the carpet, adding to the existing mess.
Use a Minimal Cleaning Product
The use of minimal solution ensures that the affected area of the carpet is not much exposed to the cleaning solutions to avoid damage and moisture built-up.
Don't Apply Cleaning Products Directly on the Carpet
Direct application of a cleaning agent should be avoided because it may get tedious to clean the directly applied mixture.
Clean the Carpet in a Well-ventilated Area
Make sure all the windows are open when cleaning the carpet because the harmful chemicals of the solution may harm you.
Always Wear Gloves as a Precautionary Measure
Wearing gloves is important for protection against any exposure to chemicals.
Avoid Rubbing
Don't rub the solution on the carpet; rather, blot it because rubbing may damage the texture of the carpet.
How to Get Different Paint Out of the Carpet?
There are different types of paints, such as acrylic paint, oil-based paint, water-based, and latex paint, and each requires a different cleaning approach, which we discuss in the latter part of this article. Also, gather all the materials and tools and keep them handy before starting the work.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paints are sort of water-based paints which are easy to remove when compared to oil based paints. Let's have a look at the steps to remove the paint.
Materials Required
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Liquid dishwashing detergent
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Warm water
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Spray bottle
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Latex gloves
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Dish soap
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Clean cloth (preferably white or light-colored)
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Putty knife
Steps to Remove Paint
Remove excess paint from the top of the carpet - The first step is to scrape excess paint out of the carpet using a putty knife, Don't forget to wear latex gloves as a precautionary measure. Try removing as much paint as possible.
Spray water on the stained area - Fill warm water in a spray bottle and spray on the stained area.
Prepare the solution - Take an equal portion of warm water and liquid dish soap in a wide container to dip the cloth comfortably.
Apply the solution on the affected area - Now, dip a white-colored or light-colored cloth in the solution and blot the stain. Rubbing is not recommended because rubbing may push the paint deep into the carpet, adding to the existing problem.
Spray warm water to remove dish soap - Now, spray warm water using a spray bottle to remove the dish soap left on the carpet and blot using a paper towel or clean cloth.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 to remove the paint completely - If you notice that little paint is still left on the carpet surface, repeat the above two immediate steps.
Air-dry the cleaned area - Air-dry the cleaned area of the carpet without exposing it to direct sunlight. Also, keep kids and pets away to avoid any mess. Once the carpet gets dry, vacuum it to suck the fibers.
Oil-Based Paint
Removing oil-based paint from the carpet is a bit challenging when compared to other paints because oil-based paint is made of synthetic oil which is resistant to moisture that makes it difficult to remove it. Let's have a look at the steps to remove it.
Materials Required
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Putty knife
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Clean cloth (white or light colored) or sponge
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Latex gloves
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Paint thinner
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Liquid dishwashing detergent
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Warm water
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Spray bottle
Steps to remove paint
Remove excess paint - The first step is to scrape excess paint off the carpet using a putty knife and then blot the area with a white or light-colored cloth to remove as much paint as possible. Always wear latex gloves as a safety measure.
Wet the stain with warm water - Spray warm water to wet the stained area on the carpet and blot with a cloth.
Apply paint thinner - Take a cloth, add paint thinner to it, and blot the stained area. Make sure the thinner doesn't spread the stain. Also, if the cloth gets covered with paint, use a new cloth or rinse the cloth.
Apply dishwashing detergent - In this step, prepare one-fourth teaspoon of liquid in one cup of warm water in a big bowl to dip cloth. Then, dip the cloth and start blotting the stain.
Rinse the dish soap - The last step is to remove the leftover dish soap from the carpet. All you need to do is spray warm water in a bottle and blot the area until it is clean. If there's anything left on the carpet, repeat the process.
Air-dry the cleaned area - Once the stain is removed satisfactorily, air-dry the cleaned area of the carpet without exposing it to direct sunlight. Also, keep kids and pets away to avoid any mess. Once the carpet gets dry, vacuum it to suck the fibers.
Water-Based Paint
Materials Required
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Dish soap
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Warm water
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Paper towel or cloth
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Latex gloves
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Spray bottle
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Putty knife
Steps to Remove Paint
Remove excess pool of paint- Just like other paint removal methods, the first step is to scrape a pool of paint from the carpet using a putty knife.
Moisten the stain with warm water- The next step is to spray warm water in a bottle over the stain to moisten it. It helps remove the stain easily.
Spray dish soap on the stain- In this step, spray dish soap solution on the stain and blot with a paper towel or sponge.
Clean the dish soap- The last step is to spray warm water on the stain to remove the leftover dish soap. Repeat the process if noticeable dish soap is left.
Air-dry the cleaned area- Once the stain is completely removed and no noticeable traces of stains are left, air-dry the cleaned area of the carpet without exposing it to direct sunlight. Also, keep kids and pets away to avoid any mess. Once the carpet gets dry, vacuum it to suck the fibers.
Dried Paint
Materials Required
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A putty knife
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A spray bottle
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Warm water
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A cloth (white)
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Steamer (optional)
Steps to Remove Paint
Scrape off dried paint- First, remove the dried paint using a putty knife and then vacuum the dried paint pieces.
Soften the paint with steam- The next step is to use a hand-held steamer to soften the dried paint, making it easier to remove. If you don't have a steamer, spray warm water to dampen the dried stain.
Spray dish soap solution- In this step, spray a solution of water and dish soap on the stain and blot it using a cloth.
Blot with alcohol if paint persists- If paint remains on the carpet, the last option is to blot the stain using a cloth soaked in alcohol.
Blot the stained area with a dry cloth- The last step is to blot the alcohol-rubbed or blotted area with a dry cloth.
Conclusion
No matter how the paint spilled or what type of paint spilled on the carpet, there are ways to get rid of it. Some paint may need more time and energy and the other may be done easily. I hope the article will help you clean the spoilage in an easy and organized way.
