Have you ever accidentally spilled paint on your clothes and thought that your favorite outfit was ruined forever? Or maybe your child came home from school with colorful splotches on their shirt from a messy art project. Don’t worry, it’s a common problem and can be fixed with the right techniques. Getting paint out of clothes can seem like a daunting task, especially if the stain has dried, but with a few household items and a little elbow grease, you can successfully remove the paint and save your clothes.
We’ll go over some of the most effective methods for removing paint from clothing, including both oil-based and water-based paints. So, whether you’re dealing with a small splatter or a big spill, keep reading to learn how to get paint out of clothes and rescue your favorite garments.
What Type of Paint?
It is essential to identify the type of paint stain before attempting to remove it from clothes. This is because paints can be broadly categorized into two types: water-based and oil-based.
Water-based paints are typically used in arts and crafts projects, as well as for painting walls and other household surfaces. They are often easier to remove from clothing than oil-based paints, as they can be dissolved in water. On the other hand, oil-based paints are commonly used for outdoor projects, such as painting furniture or houses, and they are much more difficult to remove. However, with the right approach and some patience, it is possible to remove oil-based paint stains from clothing as well.
It’s also worth noting that the type of fabric can play a role in how difficult it is to remove the paint stain. For example, synthetic fabrics like polyester may be more resistant to paint stains than natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Additionally, certain colors may be more difficult to remove than others, with darker colors often being more stubborn than lighter colors.
How to Get Paint Out of Clothes: 10 Easy Solutions
Dish Detergent
When dealing with water-based paint stains, like those from latex or acrylic paints, dish detergent can be a powerful stain remover. If you’re working with a latex paint stain from a large project, like painting walls or ceilings, dish detergent is an excellent go-to option.
- To begin, rinse the stained fabric with warm water, then dab the stain with a rag soaked in water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid.
- Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse with warm water.
- Repeat this process as needed and then wash the garment in cold water.
This method is also effective for removing acrylic paint stains, which is a glossy paint often used by crafters on surfaces like wood and canvas. However, it’s important to note that before using this technique, you should make sure your clothing is color-safe. If your clothing is not color-safe, treating it with dish soap could cause the colors to run, resulting in further damage to your clothes.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a reliable solution for removing latex paint stains and is a great option to try if dishwashing liquid doesn’t work.
- Begin by wetting the stain with warm water until the area is damp.
- Then, using a cotton ball or an old toothbrush, apply rubbing alcohol to the stain and scrub gently.
- Rinse with warm water and repeat the process as needed. This same technique is also effective for removing acrylic paint stains.
Once you’ve treated the stain, wash the garment to remove any residual paint and alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is an excellent option for removing paint stains because it’s a powerful solvent that can dissolve the paint’s pigment, making it easier to remove.
Hairspray
In addition to dish detergent and rubbing alcohol, hairspray can also be a helpful tool for removing paint stains from clothes, especially for smaller stains. Many aerosol hairsprays contain alcohol, which can help to loosen and dissolve lingering latex paint.
- To use hairspray as a stain remover, begin by spraying the affected area until it’s fully covered.
- Next, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the stain. This should help to loosen the paint, making it easier to remove.
- After scrubbing, you can try running warm water over the stain and/or using a regular laundry stain remover before washing the garment in the washing machine.
Not all hairsprays contain alcohol, so be sure to check the label before using this method. Additionally, this method may not be as effective for larger or more stubborn paint stains. In those cases, using dish detergent or rubbing alcohol may be a better option.
Nail Polish Remover
Another option for removing paint stains from clothes is using acetone nail polish remover. This method is similar to using rubbing alcohol, and it is most effective on latex paints.
- Soak a rag in the nail polish remover and then blot the stain to help loosen up the paint.
- Once you have treated the stain, be sure to wash the garment to remove any remaining traces of the paint and the nail polish remover.
However, it’s important to note that this method may not be suitable for all fabrics. Acetone nail polish remover can damage certain fibers such as acetate or triacetate, so be sure to check the fabric care label before using this method. If you are unsure or if the fabric is delicate, it’s best to avoid using acetone nail polish remover and opt for another method instead.
Laundry Detergent
If you’re looking for a simple solution to remove paint stains from your clothes, laundry detergent can be a great option. This method works especially well for removing acrylic paint stains.
- Simply soak a rag in liquid laundry detergent and rub it on the stain. If you’re concerned about using undiluted detergent or working with a delicate fabric, you can mix the detergent with some water before applying it to the stain.
- Once you’ve applied the detergent to the stain, be sure to blot and rub it as needed to help lift the paint.
- After treating the stain, make sure to thoroughly rinse the garment to remove any remaining detergent and paint.
More Expert Tips
- Avoid rubbing the stain, but rather gently pat it to prevent it from spreading to other areas of the fabric.
- Do not wash the stained clothing together with other clothes to prevent the paint from transferring to clean clothes.
- The most effective way to avoid dealing with paint stains is by wearing protective clothing or using old clothes that you won’t mind getting stained.
- Always read the care label on the garment before attempting any stain removal methods.
- Different fabrics may require different treatments and using the wrong method could cause further damage to the garment. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to test any stain removal method on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
