If you spill paint on carpet, all is not lost.
The thing is, there is definitely awrongway to clean up that kind of mess.
Luckily, we are here to point out therightway.
Credit: Getty Images
Getting apaintstain out of your carpet is easier than you might think.
Samantha Hodges is director of Digital Marketing atRugs.com, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Many of thecleaning stepsfor water- and oil-based paint clean-up are the same.
Credit:Getty Images / Tamilisa Miner
Using a clean cloth, blot, never rub.
Rubbing a stain causes it to spread and could embed it more deeply into the fibers.
This is particularly important with water-based stains, as water in the rug’s binding can result in mildew.
What You Need
The key to cleaning anything is to be prepared.
Your fabric will resist re-soiling, become easier to clean, and stay soft.
Getty Images / Tamilisa Miner
How To Get Water-Based Paint Out Of Carpet
Step 1.
Gather Supplies
Collect what you better work on the stain.
Step 2.
Throw out dirty paper towels and then get ready to tackle the stain.
Step 3.
Repeat by pouring small amounts of water and continue to blot, blot, blot.
It may take multiple tries to see improvement or get rid of the paint stain completely.
Step 4.
Don’t overdo the dish soap or you will have a bigger mess.
Just use small amounts.
Step 5.
When choosing a rug cleaner, look for one designed with oil stains in mind.
Step 2.
Remove Excess Paint
Start by removing excess paint from the carpet with a putty knife.
Gently place the knife under the spill and scoop or scrape up the paint.
Repeat until you remove as much excess paint as possible.
Do not scrub with the knife as it may make the stain worse.
Step 3.
Blot small amounts of the soapy water with a clean cloth.
Always, always, always blot.
Rubbing may cause the paint to embed deeper into the rug’s fibers and damage your rug further.
Try not to use too much water on the carpet as it may cause the paint stain to spread.
Step 5.
Use Carpet Cleaner
If the stain is still present, treat the carpet with a commercial cleaning solution.
The best way to clean a rug is to use a purpose-made rug cleaner.
Not all paints, rugs, or spills are created equally.
Oil-based paint can be dabbed with acetone or paint thinner and blotted, then washed with soapy water.
Check color-fastness first by dabbing the carpet in a hidden area.
Test color-fastness of the carpet first by dabbing a small amount on a hidden area of the carpet.
Rubbing alcohol can help break down oil-based paint stains and make them easier to remove.
Wet the stain with water first, then dab with rubbing alcohol and blot the carpet.
Rinse and repeat as needed.
