Removing Paint from Clothes
Methods for Removing Stains
Paint stains can be tricky to treat, especially if left to dry after the accident has already happened. Having the right technique and products for the type of paint can make all the difference in eliminating the stain. Here are some tips to help get rid of paint stains:
For Latex Paint:
- Scrape off as much paint as possible using a dull knife.
- Flush the stain with a mild detergent.
- Apply a pretreatment solution.
- Rinse and launder the item as usual.
For Oil-based Paint:
- Boil the item for ten minutes.
- Flush the stain with a mild detergent and water.
- Use paint thinner and an old rag to gently but firmly scrub away remaining paint.
- Rinse and launder the item as usual.
For Acrylic Paint:
- Scrape off as much paint as possible using a dull knife.
- Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain and allow it to soak for five minutes.
- Rinse and launder the item as usual.
Things to Remember
No matter what type of paint stain you have to deal with, always remember the following precautions when attempting to remove dry paint stains from clothes:
- Always test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to test for colorfastness.
- Do not apply too much heat as it can cause a permanent stain.
- Be sure to separate launderables according to color, fabric type and level of soiling.
- Don’t use chlorine bleach on wool, silk, mohair, leather, or spandex.