As new homeowners, you might purchase rugs and expect them to stay brand new even after a couple of years. Sadly, the disappointment commences soon enough when the reality is far from your expectation.
A bit time passes, several incidents involving kids, and even that time you decided to renovate the house and repaint the walls, resulted in the one thing you dread the most. Paint stains on your carpet.
It is a good thing to know that there are various ways through which you can remove the paint easily from your carpet. You can use chemicals like Oxy Clean or WD40 and remove the paint yourself at home with little to no cost at all.
To make life a lot easier, try to work on removing the paint when it is still wet. Regardless, there are several methods mentioned below that can help vanquish dried paint as well as other kinds of paint from your carpet.
Method 1: Using WD40 to remove paint stains
WD40 is a lubricant that is very well known for its oil penetration and water displacement abilities. Apart from being able to remove paint stains exceptionally well, it can prevent rusts and can silence squeaks amongst many more.
What you need:
- WD-40
- A knife or a razor blade
- Gloves
- Clean white cloths
- Dishwashing liquid soap
- A hard bristled brush
Instructions:
Step 1: Clean as much of the paint as possible.
Take a sharp object, such as a knife or a razor blade, and scrape off as much of the dried paint from the paint as possible. Do this until you can get the maximum of the dried paint off without damaging the carpet.
Step 2: Apply WD-40
Proceed by applying a layer of WD-40 over the area where the paint has stained the carpet. This will allow dried paint to soften. Work the substance using a clean rag then let it sit like this for about 20-30 minutes.
Make sure you are wearing gloves when you work with such chemicals to protect yourself.
Step 3: Scrub the stained area.
After you have let it rest, take a new cloth to scrub hard at the affected area, on top of the applied WD40.
Step 4: Clean up space and allow for it to dry.
Using WD40 and letting it sit for a while should soften the paint and allow it to be removed easily when you scrub it. Take a bit of the dishwashing soap and clean the chemical and the paint off of the carpet. Allow for it to dry.
Note: If you are unable to get your hands on the WD40, a great alternative can be to use nail polish remover or paint thinner if you have one at hand. Regardless of whichever you use, the initial step with the razor must be done.
If you decide to use paint thinner, instead of scrubbing the area as mentioned above, blot at the stain to absorb it with a rag. Once the paint finally starts you come off, start alternating between absorbing the stain and scrubbing it and repeat the process stated above.
Method 2: Remove dried latex paint
Use this method to effectively remove latex paint your carpet.
What you need:
- Hot water
- Clean Rag
Instructions:
Step 1: Saturate the paint using hot water.
Latex paint is normally very easy to remove, even after days. Hence, all you have to do is dissolve the paint by applying hot water to soften it up.
Step 2: Let it be.
Soak up a clean cloth with hot water and lay it over the paint stain. Leave it in this way for several minutes.
Step 3: Blot the area.
The paint should have softened and dissolved a considerate amount, so use the cloth to blot the moisture. Keep pouring in hot water a little at a time while doing so until all of the paint has lifted from the carpet.
Note: Latex can be very drying on your skin. Hence, when working with it, make sure you keep your hands moisturized for smooth skin.
Method 3: Removing water-based paint
Use this method to remove water-based paint off of carpets.
What you need:
- Clean cloth
- Hot water
- Detergent
Instructions:
Step 1: Blot as much as possible.Take the clean cloth and run it through the water. Use the damp rag to blot as much of the paint as possible. Make sure not to scrub as it might spread the stain.
Step 2: Scrape if necessary.
If you find that the paint is oil-based, it is crucial that you scrape off what you can with a sharp object.
Step 3: Clean up the stain.
To finish it off, use hot water to clean the stain. You can also use a bit of detergent if you deem it necessary.
Method 4: Remove dried paint from carpet with Goo Gone
What you need:
- Goo Gone (also known as Good Off in the UK)
- Sharp-edged object (knife, razor blade, putty knife)
- Soap
- Hot water
- White rags
Instructions:
Step 1: Spray the Goo Gone.
Spray the Goo Gone over the affected area and let it sit for a while.
Step 2: Scrape the dried paint.By using a sharped edge object, such as a knife, try to scrape off as much of the hardened dried paint as possible.
Step 3: Clean the stained carpet fibers. Mix some Dawn Original or any detergent you can get a hold of, with hot water and spray it evenly over the painted area. Be careful not to oversoak it.
Step 4: Try and absorb the mixture.
Use rags to dab on the area and absorb as much of the cleaning mixture you can.
Step 5: Repeat if necessary until all the paint is gone.
Method 4: Removing acrylic paint from carpet with Acetone
What you need:
- Acetone
- Laundry Detergent
- Wet Rag
- Carpet Cleaner
- Toothbrush
- A Wet Vacuum
Instructions:
Step 1: Use laundry detergent and blot paint.Wet the paint spot first with your wet rag. Then add about 15ml of your laundry detergent to the rag and blot at the spot gently. Make sure not to scrub. This step will help loosen up the paint from the carpet, allowing it an easy removal as you move on to the following steps.
Step 2: Add acetone as you dab the spill.
Take enough of acetone to wet your rag and continue dabbing at the spill. Acetone helps to remove paint a lot easier than detergent.
Note: Do remember to wear a mask when using acetone and have the surrounding space well-ventilated as being exposed to the fumes can prove to be very harmful to your health.
Step 3: Use a carpet cleaner.
When choosing a carpet cleaner, make sure to double check the label and be aware of the safety precautions and instructions.
Apply the cleaner directly to the spot in the carpet and let it sit for five or six minutes. Then proceed by using a toothbrush to scrub at the area and to clean it properly.
Step 4: Vacuum to clean.
The carpet cleaner will help absorb almost all the paint, so all you need to do now is to vacuum it clean.
Note: Do not use a dry vacuum as it may get damaged. The wet vacuum has waterproof collector and insulated electric parts.
Step 5: Repeat steps until absolutely clean.Repeat steps 2 to 4 until no more paint stain resides on the carpet.
