How to Remove Latex Paint from Carpet
Saving your carpet from unsightly paint spills doesn’t have to mean replacing your carpet -- it just requires a bit of time and effort.
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No matter what you spilled on your clothes or furnishings, we can tell you how to get it out.
You Will Need
- Vacuum
- Liquid dish soap
- Warm water
- Bowl
- Clean dry cloths
- Sponge
- Pliers
- Scissors
- Commercial water-soluble paint remover
- Butter knife
- Glycerin
- Toothbrush
- White vinegar
- Carpet cleaning service (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Vacuum
Vacuum the carpet to remove any loose, dry paint.
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Step 2
Mix soap and water
Mix a teaspoon of liquid dish soap with a cup of warm water in a bowl.
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Step 3
Blot the stain
Blot the stain with the soap and water mixture using a clean cloth.
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Rubbing the paint stain with the cloth will only spread the paint around.
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Step 4
Sponge with water
Sponge the stain with clean water to remove any paint and soap.
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Step 5
Blot dry
Blot the area dry with a clean cloth and allow it to dry overnight.
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Step 6
Check the stain
Check the stained area to determine if you need to continue cleaning. If the stain is gone, you are done.
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Step 7
Pick at or cut out paint
Use pliers to pull any paint off of the carpet fibers. You may also cut the paint out with scissors by cutting as close to the paint as possible, just below the stain.
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Cutting out a stain could leave a bald spot in your carpet. If the stain has penetrated a large area or gone deep into the carpet, consult a professional.
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Step 8
Vacuum
Vacuum the carpet again to remove any paint that was loosened from the fibers.
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Step 9
Apply remover
Apply paint remover to the stain using a clean cloth. Be careful not to over soak the stain.
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Always do a test corner on the stain as it may discolor your carpet or fail to remove the paint.
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Step 10
Remove paint
Remove the paint with a butter knife as it softens. If the paint will not come up, slather it with glycerin and let it sit.
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Step 11
Check and clean
Check the stain. If the glycerin is working, sponge the area off with the dish soap and water solution.
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Step 12
Scrub with a toothbrush and blot
Scrub the area with a toothbrush and blot it with a clean cloth.
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Step 13
Flush with vinegar and blot
Flush the area with a mixture of one part vinegar to 10 parts water. Blot and allow the area to dry.
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