How to Remove Paint Stains from Carpet

Interior painting can be a messy business. There’s nothing more frustrating than admiring a fresh paint job only to spot a paint stain on the carpet. The good news is there are a few tricks you can use to remove paint stains from carpet, regardless of whether you have used water, latex or oil-based paint.

In this article, we will talk you through how to clean paint stains step-by-step.

Do keep in mind that wet paint is easier to remove than dry paint, so the faster you can read our instructions, the better.

Removing Water-Based Paint Stains from Carpet

Water-based paint is probably the easiest to remove. Here are the steps to follow:

1. If the paint is wet, blot the stain with a wet paper towel. Do not scrub or rub – this will spread the stain, rather than remove it. Instead, bounce the paper towel over the spot. If your paper towel absorbs too much paint, get a fresh one.
2. If the paint is dry, mix hot water with a small amount of dish washing detergent. Pour this solution over the paint, and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes. This will soften the paint.
3. Once softened, use a pin or knife (depending on the size of the stain) to scrape the paint off the carpet. You may need to add more of the water and detergent solution.
4. If the paint become too soft to scrape, try out the paper towel method mentioned in step 1.
5. When all of the paint has been removed, allow to dry.

Removing Latex-Based Paint Stains from Carpet

Latex-based paint is commonly used when painting interiors. Here’s how to remove it from carpet:

1. If wet or partially wet, blot the paint stain with a wet paper towel. Avoid scrubbing. Not only with this spread the paint stain, it will also force the paint deeper into the carpet.
2. Mix warm water with a small amount of dish washing detergent (about 1 cup of water to 1 teaspoon of detergent). Pour this solution over the paint, and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes. This will soften the paint.
3. Blot the stain by working from the outside to the inside.
4. When the area is completely free of paint, allow to dry completely before vacuuming.

Removing Oil-Based Paint Stains from Carpet

Oil-based paints aren’t as common as latex-based paint, and can be quite difficult to remove from carpet. There are two different methods you may like to try.

Method 1: Removing Oil-Based Paint with a Steamer

1. Use a handheld steamer to soften the stain by applying steam directly to the dry paint.
2. Use a pin or needle to pick at the stain between steaming. This will loosen the stain.
3. Continue applying steam and picking the stain until the entire stain is removed.
4. Allow to dry, and finish by vacuuming.

Method 2: Removing Oil-Based Paint with a Solvent

1. First, you will need a paint solvent. You may like to use the solvent recommended by the paint manufacturer. Or, you could use turpentine, which is an all-purpose paint solvent that works with many different paint products.
2. Dampen a clean cloth with your chosen paint solvent.
3. Gently blot the stain. You will notice the paint begin to transfer onto the cloth.
4. Continue blotting until the stain is completely removed. You may need to change cloths in the process.
5. Use carpet shampoo to remove any leftover solvent.

Don’t Want to DIY?

Interior painting can be messy and time-consuming, which is why so many homeowners opt for professional painters. We meticulously cover your flooring and furniture to avoid paint stains. If you’d like an accurate quote, feel free to give us a call on 07 3829 5735 or fill out the form on this page and we’ll get right back to you.