How to Clean Paint Off Carpet (And Never Need to Again)

When you’re painting inside, the last thing you want is to spill paint on the carpet.

But if you do, and your floor protection is inadequate (more on that later), then you’ll want to know how to get the paint off the carpet.

Depending on the paint here are some options to try.

But first a couple of provisos:

  • It’s best to do a spot test first on a portion of carpet that’s not highly visible
  • If these methods don’t work, don’t blame us - better call your insurance company!

How to remove water based paint stains from carpet (wet paint)

  1. If the paint is still wet, blot the spot with a wet paper towel or cloth  - don’t scrub, just blot.
  2. When you have blotted up the paint, wet the paint stain with water and then keep blotting it with a clean rag.  Keep repeating, adding water and blotting until your rag is no longer picking up any paint color when you blot.

How to remove water based paint stains from carpet (dry paint)

  1. If the paint is dry, use hot water and a little bit of dish detergent. Let the solution sit for a few minutes to soften the paint.
  2. Once the paint is softened, use a knife to scrape the paint stain. Continue to add more soapy solution as you scrape.
  3. If the paint is still not softening, consider using a handheld steamer while you scrape.

How to remove oil based paint stains from carpet (wet paint)

  1. If the paint is still wet, blot the spot with a paper towel or cloth moistened with the recommended thinning agent for the paint. Do not rub!

How to remove oil based paint stains from carpet (dry paint)

  1. If the paint stain is dry, you’ll want to use a steamer to soften the stain.
  2. Apply steam directly to the stain.
  3. Simultaneously pick at the paint stain with a needle or a pin to try and break it up.
  4. Continue until stain is removed.

Never want to go through that again? Use floor protection next time!

Protect your floors from spills

Ovaboard temporary floor protection is specially designed to protect floors from liquid spills. It provides a non-slip and durable working surface (so there are no tripping hazards and less chance of spilling paint).

Get some from your local merchant before your next painting job and save yourself some stress and wasted time!

This pearl of wisdom brought to you by Ovaboard. Ovaboard temporary floor protection protects floors while you work. Learn more about us.

We do our best to provide accurate and insightful content but we’re not perfect! We don’t claim total accuracy or completeness and don’t accept any liability.

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