How to Remove Dried Latex Paint From a Carpet

When latex paint spills or otherwise finds its way to carpet, it is best to clean it as soon as possible. However, sometimes latex paint has the opportunity to dry and then leaves behind a seemingly permanent stain. Fortunately, there are several proven methods that will leave carpet looking as though the paint was never there.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Razor blade or knife WD-40 Dawn dish soap Clean white cloth Nail polish remover Sponge Detergent Vinegar

Remove the Stain with WD-40

1. Scrape away as much of the stain as possible using a razor blade or knife.

2. Clean up any loose paint from scraping at the stain. A broom and dustpan may be very helpful.

3. Apply WD-40 to the stain, being sure to cover the entire area and work it in with a clean white cloth. This will help to soften the stain.

4. Allow the WD-40 to sit on the stain for 20 minutes.

5. Scrape the area again to remove any residual paint.

6. Scrub the area with a clean white cloth dipped in a mixture of 2 tbsp. of Dawn dish soap in 1 quart of warm water.

7. Rinse the area with clear water and allow to dry.

Remove the Stain with Nail Polish Remover

8. Scrape the area with a razor and remove as much dried paint as possible.

9. Apply nail polish remover to a clean white cloth and work it gently into the stain.

10. Scrape the stain again using the razor to remove the rest of the paint.

11. Scrub the area with a clean white cloth dipped in a mixture of 2 tbsp. of Dawn dish soap in 1 quart of warm water.

12. Rinse the area with clear water and allow to dry.

Remove the Stain with Vinegar

13. Mix 1 tbsp. of detergent, 1 tbsp. of vinegar and 1 quart of warm water in a bowl.

14. Dip a sponge into the mixture and wring it out, leaving enough moisture to apply on the stain.

15. Scrub the stain gently with the sponge, applying more of the mixture as needed.

16. Rinse the area with clear water and allow to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Several commercial products are also very effective in stain removal such as Goof Off, Simple Green and Oxy Clean. Read the manufacturer's instructions and follow them carefully.
• It is important to use a white cloth when removing paint, as the dyes in some cloths may come off onto the carpet, making the stain worse.