How to Get Latex Paint Out of a Rug

Latex paint is water-based and is commonly used in the painting of interior homes. Paint spills can occur in the home as a result of painting bedrooms and art projects. Latex paint can be cleaned up fairly easily when wet but requires a little more work when it is allowed to dry. A few common household items can be used to get latex paint out of a rug.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Soft cloth
• Mild detergent
• Bucket
• Fingernail polish remover

Instructions

1. Wipe up any wet paint with a damp paper towel.

2. Mix mild detergent and water in a bucket. Apply solution to the paint with a soft cloth and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.

3. Blot the stain out with a soft cloth. Make sure to blot and not rub. Rubbing will cause the paint to further spread and penetrate the fabrics of the rub. This should get most if not all of the stain out. If the stain still remains, proceed to step 4.

4. Apply fingernail polish remover to the paint stain. Allow the remover to sit for five minutes. Blot the area with mild detergent and water to remove the paint. Reapply the fingernail polish remover until the stain is completely removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Test a small area of the rub with the fingernail polish remover ensuring that no damage or discoloration is caused to the fabric.

• Apply only enough detergent and warm water to treat the affected area. Too much water will cause the paint to actually spread.

References

• Tips on Removing Paint From Carpet, Rugs and Fabric