How to Get Latex Paint Out of Carpeting

Remove latex paint from carpeting while the paint is wet for best results.

It is difficult to paint without getting the paint somewhere you don't want it to be. If you find a latex paint stain on your carpeting, don't panic. Although paint on carpet is disheartening, take comfort in knowing it is not permanent. Removing latex paint from carpet is different than removing oil-based paint, so it is necessary to make sure the paint stain is actually latex. It is important to clean paint stains from carpet immediately for easiest removal.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic knife or spoon
• Rags
• Bowl
• Water
• 1 teaspoon clear dish soap
• Acrylic varnish and paint remover

Instructions

1. Scoop up excess paint from the carpet with a plastic knife or spoon. Do this carefully so the paint is not spread further.

2. Blot the paint stain with a rag to absorb the paint. Switch to clean portions of the rag as it becomes filled with paint. Continue blotting until no more paint transfers from the carpeting to the rag.

3. Fill a bowl with 1 cup of warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of clear dish soap to the bowl and mix it up well.

4. Dip a rag into the soapy water and wring it out well. Blot the stain with the rag and soapy water, working from the outside of the stain toward the center. Switch to clean parts of the rag as it becomes filled with paint and continue blotting until the paint is no longer coming up from the carpet.

5. Moisten a rag with acrylic varnish and paint remover if the stain persists. Clean the carpet in the same manner as you cleaned with the soapy water until the paint stain is gone.

6. Rinse the carpet with a clean rag and water. Blot with a dry rag to remove excess moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Use glycerin or dry cleaning solvent as alternative products for removing latex paint from carpeting. A ½ cup of water and 1 tablespoon of household ammonia can also be used for cleaning latex paint stains from carpet. If you use any of these products, rinse the carpet thoroughly with a rag and clean water after the paint is gone.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster---Paint, Latex (Acrylic/Water-based)
• How to Clean Carpet: How To Remove Latex Based Paint From Carpet