How to Get Paint Out of Clothes

We’ve all been there—one minute you’re deep into a painting project, feeling like a creative genius, and the next, you’re staring at a paint splatter that somehow found its way onto your favorite shirt. Whether it’s a blob of latex paint from your latest DIY project or some acrylic smudges from an art session gone wrong, treating paint stains isn’t as hopeless as it feels. You just need to act quickly, use the right cleaning method, and know which tools to bring to the rescue. Depending on the type of paint, there’s still hope. And yes, we’re going to get through this without going full crisis mode. Let’s learn how to get paint out of clothes.

How to Get Paint Out of Clothes

No matter what kind of paint you’re working with, acting quickly is your best bet. Fresh paint is much easier to remove than dried paint. Once paint dries and binds to the fabric, it can become a long-term addition to your wardrobe (and not in a cute way). So, before you panic or toss your garment in the back of your closet, let’s cover the basics of paint removal that can work for different types of paint.

One important thing to remember is that you need to treat the paint stain before it goes into the washing machine. The last thing you want is to run your favorite top through a wash cycle only to find out that the paint has settled in for the long haul. It’s also a good idea to spot-test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous part of the fabric to ensure it won’t damage the material.

Water-Based Paint (Latex Paint)

Latex or water-based paints are commonly used for interior painting jobs because they’re easy to work with and less toxic than oil-based alternatives. The good news? They’re also easier to remove from clothing, especially if the stain is still wet.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Warm water
• Dish soap or liquid laundry detergent
• Sponge
• Acetone (optional, for tougher stains)

Start by flushing the stain with warm water. Hold the stained area under the faucet and let the water run through the fabric. This helps loosen the paint before it starts drying into the fibers. Next, mix together a bit of dish soap and warm water. Take a sponge (or an old toothbrush) and gently scrub the paint stain, working the soap mixture into the fabric.

If the stain is still there after rinsing, you can try using a small amount of acetone to break down the paint. Be cautious with acetone if your fabric contains acetate or triacetate, as it can damage these materials. After treating the stain, wash the garment as usual and avoid the dryer until you’re sure the stain is completely gone.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint stains are more stubborn, thanks to the durable resin that makes them so effective for surfaces but so clingy on fabrics. You’ll need some stronger cleaning agents to tackle these stains, and you might be working in a well-ventilated space for this one.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Paint thinner or mineral spirits
• Sponge or clean cloth
• Dish soap
• Pre-wash stain remover (optional)

The process starts similarly: scrape off any excess paint with a blunt tool. For wet paint, use a clean cloth to blot the stain and remove as much as you can. After rinsing the area with water, it’s time to bring out the paint thinner. Dampen a sponge with the thinner and blot the stain. Always blot from the back of the fabric to avoid spreading the stain further.

Replace your blotting cloths frequently to avoid transferring paint back onto the fabric. Once the paint seems to be lifting, you can use dish soap and water to scrub the area. After you’ve given it a good wash, let the garment air dry to check for any remaining stain. If needed, a pre-wash stain remover can be applied before another wash.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint can be tricky because it dries fast and bonds tightly with fabric, especially once it’s dry. So, when it comes to acrylics, speed is crucial.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Warm water
• Dish soap
• Sponge
• Rubbing alcohol (for tough, dried paint)

For fresh acrylic stains, run the stained area under warm water immediately. Use dish soap and a sponge to scrub away as much of the paint as possible. If the stain has already dried, you’ll need to step it up with rubbing alcohol. Apply it directly to the stain, then scrub with a sponge or a soft toothbrush to lift the paint. As always, rinse and check your progress before washing as usual.

Expert Tips for Tough Stains Sometimes, even your best efforts aren’t enough to remove a stain on the first try. For really persistent stains, you might need to repeat the process a couple of times. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that certain fabrics, like silk, aren’t going to respond well to aggressive cleaning methods. For delicate materials, a trip to the dry cleaner is your safest bet.

FAQs

1. Can I use vinegar to get paint out of clothes?

While vinegar is a popular DIY cleaning solution, it isn’t strong enough to remove most paint stains, especially oil-based paints. It might help loosen very light, water-based stains, but for tougher jobs, you’re better off using soap, water, and specialized cleaning agents.

2. What should I do if the paint has already dried?

Dried paint is definitely harder to remove, but not impossible. You’ll need stronger agents like rubbing alcohol, acetone, or paint thinner to break down the paint. Soak the stain and use a brush to scrub gently. If it’s oil-based paint, products like turpentine can help soften the stain.

3. Is it safe to use acetone on all fabrics?

No, acetone can damage fabrics that contain acetate or triacetate, so always check your garment’s care label before using it. For other fabrics, use acetone sparingly and always do a spot test first.

4. Can you remove paint from delicate fabrics like silk?

Delicate fabrics can be tricky. While you might have some luck with gentle methods like dish soap and water, it’s best to leave delicate fabrics to professionals. A dry cleaner will know how to treat the stain without damaging the fabric further.

5. How can I avoid paint stains in the first place?

The best way to avoid paint stains is by wearing old clothes or protective coverings when painting. If you’re working with a messy project, taking a few precautions can save you a lot of time and hassle later.