How to remove paint from carpets!

Redecorating is a common task taken on by many homeowners an with painting a room, there is always a risk of spilling paint on your floors and furnishings.

You will need :

- Paper towels
- Turpentine, mineral spirits or glycerin (depending on the type of paint you’re using)
- Rubbing alcohol or nail varnish remover (varies based on paint type)
- Solution of mild detergent and clean water
- Dry towel
- WD40 for dried in stains

 

Even if you protect your room well, paint often finds its way underneath polythene and dust sheets and onto your carpet. The key to removing paint that gets split on your carpet is to act fast! If the paint has time to dry fully, then you could be left with a permanent stain. 

How paint is removed largely depends on the type of paint you are using. Start however by containing the spillage or else you could be removing paint from a larger area than you anticipated. Surround the spillage with dry paper towels, which will soak up any spreading paint. After containing the paint, blot any excess paint with dry paper towels to remove as much as possible.

The next step is determined by the type of paint you have used...

- Oil-based paint:

This type of paint requires chemical treatment. Before you start the application, test your chemical of choice on a small section of your carpet to ensure that the formula does not stain. Apply your chemical solution
(usually turpentine or mineral spirits) using paper towels and a blotting action. Once the paint has been removed blot with rubbing alcohol, this will remove any residue left from the chemical. Finish by blotting with a mild detergent and clean water, and dry with a towel.

- Acrylic paint:

Use glycerin to remove acrylic paint instead of chemical treatments. Again blot onto the stain with a paper towel and then rub on acetone or nail varnish remover to take away any leftover glycerin.

- Water-based paint:

Water-based paint requires no chemicals, just use a soapy mixture of milddetergent and clean water to remove the paint. Blot this on the spillage with a paper towel. Don’t use too much water however, excessive dilution will cause the spillage to spread and stain a larger area. Dry with a towel or wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

It’s not the end of the world if the paint has dried into the carpet! Scrape away any excess paint with a razor blade, being careful not to spread it. Then use a chemical treatment to remove.

 WD40 is a great solution for removing dried in paint, give it a go! For paint that is irremovable, repair the section with a carpet patch. Now it’s time to clean! Start by removing dust with your duster, circle the room wiping all walls and woodwork as you go. Alternatively you can use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to get into those hard to reach corners. 

Next wipe the walls with your cleaning solution, use a natural sponge as coloured sponges may leave dye on lightly painted walls. Be careful that you do not make your sponge too wet as dripping solution may stain if it isn’t rinsed away properly. Work on small sections and rinse as you go with clean water. Finish by blotting away any excess moisture with a clean cloth.