If you’ve accidentally sprayed paint onto your carpet, don’t panic. Knowing how to get spray paint out of a carpet will help you clean up the mess quickly and effectively.
There are several methods you can try to help remove spray paint and restore your carpet to its original condition. However, it’s important to act quickly before the paint can dry and set into the carpet’s fibers.
Keep reading to the end as we discuss tips and tricks for getting dry spray paint out of the carpet and fresh spills without damaging the carpet fibers.
Let’s get started!
How to get spray paint out of carpet.
Blot as much fresh paint as possible with paper towels. Then continue blotting the remaining paint with soapy water or acetone. If the paint is dry, soften it with Goo Gone for carpets and continue blotting it off. Shampoo and vacuum your carpet once all the paint comes off.
Tips for successful spray paint removal from carpet
If you’ve ever tried to get rid of paint and it didn’t come off, you know you’d do anything to find the best way to do it the first time and have it work.
First, always identify the paint type. If the paint is oil-based, use a turpentine or mineral spirits solvent. If the paint is water-based, warm water and dish detergent should do the trick.
Next, ensure that you protect yourself. Wear rubber gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling toxic spray paint fumes from the solvents or chemicals you use.
Blot the stain instead of rubbing it around to other unaffected areas.
Lastly, be patient and persistent. Don’t give up if the stain doesn’t come out immediately because you’ll need to repeat the process multiple times to get the desired results.
How to get fresh paint stains from the carpet
Fresh paint stains can land on your carpet during a home renovation, a DIY project, or a faulty nozzle on the aerosol paint. Regardless of how the spilled paint ended up on the carpet, here’s how to remove it.
Reach for a paper towel and blot off excess paint from the surface. Then wash the remaining wet paint with liquid dish soap and warm water, gently scrubbing with a sponge.
Blot with a clean cloth until the stain comes off, and then rinse the spot with clean water and blot dry.
If the stain persists, try using solvents or paint removers to work it off the carpet fibers.
Removing dried spray paint stain from carpet
Prepare to exert some elbow grease and repeat the treatment process several times to remove dried spray paint stain from the carpet.
Start by scraping off as much paint as possible using a plastic putty knife. Vacuum the area to remove the dried paint flakes.
Next, dissolve the dry paint using a commercial paint remover, acetone, or mineral spirits. Allow the product to sit for a few minutes before gently rubbing the area with a clean cloth.
Repeat the process until the paint fades off completely. Finally, rinse the spot with warm water and vacuum to remove any remaining residue.
How to get oil-based spray paint out of a carpet
While it may require more effort and patience to get it off the surface, it’s possible to remove oil-based paint from the carpet using paint solvents.
Turpentine, mineral spirits, acetone, or paint thinner are excellent solvents for removing paint from a carpet. But before using these solvents, wear gloves and ensure the room has sufficient airflow.
Soak a sponge with the solvent and begin blotting the spray paint off the fibers. Reapply more solvent to the stain and continue blotting it off the surface until all the paint particles come off.
Wash your carpet with warm, soapy water to remove oily residues and solvent odors. Rinse thoroughly. Vacuum to fluff your carpet and ensure the fibers aren’t damaged or unwound.
How to get water-based spray paint out of a carpet
Water-based spray paint, aka latex paint or acrylic paint, is the easiest to remove, especially when you catch it before it dries. However, if you didn’t address it in time and it clumped up your carpet fibers, here’s a way to reverse the damage.
Begin by scraping off as much as possible. Use a steam treatment to loosen the paint, either by soaking the spot with hot water or using a handheld steamer.
Concentrate the steam on the spot until the paint softens, then gently scrub it off the fibers. Blot the rest of the paint with rubbing alcohol and a clean rag. Finish with a thorough wash, rinse, and vacuum it dry completely.
How to get spray paint out of carpet fibers using rubbing alcohol
This first-aid product might just help you salvage your carpet from the damaging effects of spray paints.
Apply only a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth and gently blot the affected area. Be sure not to rub the stain, as this can push the paint deeper into the fibers.
Continue blotting until the paint comes off. You may need to apply more rubbing alcohol and repeat the process several times to remove the paint completely.
After the paint stain comes off, wash and vacuum the carpet to eliminate residual products and odors.
1. Using nail polish remover
This is another reliable solvent for removing spray paint from carpets, wood, and bricks. Treat the paint spot like you would when removing nail polish.
Dampen a cotton ball or cloth with nail polish remover and gently rub it onto the paint stain. Use a damp cloth to blot the spot as the paint dissolves. Repeat the process until the stain is gone. Finish by washing the spot with soapy water and vacuum to remove excess moisture.
2. Using white vinegar
Removing paint with white vinegar is a natural and safe alternative. However, it may not work as well on stubborn or dried spray paint stains.
To use white vinegar, mix equal parts vinegar and water and apply it directly to the paint stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot using a damp paper towel.
Repeat the process until all the paint lifts off the carpet. Still, you can try other efficient methods in this list.
3. Using hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer can be a quick and easy solution to remove small paint stains from your carpet. However, it’s important to note that hand sanitizer may not work on larger or more stubborn paint stains.
Simply apply a small amount of hand sanitizer to the affected area and gently rub it in with a wet cloth.
The alcohol in the hand sanitizer can break down the paint and make it easier to remove. Once the entire stain comes off, use a vacuum cleaner to remove excess product.
4. Using hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties and may discolor dark-colored rags. Therefore, it’s best used with light-colored carpets or, if you don’t mind leaving a permanent bleached spot on your darker mats.
Mix equal parts cold water with 3% hydrogen peroxide in a container. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and saturate the affected area of your carpet. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes to an hour or overnight if you treat the spot in the evening.
Follow up by washing the spot with hot, soapy water and gently scrubbing if necessary. Rinse off the treated spot, vacuum residual debris, and let the carpet air dry completely.
Removing oil-based paint from carpet with paint thinner
This is also a viable option, but you should only use it as a last resort, as it can damage the carpet fibers and cause discoloration. Remember to wear protective gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Dampen a dry rag with paint thinner and use it to blot the remaining dried paint from the stained spot. Repeat as necessary, but be careful not to over-saturate the carpet.
Once all the dried paint stain is lifted, wash the treated area with carpet shampoo. Then collect residual product and moisture with a vacuum cleaner.
Removing spray paint stains with Goof Off for carpets
Goof Off is a specialized cleaner that removes stubborn stains and adhesives from carpets. It is a stronger solvent than rubbing alcohol or vinegar, but it also has strong fumes. Ensure you’re wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area.
Spray the product on the affected area and let it soak for about 3 minutes. Repeat the process until the stain is gone. Shampoo and vacuum the carpet to remove any remaining residue.
Using a carpet cleaner
This product is another alternative you can reach for when faced with a spray paint stain that needs removing as soon as possible. Some of the good ones on the market include Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover.
To use it, spray the stained spot to saturate the fibers, then blot the paint off with a clean towel. You may need to repeat this process several times before all the paint comes off.
Using trisodium phosphate
Try trisodium phosphate (TSP) if you need a stronger agent to remove paint stains from your carpet. However, it’s best to use it only on lighter carpets because it may bleach or discolor colored ones. Also, wear your protective gear to avoid possible irritation upon naked exposure.
Dissolve a tablespoon of trisodium phosphate powder in a cup of hot water and stir. Transfer it into a spray bottle or use a sponge to apply the TSP solution to the stained area. Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes.
Scrub the paint stain with a cleaning brush, then rinse the carpet with clean water. Follow up with carpet shampoo and use a vacuum cleaner to collect residual products and moisture.
How to Get Spray Paint Out of Carpet with Dish Soap
If you don’t have TSP paste on hand, dish soap can also work to remove spray paint stains from the carpet.
Prepare a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and blot the stain, careful not to rub it in further.
Continue blotting until the stain starts to lift. Then, rinse the area with warm water and blot again to remove any remaining soap residue.
If the stain persists, try using a carpet spot stain remover.
How to get spray paint out of carpet fibers efficiently
When spray paint gets on the carpet, cleaning it up can take a while. Here are some proactive and effective ways to reduce the damage while removing the stain.
Act fast. Wet paint is much easier to remove than dried paint, as it hasn’t fully adhered to the carpet fibers. As soon as you notice the spill, begin the cleaning process.
Blot instead of rubbing: Rubbing can spread the paint and push it deeper into the carpet fibers, making it harder to remove.
Use a cleaning solution sparingly. Whether using a commercial carpet cleaner, dish soap, water, or another cleaning solution, be careful not to overdo it.
Rinse your carpet thoroughly and dry it. After treating the stain, rinse the area with warm water, then dry the carpet fibers using a towel or vacuum. Avoid leaving the carpet wet to prevent mold and funky odor growth.
Next time, cover your carpet with a tarp or fold it away from the spray paint project to avoid messing it up in the first place.
FAQs – Removing spray paint from carpet efficiently
What removes spray paint instantly?
For fast spray paint removal from carpets, apply a small amount of acetone or WD-40 to a dry cloth and blot the stain, testing first to ensure no discoloration. Commercial paint removers are also effective. Rinse with warm water and dry after treatment. cl
Does vinegar remove paint from carpet?
Vinegar can help remove paint from the carpet. Soak the stain in a mixture of white vinegar and warm water and blot with a clean cloth. This method is more effective on fresh stains. Repeat the process if necessary.
Can you get dried paint out of new carpet?
Yes, you can remove dried spray paint from a new carpet. Use a scraper to gently lift off the dried paint. Then, gently apply a nail polish remover or a mixture of dish soap and warm water and blot the remaining paint from the carpet.
What’s the best way to remove paint from carpet?
For water-based paint on carpets, apply hot water and dish soap, then scrub with a stiff brush. Use a carpet cleaner and cleaning solution for oil-based paint, then blot with paint remover, acetone, or hydrogen peroxide. After the stain dissolves, shampoo and vacuum the carpet.
How do you get dried paint out of carpet with baking soda?
To remove dried paint from the carpet with baking soda, scrape off the paint gently, sprinkle baking soda on the stain, and add cold water to form a paste. Scrub the stain with the paste using a cleaning brush, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum. Repeat if necessary.
Can hairspray remove spray paint?
While hairspray can remove certain stains due to its alcohol content, it’s not typically recommended for removing spray paint from carpets. Hairspray may cause further staining or damage. Instead, use products designed for paint removal or proven home remedies like soapy water, rubbing alcohol, or acetone.
Does paint wash out of carpet?
Yes, paint can wash out of the carpet, depending on the type of paint and the carpet material. Water-based paints can often be removed with warm water and dish soap, while oil-based paints may require a solvent or commercial paint remover.
Final thoughts on how to get spray paint out of carpet.
Removing spray paint from a carpet may be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to restore your carpet to its former glory.
Remember to act quickly, blot the stain rather than rubbing it, and avoid using heat to dry the carpet.
If the stain doesn’t come out despite exhausting all the methods suggested here, it might be best to call a professional carpet cleaning service for help.
Good luck!