How to Remove Paint Stains from Clothes and Carpet

Painting has become your new hobby, but you don’t want removing paint stains from your clothes to be the next one?

With Tide on your side, you can be as creative as you want to be, without having to worry your clothes might end up as cleaning rags. Read on to learn more about getting even dried paint stains out of your clothes or your carpet.

How to remove paint stains from your clothes

Paint stains don’t have to cause a headache for you anymore with Tide. Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow in case you’re tackling tempera, oil-based paint, finger paint, or other paint-related stains.

Step 1

Remove Excess

Brush off any excess paint from the garment with a kitchen towel. Try to avoid using paper towels, as tiny particles could get stuck between the fabric fibres. Run cold water over the stain to remove as much of the remaining excess as possible. If the stain is already dry, and there is no excess to remove, simply skip this step.

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How to remove specific paint stains

How to remove tempera stains from clothes

If you’ve just finished your masterpiece and your shirt got the short end of the stick, here’s how you tackle the issue at hand. Gently remove the excess paint from the garment, then pre-treat it in a soaking solution of laundry detergent mixed with water for an hour. Finally, wash it as usual, and you’re ready for your next adventure with the paint brush.

How to remove oil-based paint stains

Painting with oil-based paints is beautiful. The paint stains on your clothes, however, not so much. Follow our guide in the “how to remove paint stains from your clothes” section to make sure your clothes are just as clean as your canvas when you’re starting a new painting.

How to remove finger paint stains

Your pint-sized Picasso might create a masterpiece on paper, but sometimes your little artist also gets creative on your shirt. Don’t worry, follow Tide’s simple tips above on how to remove finger paint stains from your favourites.

How to get paint stains out of carpet and upholstery

Putting carpets or upholstery in the washing machine might not be possible, so here’s what you can do in case of a paint-stain emergency. Grab a spoon or dull knife, and try to scrape of the excess paint as much as possible without spreading the stain to the surrounding area. Pour some liquid detergent on the stain, and let it sit for a few minutes before using a wet sponge or towel to blot up the liquid. Once the stain has come out, put a dry towel over the wet area and weigh it down so it can absorb the remaining moisture.

Removing paint stains – frequently asked questions

Does vinegar remove paint stains?

A soaking solution of vinegar mixed with water can alternatively be used in case of paint stains, but Tide’s liquid detergent was specifically designed to be used against stains, so it’s always a more reliable solution.

Does baking soda remove paint stains?

If you mix baking soda with water and apply the paste directly to the paint stain, it helps draw it out from the fabric, but for the best result we recommend using a solution of Tide liquid detergent mixed with water as pre-treatment.

Does rubbing alcohol remove paint stains?

Rubbing alcohol can be effective against paint stains, but unfortunately it can also fade the color of your clothes. So your best bet for pre-treatment is a solution of Tide liquid detergent mixed with water.

The bottom line on how to remove paint stains

Painting is fun, and even a few paint stains can’t ruin the day if you follow the few simple steps of removing excess paint, pretreatment, and washing your garment. So just pick up your brush and enjoy. Tide has your back.

Products to treat paint stains