Don't throw it away! How to remove paint stains from clothing

Whether you're painting a picture or a wall, the chance of getting a paint stain on your clothes is close to 100%. Of course, working in items you don't mind getting dirty is a reasonable way out of the situation. But knowing how to remove paint stains from fabrics will also be useful.

OBOZREVATEL has compiled basic tips for different types of paints. The trick to removing such stains from clothes is to treat them as soon as possible because once the paint dries, it will be impossible to remove it.

Latex or water-based paint

Such paints are often used for interior decoration. They are environmentally friendly and relatively easy to remove from fabrics. To treat such a stain, you will need:

• Warm water
• Dishwashing detergent
• Sponge
• Acetone

Rinse the stain under warm water - a completely fresh stain can be completely removed if you put the item under the tap in time. If the paint has dried, scrape it off with the blunt side of a knife or spoon before wetting the cloth.

Next, mix equal parts of dishwashing detergent and warm water and rub the stain with this solution. Use a sponge that you don't mind ruining, a cotton pad, or paper towels. Blot the stain vigorously to remove the paint. After treatment, rinse the stained area. Repeat this cycle until you get the desired result.

If the stain does not wash off and your fabric does not contain acetate or triacetate, you can treat it with a small amount of acetone. The next step is to rinse the item and wash it in the usual way.

Oil paint

This paint is used to create wonderful paintings, and it can make very picturesque stains. To remove them, you will need:

• Paint thinner
• Clean white rags or paper towels
• Sponge
• Dishwashing detergent
• Pre-wash stain remover

Scrape the paint off the fabric, and then use dry cloths or paper towels to blot as much of it off the fabric as possible. If the stain has dried, you can use a hard tool to remove the stain. Next, rinse the stain under running water and move on to the next step until the item is dry.

Check in an inconspicuous place how paint thinner works on the fabric and treat the stain with it by placing the item face down on a pile of white paper towels or napkins. Dampen a sponge or clean cloth with the paint thinner recommended by the manufacturer and wipe the stain vigorously from the back. Once your wipe is saturated with dye, replace it with a clean one. Repeat the steps until the dye no longer stands out from the stain.

Apply dishwashing detergent to the area where the stain was, work it in with your fingers, and soak the item in water for several hours, for example, overnight. After that, rinse the clothes and wash them as usual. If the stain remains after washing, treat it with a pre-stain remover and wash it again.

Acrylic paint

This type of paint is used for both painting and repairs. To deal with such stains, prepare:

• Warm water
• Dishwashing detergent
• A sponge

Rinse off the paint with warm water, having previously removed the dried part. After that, mix dishwashing detergent and warm water in equal proportions, dip a sponge into the solution, wring it out well, and treat the stained area properly. Repeat the treatment with the solution until the paint is washed off. Rinse and wash the item as usual.

Additional expert tips

Do not rub the paint stain. Instead, blot it to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the fabric. 

Do not throw stained clothes in the washing machine with other items to avoid getting paint on clean clothes.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told you what kitchen product can be used to remove blood stains from clothes.

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