Accidentally got paint on your clothes while working on a DIY project? No worries, we've got the ultimate guide to help you out! In this article, we'll share valuable tips and tricks on how to get paint out of clothes, whether it's oil-based or water-based. Say goodbye to paint mishaps and hello to spotless, paint-free clothes!
What causes paint stains?
When we're having a creative moment or tackling a home improvement project, paint can unintentionally find its way onto our garments. But what makes paint stains so stubborn? Paints are traditionally made up of four components: pigments, binders, solvents, and additives. Pigments, the colorants in paint, are often finely ground particles suspended in a liquid binder. When the paint comes into contact with fabric, these pigments can adhere to the fibers, leading to stains. Binders, like acrylic or oil-based polymers, help the paint adhere to surfaces and can form a stubborn bond with clothing fibers. Additionally, the wide varieties of paints can make figuring out how to get paint out of clothes difficult. Your go-to stain fighting techniques may be great for water-based paint stains, but oil paints are another matter!
Armed with this knowledge, we have all the tips you need to tackle paint stains with confidence and bring your clothes back to their pristine state. Happy painting (and stain-removing) adventures!
How to Get Paint Out Of Clothes
What you’ll need: Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Laundry Detergent, Stain & Odor Laundry Pods, Oxi Booster Pods
Step 1: Remove Excess
The first step in paint stain removal is to remove any excess paint from your clothes. Use a Swedish Dish Cloth or kitchen rag to gently blot any excess paint away from the fabric. We recommend using a darkly colored rag, or one that you don’t mind getting stained itself!
Step 2: Identify the Paint Type
There are all sorts of paints, and different types require different care. Determine whether the paint is oil or water based in order to choose the most suitable stain treatment.
Step 3: Pre-Treat Water Based Paint Stains
If your paint stain is water based, begin by rinsing the stain under cold water to flush out the paint. Be sure to rinse through the back of the stain to push the pigments out of the fibers, instead of further in. If you act quickly, this should remove the majority of the paint. After you have rinsed the stain, add one pump of Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent. Gently rub the detergent to create a lather, and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing in cool water. The remaining paint should lift out of the fabric. Repeat as needed.
Step 4: Pre-Treat Oil Based Paint Stains
Oil based paints make the question of “what takes paint out of clothing” a little more tricky! Since oil repels water, it is best to use an enzyme-based product or solvent to break down the paint. After blotting the excess paint away, dampen stain and add one pump of Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse the stain in cool water, massaging it between your fingers until it begins to lift. The enzymes in the detergent should break down the oils that make up the paint stain. Repeat as needed.
Step 5: Wash
Now that the stain has been removed, wash the item as normal. We recommend using a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod, which contains enzymes for extra stain fighting. You can also add an additional Oxi Booster Pod to the wash for extra cleaning power and brightening!
Step 6: Dry
Let your garment dry! Be sure that the stain is completely removed before putting the item in the dryer, as the dryer’s high heat can cause stains to set permanently. We recommend leaving your garment out to air dry, preferably in the sunshine. After following all of these steps, your clothes should be as good as new!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to get paint out of clothes? We’re here to help with all your paint stain needs.
Does vinegar remove paint from clothing?
Looking to learn how to get paint stain out of clothes using items in your pantry? Vinegar is a great natural astringent that can assist with getting paint out of clothes. Soak the stain in white vinegar, then gently scrub the fabric to remove the stain. This should work on both water and oil based paints. Vinegar also serves as a deodorizer to blast away that arts-and-crafts smell!
What is the fastest way to remove paint from clothes?
The quicker you treat the stain, the faster it is to get paint out of clothes! If you follow our above guide as soon as the stain occurs, you should be able to remove the paint from your clothes in a matter of minutes.
Does rubbing alcohol remove paint from clothes?
Rubbing alcohol is a solvent, which makes it a great solution for removing both water and oil-based paint stains. Apply rubbing alcohol directly to the stain and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing. Be sure to test on a small inconspicuous area first to make sure it will not damage or react to the fabric!
How do you get paint out of clothes without destroying the fabric?
When removing paint stains from clothes, it's important to take precautions to avoid damaging the fabric. Here are some tips to safely remove paint without harming the garment:
- Act quickly: The sooner you address the paint stain, the better. Act promptly to prevent the paint from drying and setting into the fabric.
- Test a small area: Before using any cleaning method or product, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it doesn't cause any adverse effects, such as color fading or fabric damage.
- Use gentle motions: Whether you're blotting, dabbing, or applying a cleaning agent, use gentle motions to minimize friction and prevent fabric damage.
- Patience is key: Removing paint stains can take time and multiple attempts. Be patient and persistent, repeating the cleaning process as needed until the stain is fully lifted.
- Follow the care label: Always refer to the care label on your clothing for specific instructions on water temperature, washing techniques, and any fabric limitations. Adhering to these guidelines helps protect the fabric during the cleaning process.
Can anything get paint out of clothes?
Does paint come out of clothes? Absolutely–and you can use a variety of products when getting paint out of clothes! Here are a few of our favorite stain-fighting tools.
- Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent
- Dish Detergent
- White Vinegar
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Oxi Booster Pods
- Specialized Paint Removers