We’ve all been there. You start a painting project, feeling like the next Picasso, and before you know it, your masterpiece isn’t just on the canvas—it’s on your shirt, your jeans, and somehow even your socks. Whether it’s a DIY home makeover or an ambitious attempt at finger painting with the kids, paint stains on clothes can turn a fun day into a laundry nightmare.
But fear not. If you’re wondering how to get paint out of clothes, you’ve come to the right place. The key is acting fast, using the right cleaning agents, and resisting the urge to toss the whole outfit in frustration. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Identify the Culprit – What Kind of Paint Is It?
Not all paints are created equal, and neither are their stains. Before you grab the soap and start scrubbing like your life depends on it, figure out what kind of paint you’re dealing with.
- Water-Based Paints (Acrylic & Latex): Found in art supplies and house paints. The good news is that these are easier to remove.
- Oil-Based Paints: Used for furniture, trim, and exterior walls. The bad news is that these are much tougher to get out of fabric.
If you’re unsure, check the label on the paint can (assuming you haven’t already thrown it across the room in frustration).
Step 2: How to Remove Water-Based Paint Stains
Water-based paints are like the well-mannered guests of the paint world—they might leave a mess, but they don’t overstay their welcome. Here’s how to remove them:
1. Scrape Off Excess Paint
If the paint is still wet, use a spoon or a dull knife to remove as much as possible. Avoid smearing it further into the fabric—unless you’re aiming for an abstract fashion statement.
2. Rinse with Warm Water
Hold the stained area under warm running water. Ideally, flush the stain from the back of the fabric so the paint gets pushed out rather than deeper in.
3. Apply Detergent or Dish Soap
Gently blot the stain with liquid detergent or dish soap. If the stain is stubborn, add a little rubbing alcohol or non-acetone nail polish remover, but test it on a hidden part of the fabric first.
4. Wash It Like You Mean It
Toss the garment in the washing machine with a strong detergent and wash it on the hottest setting safe for the fabric.
5. Check Before Drying
Before you throw your clothes in the dryer, make sure the stain is gone. Heat will set the stain permanently, making your paint-streaked shirt a lifelong memento of your DIY disaster.
Step 3: How to Remove Oil-Based Paint Stains
Oil-based paints are the stubborn, clingy kind that refuse to leave—kind of like that one relative at family gatherings. But with the right approach, you can kick them out for good.
1. Blot, Don’t Rub
Turn the garment inside out and place it on a clean cloth or paper towel. Blot the stain with turpentine, paint thinner, or mineral spirits—whichever is recommended on the paint can. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling strong fumes.
2. Rinse and Repeat
Rinse the stained area with warm water, then blot again with detergent. Let it sit in hot, soapy water overnight because this battle won’t be won in one round.
3. Wash with Heavy-Duty Detergent
After soaking, wash the garment in the hottest water safe for the fabric. If the stain is still there, repeat the process before drying.
By now, you should be halfway to victory in your mission of how to get paint out of clothes. But just in case the stain still refuses to budge, let’s explore some creative backup plans.
Bonus Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Act Fast – The sooner you address a paint stain, the better. Dried paint is a different challenge altogether.
- Blot, Don’t Scrub – Rubbing aggressively spreads the stain like gossip in a small town.
- Read the Care Label – Some fabrics don’t take kindly to harsh treatments. Always check before applying chemicals.
- Do Not Use Hot Water on Oil Paint Right Away – It can set the stain instead of removing it.
- Never Dry Until the Stain Is Gone – Once it is heat-set, even the best cleaning hacks won’t help.
When All Else Fails: Get Creative
If you’ve tried everything and that paint stain just won’t leave, it might be time to embrace the situation.
- Turn It Into a Fashion Statement – Add more paint splatters and call it “art.”
- Cover It Up – Patches, embroidery, or iron-on designs can work wonders.
- Repurpose the Fabric – Cut it up for crafts, cleaning rags, or even a funky tote bag.
Or, if you’re not feeling particularly artistic, consider calling in the professionals. If paint stains have won the battle, let Denver Cleaning Services win the war. Their experts can take care of stubborn stains while you sit back and rethink your decision to wear your favorite shirt while painting.
Now you know how to get paint out of clothes, so go forth and create—just maybe wear an old T-shirt next time.
