How to get paint out of clothes

Paint removal from clothes can be attempted in just a few simple steps: remove excess paint, flush the stain with warm water, saturate the stain with detergent and water, rinse and repeat. 

Although it may take a little bit of work, it’s possible to help get paint out of clothes, so don’t toss your favorite outfit just yet. Learn how to remove fresh and dried paint from clothing with this guide.

What to do before removing paint from clothes

First, you need to know the type of paint you’re up against. Most paints are either water-based or oil-based, depending on their composition. Water-based paints include acrylic paints and latex paints. Acrylics are commonly used for artwork and crafts, while latex paints are used for painting walls and ceilings. Oil-based paints are typically glossier than water-based paints and are frequently used for painting trim, cabinetry, metal and wood doors, in addition to walls and ceilings.

If you’re unsure which type of paint you’re dealing with, check the paint can label or packaging. If it’s a water-based paint, you’re in luck, because this type of paint is generally a little easier to remove than oil-based versions. But not to worry, removing oil-based paints from clothing is also achievable. Check out our step-by-step instructions below for how to help remove water-based and oil-based paints from your clothes.

How to get water-based (latex or acrylic) paint out of clothes

Between weekend crafts and school projects, water-based paints like acrylics and latex are probably more common in your household than you’d think. Although children often end up with more paint on their clothes than on their papers, the silver lining is that water-based paint is relatively easy to wash off. You can let out a sigh of relief, knowing there's a good chance you can salvage those clothes instead of throwing them in the trash.

How to get oil-based paint out of clothes

Although many wall paints are now latex, oil-based paint is still a popular choice for woodwork, doors, furniture and other surfaces that demand a glossy finish or durability, like floors. This type of paint might be a little bit difficult to remove and requires more aggressive cleaning agents — and a little more elbow grease. But even when your spouse accidentally sits on a still-wet mudroom bench, getting dried paint out of their jeans doesn’t have to be a lost cause.

To remove oil-based paints from clothing, follow these steps:

How to get fresh paint vs. dried paint out of clothes

To try to remove fresh paint from clothes, blot the stain with a cloth, then rinse with warm water. Apply a mix of detergent and warm water and blot again. Fresh paint stains may be easier to remove than dried stains. It's crucial to blot, not rub, the stain to prevent spreading it deeper into the fibers. Applying a mixture of detergent and warm water can help break down the paint molecules. 

For dried paint stains, the process is slightly more complex. You can use non-acetone nail polish remover to help soften the paint. Gently dab the stain with the remover, rinse the garment and then rewash it as needed. Be sure to test these methods on an inconspicuous area first to ensure they won't damage the fabric.

Be sure to rinse the garments thoroughly before placing them in the washing machine. Air dry garments treated with flammable substances.

What products remove dried paint from clothes?

There are several common household products available that you may be able to use to treat stubborn paint stains, including vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to use these products separately and not combined, as vinegar mixed with hydrogen peroxide is a dangerous combination. Before using these products to treat the paint stain, be sure to test the product on a hidden area and check your care tags.

While these common cleaning products are often used as household laundry solutions that may help remove stains on clothing, use caution when treating delicate items and always refer to the care tag.

When it comes to stain removal, a bit of creativity goes a long way in getting dried paint out from clothes. Remember to thoroughly rinse the garment before placing it in a washer or dryer to prevent damage to the fabric or machine. Learn how to remove other tough stains, like nail polish, hair dye and makeup from clothes.

Learn how to handle other tough laundry dilemmas, like removing wax stains or washing shoes in your washer.

Tips for paint removal from clothes

From polyester to cotton, it’s possible to help remove paint stains from garments with a bit of time and effort. Whether you’ve stained your favorite pair of jeans or your best button-down shirt, keep the following tips in mind before tackling the paint spill:

• Allowing the stain to air dry can make it harder to remove, so it’s important to act quickly. Likewise, refrain from putting the stained garment in the dryer, as the heat can set the stain.

• When removing stains, blot the stain with gentle motions—rubbing may cause the stain to spread and worsen. 

• Always check care labels before treating or washing stains for item-specific care instructions. 

• Be persistent. Paint stains can be stubborn to remove and may require multiple treatments. 

What to do if a paint stain can’t be removed

If the paint stain proves permanent, there are several creative ways you can put the fabric to use. Consider a fun, kid-friendly activity like tie-dying. Or, if you’re crafty, consider using the stained garment to create a one-of-a-kind tablecloth or use the fabric to make a homemade quilt.

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