Paint is for walls, not carpet fibers
Water-based paint stains on your carpet require a hot water and dish soap mixture to soften dried paint before gently blotting and scraping.
Oil-based paint removal from carpet demands turpentine or paint thinner after steaming and picking at the stain to break up stubborn paint particles.
You need to work gently when removing paint from carpet by blotting instead of scrubbing to protect your carpet fibers from damage.
Hiring a local carpet cleaning professional provides expert help with stubborn paint stains, especially when DIY methods leave discoloration or damage your carpet.
Painting can be a time-consuming process, and accidents happen. Before contacting your local top-rated carpet cleaning service, consider a DIY fix. Removing paint from carpeting is relatively simple with these simple steps and requires materials you likely already have in the home.
There are essentially two techniques for cleaning paint from the carpet, one for oil-based paint and another for water-based paint (latex and acrylic.) Check your paint label before deciding which materials and techniques to use.
It’s ideal to start the process before the paint dries. But if you’re dealing with dried paint, prep the stain by mixing hot water and a little bit of dish detergent. Don’t overdo the dish soap—use just a drop or so. If you worry about using dish soap on carpets, try making a vinegar-based homemade carpet cleaner.
Pour the mixture on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to soften the paint. Once the stain is wet, blot the stain with a damp paper towel. Work gently here and just blot—don’t scrub.
Grab a dull, wide knife, like a dedicated scraping knife (though a butter knife or scrub brush can work for small stains). Use the knife to slowly and gently scrape the paint stain, adding more of the cleaning mixture as you scrape. Work carefully to ensure the carpet fibers remain undamaged.
Soaking, blotting, and scraping will do the job in many cases. But for more stubborn stains, it’s time to steam and repeat. Grab a handheld steamer and operate it according to instructions, directing it to the stain as you continue scraping. If you lack access to a steamer, an iron on a low setting can work in a pinch. Start the process from the beginning to remove any lingering water-based paint particles.
Oil-based paints can be more difficult to clean when compared to their water-based counterparts. The stains also differ in severity, so start this process with the simplest step first. This technique should have your carpet squeaky clean in no time.
If the paint has dried, use a handheld steamer or an iron on its lowest setting to soften and moisten the stain. For fresh spills, skip this part of the step.
Grab a needle or pin and gently pick at the stain to break up the paint particles. This can be time-consuming and exacting, so put on your patience hat. Once the paint particles separate, blot the area with a damp paper towel to pick up the loose paint particles. Repeat as needed.
Not all oil-based paint stains react to the above step, so it’s time to break out the heavy artillery: turpentine or paint thinner. Check the paint label to see which options work better. Then, do a spot-test on a small section of the carpet to ensure the solution will react positively to your carpet fibers. Dip the corner of a clean cloth into the mixture and blot the stain slowly and carefully. Continue blotting—not scrubbing—until you remove the paint stain.
Are you still noticing some discoloration from the paint? Instead of overusing turpentine or paint thinner, move on to a simple mixture of hot water with a drop of dish soap. Gently blot the area with a clean cloth until satisfied with the results. For extremely stubborn oil-based stains, try another round of turpentine or paint thinner, but use a tiny amount to ensure the integrity of your carpet fiber.
When satisfied with your work, rinse the newly cleaned area by blotting with a damp cloth. Then, grab a dry cloth and continue blotting to remove any lingering moisture from the carpet. Once it’s thoroughly dried, step back and admire your handiwork.
Starting with the DIY route can save you a good chunk of change. But if the above methods prove unfruitful, contact a pro for a consultation. A professional carpet cleaning costs between $120 to $230, depending on the size and severity of the stain. Local carpet cleaners have dealt with removing hundreds of paint stains, so they’ll know what to do if you want your carpet looking brand-new again.
Showed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusCarpet repair done well. Scheduling was easy. Showed up on time.
BR Flooring InstallationI had FabClean 614 clean my apartment, and she did an outstanding job. She was so professional and efficient. My apartment looks absolutely spotless every surface, every corner, all cleaned to perfection. Definitely highly recommend FabClean 614 if you're looking for top-notch cleaning...
Fab Clean 614Best cleaning I've had at my property
Fantastic group, very communicative, and they really did a great job cleaning my condo. Will be hiring them for recurring cleaning!
eMaids of Northern ColumbusOn time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioI definitely recommend Ramonaâ s cleaning service! I have booked services with her many times and she arrives on time, ready to work and provides a great service.
Your Cleaning Solutions LLCGreat job...edging and pre clean up went well with a great job with seal coat. Friendly, efficient and professional.
All Star Paving and SealingMary Cleaning Service is fantastic! The entire team is professional and pay a great deal of attention to detail. They do such a thorough job of cleaning my house. I would definitely recommend!
Great experience all together. Dog friendly, courteous, great results and honest with recommendations. Will certainly be using Cardinal in the future for any carpet repairs
Cardinal Carpet Care & RepairFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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