When you paint a canvas, a wall, or a house, you want the color to settle down. But if the paint spills on your clothes, you will definitely try to remove it immediately. Instead of succumbing to stains, learn how to remove latex paint stains from clothes in the following article.
Step
Step 1. Pour rubbing alcohol over the stain until the stain is completely covered
When the paint stain has dried, let the paint sit for a while until the stain is slightly damp. After that, use a brush to remove the stain. Using rubbing alcohol is the most effective way to remove latex paint stains. The stain will go away after you pour in the rubbing alcohol and brush it, but this method is not suitable for soft fabrics. Then, wash and dry the clothes as usual.
Step 2. Try using hair spray
If you don't have rubbing alcohol on hand, use a thinner version of it, a hairspray. Spread the clothes, then spray the stain with hairspray until the stain is completely wet. Set aside for a few moments to allow the alcohol to break up the paint, then scrub the clothes with a brush. Then, wash and dry the clothes as usual.
Step 3. Use dish soap
Since some types of dish soap are designed to break down grease, they can also break down grease/latex paint stains on clothes. Mix one part dish soap with one part water, then pour the mixture over the paint stain. Let the mixture soak for a few minutes, then scrub the stain. If needed, re-pour the mixture on the paint stain. Then, wash and dry the clothes as usual.
Step 4. Try using a special glue cleaner
There are special cleaners available in the market that are designed to remove glue from labels stuck to cloth or other objects. If you have one, try using it, but it doesn't guarantee that the stain will go away. Pour or spray the cleaner on the stain, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes. After letting it sit, scrub the stain as much as you can, then wash and dry the garment as usual. If the stain hasn't gone away, repeat this process.
Step 5. Try using thinner for varnish
Like paint thinner, varnish thinner is used to thin latex paint. If the stained garment is a tough material, such as denim, you may want to try using a varnish thinner to remove the stain. However, if used in excess, thinner can damage clothes. Pour enough thinner, then use a brush to lift the stain, and rinse with warm water. Then, wash and dry the clothes as usual.
Step 6. Try scrubbing the stain with an emery board
If the stained garment is thick enough, and the stain is small, you may be able to remove the stain by rubbing the garment against emery stone or sandpaper. Gently scrub the stain, and use your fingernail to remove any remaining paint stains. Be careful when scrubbing the stain, as the clothes can have holes in them. You may want to continue the stain removal process with the other techniques at the top of this article to make sure the stain is completely gone. Then, wash and dry the clothes as usual.
Tips
- If the paint stain is a dot or drip, you may be able to lift or rub it. If the stain has spread, you may need to use a specific solution to remove the paint stain.
- Don't wait too long to remove paint stains from clothes. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the stain. If your clothes get stained at home or at work, clean them as soon as you get home.
Warning
- The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the paint stain.
- Using chemicals such as varnish thinner is dangerous. Thinner varnish is a toxic and flammable material. Therefore, be careful when using chemicals.
