There’s nothing quite like the panic of getting paint on your favourite clothes. From decorating rooms in the house to crafting with the kids, paint splatters can happen.
Paint can dry fast, cling to fibres and refuse to budge in the wash. The good news is that most paint stains can be removed if you act fast and use the right method and laundry appliance.
What to do before cleaning a paint stain
No matter the type of paint, these simple steps can help to stop the paint from spreading any further.
· Remove excess paint using a spoon, blunt knife or a paper towel – don't rub at the stain!
· Rinse from the back of the stain with cold water to push pigment out of the fibres.
· Check the label on your garment for any care labels and washing restrictions.
· Pre-treat early – the longer paint dries, the harder it becomes to lift.
How to get acrylic paint out of clothes
Acrylic paint dries fast, so quick action is key.
1. Rinse the stain under cold water from the back
2. Apply a small amount of washing liquid directly to the stain
3. Gently massage the fibres to loosen the pigment
4. Rinse and repeat if needed
5. Wash the garment on a normal cycle in your washing machine
For stubborn acrylic paint stains, use a soft brush and repeat the pre-treatment twice before washing again.
How to get dried paint out of clothes
Dried paint tends to be tougher to get out but it is still treatable.
1. Scrape away loose dried flakes gently
2. Soak the areas in warm soapy water for 15-30 minutes
3. Apply a stain-removing detergent or pre-treatment
4. Use a soft brush to loosen the hardened paint
5. Wash at the warmest temperature that your garment care label allows
These steps may need to be repeated a few times depending on how long the stain has been set.
How to get gloss paint out of clothes
Gloss paint is oil-based, so standard washing won’t lift the stain.
1. Check you clothing care label first
2. Apply a small amount of turpentine or white spirit to a cloth
3. Blot the stain – do not rub
4. Once the paint begins dissolving, rinse thoroughly with warm water
5. Pre-treat with laundry detergent and wash in your machine
Top tip: Always spot test solvent on a hidden area of the fabric!
How to get children's paint out of clothes
Most children’s paints are water-based and washable.
1. Rinse the stain under cold water
2. Apply liquid detergent or a mild stain remover
3. Gently rub the fabric together to lift the pigment
4. Wash as normal
For large splashes, soak the garmet for 10-15 minutes before washing.
If the paint contains glitter, use a soft brush to dislodge the particles before carrying out the steps above.
How to get water based paint out of clothes
Water-based paints, like emulsion or craft paint, lift easily with washing liquid and warm water.
1. Blot away excess paint
2. Rinse from the back with warm water
3. Apply detergent directly to the stain
4. Work into the fibres using a soft cloth
5. Rinse and machine wash
Most water-based stains come out in one wash unless they’ve fully dried.
How to get fabric paint stains out of clothes
Fabric paints are designed to not wash out easily, but you can still lighten them
1. Turn the garment inside out
2. Rinse with warm water
3. Apply rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser to a cotton pad
4. Dab repeatedly until the pigment begins to lift
5. Rinse thoroughly and wash in your machine
Depending on the paint brand and curing time, some stains may not fully remove.
How to get wall paint out of clothes
Wall paint is usually either acrylic or latex paint; these are the most common types for interior home painting.
1. Rinse the stain under warm water
2. Add a solution of dish soap and warm water to the area
3. Gently scrub with a soft brush
4. Rinse and repeat
5. Machine wash at the warmest temperature possible
If the paint is semi-gloss or high-gloss, use the oil-based removal method above.
How to get face paints out of clothes
Modern face paints are usually water-based and are easy to get out of clothes.
1. Rinse with cool water
2. Apply washing up liquid to the stain
3. Work into the stain using circular motions
4. Rinse and machine wash
Grease-based theatrical paints may need a small amount of makeup remover before washing.
How to get spray paint out of clothes
Spray can either be oil-based or acrylic. Always check the label so you know which method to follow.
For water-based spray paint:
· Rinse immediately
· Apply soap and gently scrub
· Rinse and wash
For oil-based spray paint:
· Use a small amount of rubbing alcohol or paint thinner (patch test first)
· Blot, don’t rub
· Rinse thoroughly
· Machine wash
Spray paint is one of the hardest stains to remove so repeat treatments may be needed.
Should you use a washing machine for paint stains?
Once the stain has been pre-treated, your Hoover washing machine helps lift the remaining pigment and residue from the fibres.
For the best results:
· Choose a warm cycle (if the garment care label allows)
· Use a liquid detergent
· Avoid drying until the stain is fully removed
· Repeat the pre-treatment if the stain remains
Top tip: Drying the fabric too early can permanently set the stain.
Paint mishaps don’t have to be permanent. With the right technique and a clear understanding of the paint type, you can restore most fabrics with ease. Pair your pre-treatment with a dependable Hoover wash cycle, and your clothes can look as good as new.