Paint spills on carpets can feel like a disaster whether it’s from a DIY home project or a knocked-over paint tray. Spills can happen even if you have sheets down so it’s important to know how to remove it if that problem arises.
Rest assured, most paint stains, even stubborn ones, can be removed safely if you act fast and know the right products to use.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to get paint out of carpet, including wet and dry spills, and show techniques for different paint types, from emulsion and water-based paints to stubborn oil and gloss stains.
Quick action tips
Acting fast can make all the difference when it comes to tackling paint on carpet.
· Blot don’t rub – press a clean cloth or paper towel on the paint to absorb any excess. Rubbing can push the paint deeper into the fibres making it more difficult to get out.
· Lift thick paint carefully – use a spoon or blunt knife to remove any excess paint without spreading it.
· Avoid heat – hot water or steam can set some paints permanently.
· Patch test cleaners – always try a small, hidden area first to prevent dis colouration.
· Use a white cloth – using a coloured or dyed cloth could lead to the colour bleeding onto the carpet when wet.
· Don't apply straight dish soap – dishwashing soap is too thick, so you’ll never be able to completely rinse it out of your carpet. We recommend mixing dish soap with warm water.
How to get emulsion paint out of carpet
Emulsion paint is water-based and commonly used for walls. It is usually easy to remove, especially when wet, if you act fast.
For wet emulsion paint
1. Blot immediately with a clean cloth to soak up as much paint as possible. Work from the outside first to contain the stain as much as possible.
2. Apply a solution of warm water and a few drops of liquid detergent or soap.
3. Work the solution gently into the fibres, blotting repeatedly until the stain lifts. Make sure you keep cleaning the cloths as you go so it doesn’t cause more stains.
4. You can add vinegar or alcohol to your mixture to help with tougher stains.
5. Rinse the carpet with water or use a carpet cleaner to remove any last paint and the rest of the mixture.
6. Finally, vacuum the carpet. Use a wet and dry vacuum to help clean the remnants of paint and water out of the carpet. A standard vacuum will help to remove any dust.
For dry emulsion paint
If you’re wondering how to get paint out of carpet when dry, follow these steps to lift even stubborn, set-in stains:
1. Scrape off any loose flakes carefully with a spoon or blunt knife. A stiff brush can also help with removing paint from the carpet fibres.
2. Vacuum the carpet to remove any dust or loose bits of paint.
3. Soak the area with warm soapy water for 15-20 minutes to soften the paint. Once the paint begins to dissolve, blot it with a cloth or paper towels.
4. Use a carpet cleaner to help with any tough stains.
5. Rinse out the carpet to make sure that all the residue of the cleaning fluid has gone.
6. Let the carpet dry and use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any dust.
How to get gloss paint out of the carpet
Gloss paint sticks fast because it’s oil based. However, don’t panic because it can be lifted carefully.
· Blot excess paint immediately. Avoid rubbing.
· Dab white spirit or turpentine onto a cloth (spot-test first). Work from the edges in.
· Rinse with warm water and apply a little mild detergent.
· Finish with a Hoover carpet cleaner to refresh fibres and extract residue.
Tip: Multiple gentle dabs work better than aggressive scrubbing.
How to get oil paint out of the carpet
Oil paint bonds tightly to fibres, so handle it gently.
· Lift thick paint with a blunt knife or spoon.
· Dab with turpentine or paint thinner (patch-test first).
· Blot repeatedly with a clean cloth to absorb loosened paint.
· Apply mild detergent and rinse.
Tip: Let the carpet air-dry completely after treatment.
How to get water-based paint out of the carpet
Water-based paints are easier to remove, especially while wet.
· Blot as much paint as possible right away.
· Apply a warm water and detergent solution, then blot again.
· Rinse with clean water.
Why it works: Water-based paint doesn’t bond as strongly, so gentle blotting and extraction usually remove most stains in one go.
What to avoid when removing paint from carpet
There are some mistakes to avoid when removing paint from your carpet:
· Scrubbing stains – scrubbing stains pushes the paint deeper into the carpet.
· Using excess water – over wetting the carpet can make paint run further into the carpet.
· Using hot water – with emulsion paint especially, using cold water will prevent the paint from hardening.
· Not patch testing – if you are using new cleaning products, a patch test ensures you don’t damage your carpet with harsh chemicals.
· Not cleaning the residue – removing the residue of the cleaning products you have used is important to prevent damage to the carpet and any further staining.
Tips to prevent future paint stains
· Lay down a sheet or protective covering when painting or crafting.
· Blot spills immediately to prevent stains from setting.
· Keep a small cleaning kit nearby
· Deep cleaning your carpet regularly can avoid build-up of dust and fibres
Paint spills don’t have to ruin your carpet. With quick action, the right techniques, and a reliable Hoover carpet cleaner, most carpet stains can be removed safely, keeping your home fresh and your carpets looking their best.