To get paint out of jeans, start by scraping off as much dried paint as possible with a spoon or a dull knife. Rinse the stained area under cold water from the back to push the paint out. Apply liquid laundry detergent or dish soap directly to the stain and scrub gently with an old toothbrush. For stubborn or dried paint, use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to loosen it before scrubbing again. Finally, machine wash your jeans on a warm cycle and air dry to check if the stain is fully removed before using a dryer.
“How to Get Paint Out of Clothes: Quick & Easy Stain-Saving Tricks”
Accidentally got paint on your favorite shirt or jeans? Don’t panic! Whether it’s from a DIY project, wall painting, or kids’ craft time, paint stains don’t have to mean ruined clothes. With the right method and a little patience, you can save your clothes and make them look good as new
How to Get Paint Out of Clothes: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Identify the Paint Type
Before you start, check what kind of paint you’re dealing with:
- Water-Based Paint: Includes latex, acrylic, and craft paint. Easy to clean with soap and water (if fresh).
- Oil-Based Paint: Requires paint thinner or turpentine. These are trickier and take a little more work.
Step 2: How to Remove Water-Based Paint
Water-based paints are the easiest to remove, especially if the stain is still wet.
What You’ll Need:
- Cold running water
- Liquid laundry detergent or dish soap
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Washing machine
Step-by-Step Process:
- Scrape Off Excess Paint Gently remove as much paint as possible with a spoon or butter knife.
- Rinse Under Cold Water
Turn the fabric inside out and run cold water through the back of the stain to push paint out. - Apply Detergent or Dish Soap
Rub liquid detergent or dish soap directly onto the stain with your fingers or a brush. - Soak the Fabric
Soak in warm water with detergent for 15–30 minutes. - Wash Normally
Wash in the warmest water recommended on the garment label. - Air Dry
Let it air dry first. Heat from the dryer can set the stain if it’s not fully gone.
Step 3: How to Remove Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paints are tougher because they don’t dissolve in water.
What You’ll Need:
Paint thinner, turpentine, or rubbing alcohol
Paper towels
Liquid laundry detergent
Washing machine
Step-by-Step Process:
- Blot the Stain
Scrape off as much as you can. Blot with a paper towel — don’t rub. - Apply Solvent
Dab the stain with paint thinner, turpentine, or rubbing alcohol.
Place paper towels under the fabric so the solvent lifts paint away from the cloth. - Rinse Thoroughly
Wash out the solvent with warm water. - Pre-Treat with Detergent
Rub liquid detergent into the area. - Machine Wash
Wash separately in the hottest water safe for the fabric. - Air Dry
Allow to air dry and check if the stain is gone before using a dryer.
Removing Paint Stains from Different Types of Clothes
How to get paint out of jeans
How to get paint off a sweatshirt
To get paint off a sweatshirt, gently scrape away any excess paint with a spoon or dull knife. Turn the sweatshirt inside out and rinse the stained area under cold running water to push out as much paint as possible. Apply liquid laundry detergent or dish soap directly to the stain and rub the fabric together or use a soft brush to work it in. For dried paint, treat it with rubbing alcohol or vinegar to loosen it before scrubbing. Finally, wash the sweatshirt in warm water and air dry to ensure the stain is fully gone before using a dryer.
How to get paint stains out of carpet and upholstery
To remove paint stains from carpet or upholstery, blot up as much wet paint as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel—don’t rub, as this spreads the stain. For water-based paint, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap, then dab the area with a sponge or cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward. For dried or stubborn stains, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or vinegar, gently blotting until the paint loosens. If it’s oil-based paint, use a little paint thinner or turpentine (test on a hidden area first) and continue blotting until clean. Finish by rinsing with clean water and blotting dry with a towel to remove any residue.
How to Get Acrylic paint out of clothes
To get acrylic paint out of clothes, act quickly before it dries. Scrape off any excess paint with a spoon or dull knife, then turn the fabric inside out and rinse the stain under cold running water to flush out as much paint as possible. Apply liquid laundry detergent or dish soap directly to the stain and gently scrub with your fingers or an old toothbrush. If the paint has dried, use rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or nail polish remover (test on a hidden area first) to loosen it, then scrub and rinse again. Finally, machine wash in warm water and air dry to check if the stain is completely gone before using a dryer.
How to get latex paint out of clothes
To get latex paint out of clothes, first scrape off any excess paint with a spoon or dull knife. Turn the garment inside out and rinse the stained area under cold running water to flush out as much paint as possible. Apply liquid laundry detergent or dish soap directly to the stain and gently rub the fabric together or use an old toothbrush to work it in. For dried latex paint, use rubbing alcohol or vinegar to soften it, then scrub and rinse again. Finally, machine wash the garment in warm water and air dry to ensure the stain is completely gone before using a dryer.
How to get spray paint out of clothes
To get spray paint out of clothes, act quickly if the paint is still wet by blotting (not rubbing) with a paper towel. Turn the garment inside out and rinse the stain under cold running water to push out as much paint as possible. Apply liquid laundry detergent or dish soap directly to the area and gently scrub with a toothbrush. For dried spray paint, use rubbing alcohol, acetone (nail polish remover), or paint thinner — test on a hidden area first — to loosen the paint before scrubbing and rinsing again. Wash the garment in warm water and air dry to check if the stain is fully removed before putting it in the dryer.
How to get dried paint out of clothes
To get dried paint out of clothes, start by scraping off as much of the hardened paint as possible with a spoon or dull knife. Apply rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or nail polish remover (for water-based paint) directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the paint. Gently scrub the area with a toothbrush or soft cloth until the paint begins to lift. Rinse the fabric under cold water, apply liquid laundry detergent, and wash in warm water according to the garment’s care label. For oil-based paint, use paint thinner or turpentine (testing on a hidden area first) before washing, and always air dry to check if the stain is fully gone before using a dryer
Does baking soda remove paint stains?
Yes — baking soda can help remove paint stains, especially if the paint is water-based. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive and natural cleaner, helping loosen paint from fabric fibers without being too harsh. To use it, make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little warm water. Apply the paste directly to the paint stain and gently scrub with an old toothbrush or soft cloth. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with cold water and wash the garment as usual. For stubborn stains, repeat the process or pair baking soda with vinegar to boost its cleaning power.
Does vinegar remove paint stains?
Yes — vinegar can remove paint stains, especially if the paint is water-based like acrylic or latex. Its mild acidity helps soften dried paint, making it easier to scrub away without damaging most fabrics. To use it, warm up a small amount of white vinegar, soak a cloth in it, and dab the stained area. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush or toothbrush to lift the paint. Finally, rinse with cold water and wash the fabric as usual. Vinegar works best on fresh or slightly dried paint, but for very stubborn stains, you can combine it with dish soap or rubbing alcohol for better results.
Does rubbing alcohol remove paint stains?
Yes — rubbing alcohol can remove paint stains, particularly water-based ones like acrylic or latex. It works by breaking down the paint so it releases from the fabric fibers. To use it, place a paper towel under the stained area, then apply rubbing alcohol directly to the paint spot. Gently blot or scrub the area with a cotton ball, cloth, or an old toothbrush until the paint starts to lift. Rinse with cold water and wash the garment as usual. Always do a spot test first on a hidden part of the fabric, as rubbing alcohol can sometimes lighten colors or damage delicate materials.