How to get paint out of carpet

Imagine you’re in the midst of a DIY home improvement project, feeling accomplished as you tackle that long-awaited paint job. However, in a moment of distraction, your brush slips, and an unsightly splash of paint lands squarely on your beloved carpet. Panic sets in as you wonder how to remedy this disaster without causing further damage to your flooring. Sound familiar? It’s a frustrating situation many find themselves in, but fear not–there are effective ways to salvage your carpet!

To get paint out of carpet, act quickly by blotting the stain with a clean cloth to absorb excess paint, then gently apply a mixture of warm soapy water or a carpet cleaner, blotting until the stain lifts.

To dive deeper, start by gathering your materials: clean white cloths or paper towels, warm soapy water (a few drops of dish soap mixed with water), carpet cleaner, and a soft brush if needed. As soon as the paint lands on the carpet, use a cloth to blot–not rub–the stain, which helps absorb the excess paint without pushing it deeper into the fibers. For water-based paint, applying soapy water directly on the stain can help lift it out. Use a clean part of your cloth to blot gently, and repeat until no more paint transfers to your cloth.

If the paint is oil-based, you might need a solvent such as rubbing alcohol or paint thinner–always test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the carpet. Dab a small amount of the solvent onto a clean cloth and blot the stain carefully. After the paint has been removed, use a bit more soapy water to clean out any remaining solvent residue, and finally, rinse with plain water. Finish by wiping the area with a dry cloth and allowing it to air dry completely. Remember, the key is to act quickly and be gentle throughout the process to avoid damaging your carpet’s fibers.