How To Clean Latex Paint From Carpet

If you spill latex paint on your carpet, you don't have to call a professional cleaner or replace the carpet. No matter how careful you are during home improvement project, paint will find its way on the carpet. Removing latex paint can be tricky, but it isn't impossible whether the paint spill is fresh or dry. Here are tips to clean latex paint from carpet.

Prepare to Work

For this project, you need:

  • work gloves
  • safety goggles
  • sponges or washrags
  • large bowl or spray bottle
  • non-bleaching liquid dish soap or white vinegar
  • flat object (butter knife or putty knife)
  • acetone or WD 40 (optional)  
  • needle-nose pliers (optional)
  • paint remover (optional)
  • wet/dry vacuum (optional)

Pour some cool water over the stain, and blot with a sponge or washrag. Change washrags or sponges after it stops absorbing the liquid. If the wet area is large, absorb liquid with a wet/dry vacuum. Proceed to clean the stain with a solution for wet or dry stains.

Clean Fresh Paint

Combine a teaspoon of liquid dish soap with a cup of lukewarm water in a bowl or spray bottle. Test the solution on a hidden area of carpet to check reaction. Dab some of the solution on the paint, and let it stand several minutes. 

Blot the stain from the outside to inside, so the paint won't spread. If you still see paint, or the dish soap faded the carpet during the test, try blotting with white vinegar, which is excellent for removing latex paint. 

Remove the cleaner by blotting the area with .a clean rag or sponge. Lay a cloth over the stain, and place a heavy object on the stain, such as a paperweight or book. Leave it overnight to help the carpet dry the stain. 

Clean Dry Paint

Soak the stain with a solution of a cup of warm water and mild dish soap, acetone, or WD40. Wear eye protection when you work with acetone or WD40. Don't forget to test solvents you haven't used to check the reaction on the carpet. Leave the solution on the stain for twenty minutes so it can work on the stain. 

Use a flat object to remove the pain, and mist the stain with solvent as needed to loosen it. Use needle-nose pliers to remove large chunks of paint.

For stubborn paint, try a steam iron. Don't set the iron on the carpet, but hold it over the stain to help loosen the paint. 

Scrape paint chunks. Go over the area with a vacuum to remove remaining paint. Try latex paint remover as a last resort. For more information, contact a business such as Superior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Inc.

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Getting Your House Clean

Do you remember the last time your house was immaculate? A few years ago, I couldn't, but after focusing on doing what I could to get things straightened up, I started noticing a big change. I was able to find a team of professional cleaners that were focused on helping, and the difference they made was incredible. Within a few short sessions, my house was a lot cleaner, and it was really amazing to see how much different the space felt. I wanted to create a blog all about cleaning your home more effectively, so I started up this website. Check it out.

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