How To Get Spray Paint Out Of Carpet (10 Simple Ways)

You must act immediately to clean splattered spray paint from a carpet, or else it will solidify and become difficult to remove.

Most of the spray paints are oil-based, and here’s how to clean them:

First, dip a clean cloth in turpentine or paint thinner.
Then, blot the spill until the paint gets removed.

Even though this is a very effective solution, it might not work on all types of paints. Continue reading to learn all ten different methods on how to get spray paint out of carpet!

Table Of Contents

📝How To Get Dried Spray Paint Out Of Carpet?
💦How to Prevent Overspray When Spray Painting?
💡How To Get Spray Paint Out Of Carpet: FAQs

📝How To Get Dried Spray Paint Out Of Carpet?

The cleaning process begins with withdrawing excess fall. After that, you should determine the type of paint. Next, follow the best-suited cleaning method to remove spray paint from the carpet. So let’s begin!

☝️Remove Excess Spillage

To remove a fresh paint stain, you can blot the excess with the help of a paper towel. Do not rub, as it will cause further damage.

To remove the dried spray paint stain, scrap away dry paint with a putty knife and vacuum the remains. Steam cleaning the area multiple times also helps regardless of paint type.

🧐Determine the Paint Type

Don’t worry; determining a paint type is no rocket science. It can be latex paint (water-based paint) or oil-based paint.

You can either check the label of the paint container or perform a small smelling test. For example, if the paint smells like petroleum, consider it an oil-based paint.

🛢️For Oil-Based Paints

🍶Use Carpet Cleaner and Cleaning Solution

The first thing you would want to use to remove spray paint from your carpet is a carpet cleaner or a manufacturer cleaning solution especially designated for your carpet cleaning.

But first, read the bottle’s packaging to ensure the carpet cleaner does not cause discoloration or bleaching.

Apply the carpet cleaner to the stained area.
Let it sit on the stain for 10 minutes.
Dab the affected area with a clean damp rug until the stain comes off.

Also Read: How To Get Oil Pastel Stains From the Carpet

🧬Use Paint Thinner

If the spray paint is still wet, you can use paint thinner to remove it from your carpet. The petroleum in paint thinner easily dissolves the stain, making it manageable to remove spray paint from the carpet.

Blot the excess fall with a dry towel.
Pour some paint thinner on the remaining paint.
Grab a toothbrush and rub it in a circular motion to loosen the paint particles. Do not spread the stain further on the carpet.
Use clean, damp paper towels to blot the spot.
Use a dry cloth to give your carpet a final wipe-off.

Also Read: How To Get Paint Off Laminate Floor?

🧴Use Paint Removers Like Goo Gone

Goo Gone is a fantastic option if the paint has dried up. The ingredients of Goo Gone are best to break down the adhesive power of the paint and detach it from your rug.

Scrape off the dried paint with a putty knife.
Damp a cloth with a goo-gone solution.
Blot on the stained spot until the spray paint comes off.

👩‍🔬Use Turpentine

If you can find turpentine to clean the spray paint or aerosol paint, nothing like that because it is exceptionally dedicated to this purpose. However, remember to do a patch test on your car to ensure no discoloration.

Dip a corner of the cloth in turpentine.
Blot on the spray paint stain of the carpet.
Repeat the process until the paint comes off.
If discoloration occurs, soak a clean rag in liquid dish soap and water and dab on the surface.
Once done, dry the area by dabbing it with a dry towel.

Note:

Remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the chemical.

🧼Use Dish Soap Solution

If the spray paint is still wet, it needs a liquid dish soap to break down grease and oil to remove spray paint from the carpet effectively.

Blot the excess fall with a dry paper towel.
Mix three spoons of liquid dish soap into one bowl of warm water.
Soak a cloth dampened with the mixture and dab the paint spot.
Remember not to rub the carpeted surface; you don’t want to push the paint further into the carpet fibers. Also, change the paper towels once they soak up enough paint.
Keep repeating the process until you have removed the spray paint.

Also Read: How To Remove Soap Out Of Carpet

💧Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong chemical that breaks the cell wall of oil paints. Thus, it is very feasible to remove dried spray paint from the carpet with the help of hydrogen peroxide.

However, remember not to use hydrogen peroxide on darker color carpets because it leads to discoloration.

Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution on the dried paint.
Let it sit for 30 minutes.
Blot the area gently with a damp paper towel until the paint comes off.
Dip a clean rag in warm water to give your carpet a final cleaning.

🧪Use Acetone

When the paint has dried up, you can use acetone to remove it. Acetone will liquefy the consistency of the dried spray paint and get it out of the rug without much labor.

Pour some acetone into the spilled paint.
Grab a toothbrush and rub it in a circular motion to break down the paint particles.
Soak a cloth in cold water and dab it on the spot until the paint gets removed. Finally, clean the remains with a clean, damp cloth.

Also Read: How To Remove Glue From Laminate

🎨For Water-Based (Latex Paint): [Easier to Clean]

🚰Use a Mild Soap-Hot Water Solution

Mixing one spoon of liquid soap in a cup of hot water can easily remove water-based paint stains from your carpet. Water-based Paints do not have the adhesive power of oil; hence, removing them with a mild soapy solution is easier.

Apply the soap solution to the stained area.
Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Take a damp cloth and blot the stained surface to absorb maximum paint.
You can repeat the blotting process until you’re satisfied with the result.
Pat dry the carpet area with a towel.

🍺Use Vinegar + Rubbing Alcohol (For Acrylic Paint)

Unlike paints that have oil base, Acrylic paints can dye carpet fibers within minutes. So remember to remove them immediately after the spill occurs with any of the two solutions.

Soak the fresh paint with a dry towel.
Mix three parts of white vinegar into 10 parts of water, or take equal parts of cold water with rubbing alcohol.
Leave the doors and windows open for enough ventilation in the room.
Now blot the stain with the paper towel soaked in the solution. Do this until the paint gets wholly removed from the carpet.
Once done, soak a cloth in warm water and wipe off the remaining products from the carpet.

Note:

You can also use these methods individually or in combination, depending on the intensity and type of the paint stain.

💅Use Nail Polish Remover (Or Rubbing Alcohol)

It is very popular to use nail polish remover to remove carpet stains. This is because the nail polish remover ingredients act as paint thinner, and they can easily break down the molecules of water-based paints. Alternatively, you can use a diluted rubbing alcohol solution.

Pour the solution into the affected area.
Use a paper towel to blot the paint until the stain comes off.
Wipe off with a clean white cloth dampened with warm water.

Note:

Do a spot test to ensure the nail paint remover or rubbing alcohol is safe for your carpet fabric and does not bleed.

💦How to Prevent Overspray When Spray Painting?

Ensure you have a proper spray tip with appropriate adjustment, pressure, volume, etc. You’ll also need to adjust the gun’s pressure, volume, and angle to achieve the finest coverage without a mess.
You must take proper precautions to protect the surrounding area from overspray. For example, you may improvise a spray booth with some plastic sheets or cover the furniture and flooring with drop cloths. This will save you from doing a lot of cleanup work afterward.
Before spraying, cover any areas you don’t want to paint with masking tapes, such as trim, hardware, or windows.
Keep the spray gun moving for a smooth and even painting. To prevent paint buildup in one spot, maintain a constant pace and distance from your painting surface. As a result, you will have better control and a finish that looks more polished.
Safety first! When spraying, shield your lungs by using a respirator mask. Wear protective gloves. Test the spray before using it. It will assist you in avoiding errors and ensure you’re using the appropriate settings.

💡How To Get Spray Paint Out Of Carpet: FAQs

Can spray paint come off the carpet?

It depends on your carpet type and how long it has been there. If it’s still new, you can remove the stain with rubbing alcohol or warm, soapy water. However, prevention is vital; while painting or working on a DIY project, cover your flooring with drop cloths!

Does hydrogen peroxide remove spray paint?

Yes, spray paint may be removed from surfaces with hydrogen peroxide. Act quickly, apply it to the stain until the paint is removed, and then blot with a clean cloth. Test it initially in a small area, and if necessary, get professional assistance.

How does rubbing alcohol remove paint from the carpet?

Yes, rubbing alcohol can be a surprisingly effective solution. The alcohol helps break down the paint, making it easier to lift out of the fibers.

To use it:

1. Pour some rubbing alcohol onto a cloth and gently blot the stain.
2. Remember to be patient and gentle. If the stain doesn’t come out quickly, don’t worry! Sometimes paint stains can be stubborn and require extra elbow grease or professional help.

Can Magic Eraser remove spray paint?

Yes, spray paint can be removed using a magic eraser. It can be used after the paint remover has been applied to scrub off the paint. The pores absorb all the paint and make the task easy.

How do you get wet liquid paint out of the carpet?

If you spill paint on the carpet:

1. Try to blot up as much paint as possible before using a knife or scraper to remove any remaining gently.
2. After that, clean the area with a detergent or carpet cleaner solution and keep blotting until the stain is gone.
3. Avoid hot water, and test the cleaning solution on a discrete carpet patch first.
4. Consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner if the stain is tough to remove or huge.

Adarsh

Adarsh is a Health Science graduate with expertise in environmental health and wellness. He is a Neat Freak who constantly looks for ways to keep his surroundings clean. At Clean Homies, Adarsh is focused on researching and sharing information on how you can maintain hygiene at home for a happy life.