Removing Paint from Carpet

Paint can be one of the most difficult and frustrating stains to remove from carpet. It should also be noted up front that not all paint can even be removed. When the paint hits the carpet fibers, the fibers can easily become dyed, changing color regardless of whether the actual paint is cleaned up or not. The longer it sits, the more damage can be done in this way.

Here are a few important things to note up front:

Once the paint dries it becomes exponentially more difficult, time consuming, and potentially dangerous to remove.
The solvents used to remove paint can also remove the glue from the backing of the carpet (delamination) and cause buckling and further damage.
Never apply solvents directly to your carpet.
Try to get up as much paint as possible prior to beginning the actual process of cleaning your carpet.
Paint will ruin rental steam units and, worse, the units won’t clean them up adequately to begin with.

While homeowners and landlords can do well for themselves by learning to clean up messes, the process can also cause more harm than good. Hiring a processional to clean up a paint spill is going to require much less hassle than replacing your carpet because you accidentally dissolved the backing trying to clean that spill up by yourself to begin with.

Cleaning Up Small Spills

A drop or two of paint, even a small smear, is usually something that can be handled by the homeowner. It is essential, however, that you begin the cleanup process as soon as the spill occurs and do not wait for it to dry. For spills larger than the size of the palm of your hand, see the cleanup procedure below this one.

Here is the process to cleaning up small paint spills on your carpet:

Get a clean white cloth and some spotting solvent, ideally isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). White vinegar will also work for this, though it can cause an unpleasant odor if not cleaned up properly afterward.
Apply the solvent to the white cloth and begin to blot (not rub) the affected area, working from the outside of the stain toward the center.
Repeat the procedure with clean portions of the cloth until no more paint is coming up.
Moisten a new clean white cloth and go over the area to get up remaining paint and solvent.

It is very important not to use too much solvent during this process or, again, there is a risk of damaging the carpet. Once the paint has dried, it is highly recommended that the only action you take is to call a professional, as the job will have become much more difficult.

Cleaning Up Big Spills

Cleaning up larger spills is largely a process of ensuring the stain doesn’t set while a professional is called.

Here are the recommended steps for cleaning up larger paint spills:

Using a large spoon (that you don’t particularly care about), skim as much of the paint as you can. Do not use much pressure or smear it. Skim it toward the center and into a container or trash can.
Once you have removed as much paint as you can, get two large towels and moisten them. Moisten, not soak. You will place these towels over the stain to keep it moist.
Cling wrap can be placed over the towels for added protection, but is not always necessary.
Call a professional to come out and clean it. If the professional cannot get there within 12-24 hours, call someone else who can. It is essential to have it cleaned prior to it drying.

Larger paint spills are going to require a professional for a true cleaning. The damage that can be done by homeowners and renters looking to solve the problem themselves simply cannot be overstated. What was a nasty stain can quickly turn into permanent damage. If you are on the fence about the size of the stain, just call someone.

Bon-Care Custom Cleaning is a professional carpet and upholstery cleaning company operating out of the Hampton Roads area of southeastern Virginia, servicing Hampton, Newport News, Yorktown, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and the surrounding areas. For a free estimate or advice on what to do, email info@bon-care.com or give us a call at 757-715-0503.