Getting Dried Paint Stains Off Clothing: A Step-by-Step Guide
A Guide on How to Eliminate Dried Paint Stains on your Clothes
Life can sometimes get messy, and as much as we try to avoid it, we can end up staining our clothes with paint. Nevertheless, you don't have to give up on your favorite outfit just yet, as removing dried paint stains is achievable with a little bit of effort. In fact, it is possible to eliminate dried paint stains in just a few steps, through manual procedures or by utilizing a washing machine.
Getting Rid of Water-Based Paint Stains (Such as Acrylic and Latex)
Water-based paints, like acrylic and latex, are probably some of the most common paints used in your household, especially for weekend crafts and school projects. However, do not fret if the kids accidentally dribble the paint on their clothes, as water-based paint is relatively easy to remove.
Here's what to do:
- - Use a spoon, dull knife, or brush to scrape off as much excess dried paint as possible.
- Flush the back of the stain with warm water. If you have a Whirlpool washing machine with a built-in water faucet, you can do this directly in the washer. Alternatively, blot the stain with a clean rag or paper towel to absorb any remaining paint.
- Saturate the stain with a mixture of half detergent and half warm water. Then, vigorously blot the stain with a rag or paper towel. Repeat until the paint is eliminated, or until it's no longer coming up.
- Test a small, concealed area of the garment first to ensure that none of the removal agents will ruin or discolor the fabric.
- Apply stain remover, if necessary, and wash the clothing item according to its care label's recommended cycle.
If you still have paint on your clothes after washing, don't despair. You can try using nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or even hairspray to blot the stain and then wash the item again.
Removing oil-based paints can be a real challenge, but with the right technique, it's not impossible. Although acrylics are more common for walls, oil-based paints are still popular for surfaces that require a durable, glossy finish. However, they require more intensive cleaning agents and a bit more elbow grease to remove.
If you need to remove a paint stain from clothing, start by turning the garment inside out on a stack of clean, absorbent towels or paper. Blot the back of the stain with turpentine or the recommended paint thinner until no more paint comes up. Make sure to spot-test a hidden area first to prevent any discoloration or damage to the fabric.
After you've removed as much paint as possible, rinse the garment in cold water and scrub the stain with dishwasher detergent. Soak the garment in hot, soapy water overnight, again being sure to check the care label for recommended temperature settings. Rinse and wash as usual, treating with a stain remover if necessary.
If the stain is stubborn, don't give up hope! You can turn it into a tie-dye masterpiece instead. With Whirlpool's innovative washer features, like the built-in water faucet, you can tackle tough stains with confidence. Check out our full line-up of washers to make laundry day a breeze.
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Answers to Common Questions
Explore the responses to frequently asked questions below about removing paint from clothing.
Can I Apply Paint Thinner to Clothes?
Yes, but consider that paint thinner can create an unpleasant aroma and discolor the fabric.
How Do I Eliminate Latex or Acrylic Paint from Clothes?
Follow the Latex and Acrylic Paint removal steps outlined above. For any remaining paint, carefully apply nail polish remover, hairspray, or rubbing alcohol and wash again.
How to Eliminate Oil-based Paint (Such as Emulsions)?
Follow the instructions above for removing oil-based paints (like emulsions). Test a small part of the garment first, concealed from view, to make sure the paint thinner does not damage or discolor the fabric.
More Laundry Tips and Techniques
Selecting the Appropriate Laundry Cycles
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Cracking the Laundry Symbol Code
We get it; your clothes’ care tags are often as tough to make sense of as your kids' geometry homework. We'll help you decipher the code.
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