Goo Gone Paint Cleanup
Specifically formulated for paint stains. Works on both wet and dried paint.
View on AmazonHow to Get Paint Out of Clothes (Acrylic, Latex & Dried)
Paint stains vary greatly - water-based (acrylic, latex) are easy when wet but difficult when dry. Oil-based paints require solvents. Act immediately for best results as dried paint is extremely difficult to remove.
Difficulty:
Hard
Quick Facts
Time Needed20-60 minutes
Success Rate90% wet, 40% dry
Key TipAct before it dries!
Stain TypePolymer-based
Step-by-Step Removal Guide
1
Identify Paint Type
Check the paint can or label. Water-based (acrylic, latex) says "cleanup with soap and water." Oil-based says "cleanup with mineral spirits." Treatment differs completely.
Critical: Act IMMEDIATELY with wet paint! Once paint dries, removal success drops to 40%. Don't let it dry while deciding what to do.
2
Remove Excess Paint
Scrape off excess wet paint with a spoon or dull knife. Blot with paper towels. Don't spread it! Work from outside toward center to contain the stain.
3
For Water-Based Paint: Use Soap + Water
Flush the back of stain with cold running water. Apply liquid dish soap and rub fabric together. Rinse and repeat until paint is gone. Must be done while wet!
Tip: Rubbing alcohol also works well on dried acrylic paint. Soak stain with alcohol, let sit 10 minutes, then scrub with old toothbrush.
4
For Oil-Based Paint: Use Solvent
Apply paint thinner, mineral spirits, or turpentine to a cloth. Blot the stain (work in well-ventilated area). Turn fabric and blot from back side. The paint will dissolve and transfer to cloth.
5
Follow with Dish Soap
After solvent treatment, apply dish soap to break down remaining oils. Work it in thoroughly, then rinse with hot water. This removes solvent residue.
6
Wash and Check
Launder in hottest water safe for fabric with heavy-duty detergent. Check before drying. If stain remains, repeat treatment. Don't put in dryer until completely gone.
Already Washed or Dried?
Acrylic and latex paint are water-based only while wet. Once dry, soften the paint with rubbing alcohol (or acetone-free nail polish remover on sturdy fabric), leave it 10 minutes, scrape with a blunt knife, then scrub with dish soap and wash. Oil-based paint needs paint thinner or turpentine, used in a ventilated area.
By Fabric
- Acrylic paint on clothes: Wet: rinse from the back with warm water and dish soap. Dry: rubbing alcohol, scrape, repeat.
- Latex (wall) paint: Same as acrylic. Work fast: it is much easier before it dries.
- Oil-based paint: Blot with paint thinner or turpentine, then dish soap and a hot wash.
- Spray paint: Rubbing alcohol or hairspray to soften, then scrape and wash.
Recommended Products
Top-rated products available in the United States
Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 91%
Excellent for dried acrylic paint. Dissolves paint polymers effectively.
View on AmazonKlean-Strip Odorless Mineral Spirits
Essential for oil-based paint removal. Low-odor formula for indoor use.
View on AmazonDawn Platinum Dish Soap
Crucial for water-based paint and removing solvents after oil paint treatment.
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
DIY Home Remedy
Rubbing Alcohol + Glycerin Method
Effective for dried acrylic paint stains:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- 2 tablespoons glycerin
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- Old toothbrush
Method:
- Mix alcohol and glycerin together
- Apply mixture to dried paint stain
- Let soak for 10-15 minutes to soften paint
- Scrub with old toothbrush to break up paint
- Apply dish soap and work in thoroughly
- Rinse with hot water
- Repeat if necessary
- Wash normally
Why it works: Alcohol dissolves acrylic polymers, glycerin keeps the paint soft while working, and dish soap removes residue. This combination rehydrates dried paint making it removable.
Not sure what stain it is?
Snap a photo with the free Stain Solutions app and get the right treatment in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove completely dried paint stains?
Maybe. For acrylic/latex: soak with rubbing alcohol, let sit 30 minutes, scrape with dull knife, repeat. Success depends on fabric type and how long it's been dry. For oil-based: try paint thinner, but once fully cured (2+ weeks), it's nearly impossible to remove.
Will nail polish remover work on paint stains?
Acetone (nail polish remover) works on some acrylic paints but can damage synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon, or acetate. Test in hidden area first. Only use on cotton or linen. Rubbing alcohol is safer and usually equally effective.
How do I remove spray paint from clothes?
Spray paint is typically oil-based or lacquer. Use paint thinner or acetone in well-ventilated area. Blot repeatedly with solvent-soaked cloth. May require multiple applications. Follow with dish soap wash. Success rate is lower with spray paint.
Can professional dry cleaners remove paint stains?
Sometimes. They have access to stronger solvents. Take the garment immediately before paint fully dries. Be honest about what type of paint it is. For delicate fabrics or valuable garments, professional cleaning is worth trying.
