How to Remove Paint Stains from Clothes
There’s a fair chance your little one will return home from kindy or school with a paint stain at some point. The key to removing paint stains lies in identifying the type of paint – is it oil-based or a water-based acrylic?
The best way to work out what type of paint stain you’re dealing with is to read the label on the paint tube (or contact the art teacher and ask). From there you can move onto proper stain removal.
Latex, Acrylic or any Water-Based Paint
If there is a big blob of paint, use a dull knife or spoon to remove as much of the excess paint as possible. DO NOT use a rag or paper towel because you will push the paint deeper into the fabric fibers.
As quickly as possible from the wrong side of the fabric, flush the paint from the fibers with a forceful stream of warm water. Next, work a solution of liquid laundry detergent and water into the stain, soaping and rinsing until the stain is removed. You may need to repeat several times. Then wash the garment as usual.
If the paint has dried, you may be able to remove the paint with a bit of rubbing alcohol. Use a cotton swab and work from the outside of the stain toward the inside. Use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to gently scrape away the paint as it loosens from the fibers. This works best on "new" paint stains that have not been set by heat.
Oil-Based Enamel, Art or Model Paint
Oil-based paint must be removed from clothes while it is wet. If it dries, it is nearly impossible to remove. So, keep it wet until you can start cleaning.
If the paint label lists a specific paint thinner to use, start with that or some turpentine.
Working from the back of the fabric, place the stain over a thick pad of paper towels or old white rags. Wet the area with paint thinner and tap the area with an old spoon or scrub brush to force the paint out. Keep changing the paper towels underneath to a clean area as paint is absorbed into the towels. Be patient, this will take time.
Once the paint is removed, saturate the area with liquid detergent and work it in well. Submerge the stain into the hottest water temperature recommended for the fabric and let it soak overnight. Scrub again with some detergent and launder as usual.
Sources:
kidspot.com.au
thespruce.com
Other links:
How to Easily Remove Blood Stains from Different Materials
Some Useful and Best ways Get Rid of Sweat Stains
How to remove tomato sauce stains
