Unfortunately, I know how to get paint out of carpet from lots of experience. I also know how to get slime out of carpet, ink out of the dryer, and gum out of hair. It’s all part of being a mom, I guess.
However, I cannot blame my kids for paint on the carpet. (Well at least most of the time) I love to paint and even though I use tarps and plastic covers I’ve managed to do my fair share of damage to our carpet over the years.
How to Get Paint out of Carpet
After paint is spilled on the carpet blot the paint up as quick as possible with a clean rag. Don’t push down too hard with the rag, just blot up the paint on the surface.
The first time I spilled paint on the carpet, I was blotting it up and thought there had to be a way to remove paint. Then I thought about how you remove paint from a paint brush… water!
After blotting, get a large pitcher or bucket of water and as many clean rags you have in the house and pour water on the paint. Pour some water, then blot. Repeat and repeat until you run out of clean rags.
When I tried this I was able to get up almost all of the paint. Fortunately I spilled bright yellow paint on beige carpet so it did blend once the paint had faded significantly.
In the name of research (and clumsiness) I spilled dark blue paint several years later. This method also worked to get ALL the dark paint out of the carpet.
Grab your carpet scrubber or every towel in your home.
After you soak and blot your carpet you will need to dry it out. The best way to do this is a carpet scrubber (spotbot).
Using the scrubber is a more effective way to dry the carpet. If you don’t own a carpet cleaner (you should) you can use clean towels and rags to absorb the extra water.
Remember to place fan on the carpet to finish drying it out. Wet carpet will mold and smell, so getting the carpet as dry as possible is a priority.
You can see there is a little yellow tint in a few parts of the carpet. The paint was sunshine yellow, so I was happy with the results. I think if I would have spent more time adding water and blotting I probably would have been able to get it all out.
If you have small drops of paint on your carpet (splatters from a roller) you can use a pair of sharp scissors to cut out the spots.
Rachel says
My husband has spilled black dye on our beige carpet before while building a mandolin. We used acetone & it came right up (even from dried spots). So if your carpet is more yellow than you prefer once it dries, try pouring a little acetone on it! I would recommend blotting a spot that is concealed first to ensure it doesn’t bleach though!
happyathome says
Thank goodness it was yellow on a beige, better than purple on beige!
Kim says
Either you did a great job cleaning it up, or I’m blind, because I didn’t see any yellow at all!
Elizabeth says
I also don’t see any yellow so you did great!
pattie says
I think I heard Martha Stewart suggests the same thing. Something to do with diluting the stain at the same time. I have yet to try it but if it lifts yellow paint it must work!!
tara@from dawn till rusk says
I remember a friend of mine had just moved into a new-build house with brand new beige carpets throughout.
Her husband came home late after having to take the car for a tyre change – and walked oil across the lounge.
Big cartoon-style footprints across her lovely lounge.
Breanne Vasquez says
Wow – I can’t even see the paint at all Tying ot figue out how to get bubbles out of the carpent now!! My dd poured a bottle all over the carpet.
Lawanda says
Oh lands! I am so glad you got it all out!! I see no yellow on my monitor!! *applause*
Kristin says
Good to know! I’m painting my house and using colors that I’m sure won’t blend nearly as well on my carpet and with four little ones running around, this has been my fear. I’ll be keeping the towels and water nearby next time I get to painting : )
Kristina @ A Home Made by Kiki says
You did a great job…I can’t even see any yellow! My daughter spilled purple fabric paint on the carpet and then put a basket on top of the stain….after she tried to scrub it up with toilet paper. I didn’t find it for at least 5 hours so it was completely dry. Ugh! So glad that I was still able to get it out!! http://ahomemadebykiki.blogspot.com/2010/10/so-long-spot-shot.html
Janene says
Gosh, you’re good. I don’t see ANY paint!