Don’t panic if you spilled paint onto your carpet while doing some touch-up painting! There are a few things you can do to remove the paint. Most importantly, try to remove the paint while it’s still wet.

Removing dry paint from carpeting is a bit tougher but not necessarily impossible. The easiest paint to remove is latex because it’s water-soluble. Oil-based is harder to remove, particularly if it’s dried.

Latex Paint

1. 1. 1. Scrape off as much of the dried paint as you can. You can use a knife or something similar to scrape the paint on the carpet.
      2. Once you’ve scraped off as much as possible, saturate the remaining dried paint with water, and let it stand for several minutes. Then use a wet/dry vacuum to suction away as much remaining paint and moisture as possible. You might need to repeat this process several times.
      3. If you still have some paint stains, add ¼ teaspoon of dishwashing detergent to 32 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the paint stain and gently scrub the area with a stiff brush. Be careful not to damage the carpet fibers while brushing. Continue spraying and cleaning the carpet area with the brush to remove the paint.
      4. If the stain remains, it’s time to take things up a notch. Follow the steps below for treating an oil-based paint stain.

Oil-Based Paint

Here are three tips for dealing with hard to remove latex paint or oil-based paint:

1. 1. 1. Clean the stained area with a steam cleaner to remove the paint. You might need to repeat this several times to remove as much of the paint stain as possible.
      2. Next, apply a small amount of paint thinner, acetone, or hydrogen peroxide to a cloth rag and blot the stain. Repeat as needed. Keep in mind that this might cause some discoloration of the carpet! 
      3. If the carpet has plush fibers, you could cut off the paint-stained fibers to remove paint from the fiber tips. Be sure to cut as little as possible, or you risk creating a bare patch on the carpet.

If you’re still struggling to remove a paint stain after trying any of these steps, we suggest consulting a professional carpet cleaner. Good luck!

FAQ

What should I do immediately if I spill paint on my carpet?

Act fast! Blot up as much of the wet paint as possible using paper towels or a clean cloth—do not rub, as this can push the paint deeper into the fibers. The quicker you respond, the higher your chances of removing the paint completely.

How do I know which cleaning method to use for the paint on my carpet?

Identify the type of paint:

Water-based (latex or acrylic): Easier to clean. Use warm water and mild dish soap to blot and lift the stain.

Oil-based: More challenging. Use a solvent like mineral spirits or acetone, applying it sparingly with a cloth, and blot the area gently.

Check your paint can or packaging if you’re unsure about the type.

What are the steps to remove dried paint from carpet?

For dried paint, carefully scrape off as much as possible with a dull knife or spoon. Then, depending on the paint type, use rubbing alcohol (for acrylic), a specialized paint remover, or a solvent like mineral spirits for oil-based paints. Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden area first to avoid damaging your carpet.

Are there any household items I can use to remove paint stains from carpet?

Yes! Common household items include:

Dish soap and warm water (for water-based paints)

Rubbing alcohol (for acrylic paint)

White vinegar or ammonia (for stubborn stains, but use with caution and proper ventilation)

A butter knife or spoon for gentle scraping

What if the paint stain won’t come out or is very large?

If DIY methods don’t fully remove the stain, consider using a commercial paint remover designed for carpets, or consult a professional carpet cleaner. In severe cases, replacing or patching the carpet may be necessary, especially if the paint has deeply penetrated the fibers or covers a large area.

Mike Katounas

Mike Katounas is the owner of Home Works Painting, a painting business in Northern Virginia. He has over 15 years of experience in residential interior and exterior painting, drywall installation/repair, carpentry, wallpaper removal, power washing, commercial painting, color consultation, and staining/sealing. Their service areas include Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Oakton, Reston. Mike takes pride in his work, and he always follows a strict code of conduct that includes the use of quality paint, a clean workspace, and an honest, respectful approach to his customers.