Removing paint spills and splatters can be tricky, but there is no need to panic. With the right tools, you can remove the paint quickly and painlessly – knowing how to get paint out of carpets is the first step.
Read on to discover our tips and tricks.
Things to Know Before Removing Paint from Carpet
Identify if the Paint is still Wet or Dry
When you encounter a spill, it is vital to know whether it is wet or bone dry; this will inform your actions moving forward.
Remember not to panic, and maybe touch it gently if unsure.
Type of Paint Spilled
The type of paint in question will also inform how you remove it.
Prevent Long Term Damage
Be wary of the chemicals you may use when removing paint, as they can bleach or damage your carpet.
Before using chemicals like paint thinner or nail polish remover, we recommend doing a spot test in an inconspicuous location on the rug and using as little as possible.
If using harsh chemicals, always wear protective clothing and properly ventilate your space during use.

Removing Wet Paint Spills Before They Dry
Here is our guide for how to get wet paint out of carpets:
For Water-Based or Latex Paint, Acrylic-Based Paint
- 1Lift the excess with a spoon, putty knife, or other flat object and put it in a can or container.
- 2Mop up as much of the paint as possible with thick paper towels or white cloths, making sure to dab and not scrub.
- 3Pour a small amount of hot water onto the area and wait a few moments.
- 4Add a small drop of dish soap and gently work into a lather.
- 5Dab and blot gently, starting from the outside in.
- 6Keep going until the paint dissolves, soaking up the excess water with paper towels or clean white cloths.
- 7Once the paint is gone, dab with dry towels.
- 8Vacuum the area thoroughly.
For Oil-based paint
- 1Use a spoon or putty knife to lift the excess paint. Be careful not to scrub the carpet or push the paint into the fibers.
- 2Blot the paint with paper towels or clean white cloths.
- 3Open the windows and put on protective gear.
- 4Wet the towels or cloths with a bit of paint thinner or turpentine and keep blotting.
- 5Once the paint is gone, add soapy water to the area and scrub to clean.
- 6Sponge and blot the area with dry paper towels and sponges.
- 7Vacuum the area thoroughly.
How To Remove Dry Paint Stains From Carpets
Here are our guides for how to get dried paint out of carpets:
Removing Dried Water-Based/Latex/Acrylic & Chalk-Based Paint
- 1Scrape off as much as possible with a utility or putty knife. Needle the smaller paint chunks as much as possible without damaging the carpet.
- 2Saturate the affected area with water and vacuum with a wet/dry vacuum.
- 3Repeat above as many times as necessary.
- 4Mix one cup of water with half a teaspoon of dish soap or white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- 5Spray the area and leave for a maximum of two minutes.
- 6Work up a lather using a stiff brush.
- 7Dab and blot the area with clean cloths until the paint is gone.
- 8Cut off the carpet tips if necessary.
- 9Vacuum the area.
- 10Shampoo the carpet if necessary.
Removing Dried Oil-Based Paint
- 1Remove the dried paint chunks with a utility knife or needle-nose pliers. Break up smaller parts with a needle.
- 2Vacuum the carpet to remove loose paint and steam the area.
- 3Clean the area with an upright or handheld carpet cleaner and solution.
- 4Wet a cleaning cloth with a small amount of paint remover and blot the area until the paint dissolves.
- 5You can use 100 percent acetone or hydrogen peroxide to remove the paint this way. However, we recommend doing a spot test as hydrogen peroxide and acetone could damage your carpet.
- 6Shampoo the carpet once the paint is gone.
- 7Trim the carpet fibers to remove paint-covered tips if necessary.
- 8Go over the area with a vacuum.
If you have an expensive carpet or find that none of the above works for you, we recommend contacting your local carpet cleaning specialist for tips or a quote.
Tips To Avoid Paint Spills On Carpet
Knowing how to clean the paint is all well and good, but how can you prevent paint spills from happening in the future? We recommend doing some or all of the following during your paint job:

Paint and Carpet FAQs
Will baking soda get paint out of carpet?
According to Crayola, baking soda can be used to remove powder paint. Some say that mixing baking soda with a small amount of vinegar can remove paint from the carpet. However, we recommend trying our methods above first. Do a spot check before using this method.
What is the most difficult stain to remove on carpet?
That depends on the type of spill, your carpet type, and a variety of other factors. Most people consider coffee, juices like Kool-Aid, blood, and pet stains to be some of the more troublesome stains to remove.
Where to find protective gear and floor protection?
We recommend searching for protective gear such as goggles, overclothes, gloves, and drop cloths on Amazon. You can find bundles and individual items for low prices, and speedy delivery is always convenient.
Conclusion
When a paint spill occurs, do not panic – you now know how to clean paint out of carpets. Follow our steps above and remember not to scrub, and the paint should come away in no time.
As all circumstances are different, we recommend contacting a specialist if you still have issues after following our directions.