Are you tired of ruining your clothes with paint and want to know how to remove paint from clothes?
Whether you’re a professional painter or just a DIY enthusiast, accidents happen.
But don’t worry, with a few simple steps, you can easily remove paint from your clothes and save them from being ruined forever.
The first thing to keep in mind is to act fast.
If the paint is still wet, try to remove as much of it as possible with a spoon or a dull knife.
Be careful not to damage the fabric underneath.
Then, place a pad of clean rags or paper towels directly under the stain to prevent it from spreading to other areas of the garment.
But what if the paint has already dried? Don’t panic.
There are still ways to remove it.
Depending on the type of paint and fabric, you can use a variety of methods to get rid of the stain.
From using rubbing alcohol to laundry detergent, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading to learn how to remove paint from clothes and save your favorite outfits.
How To Remove Paint From Clothes
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you know how frustrating it can be to accidentally get paint on your clothes.

Luckily, there are several ways to remove paint from clothes without damaging the fabric. Here are some effective methods:
Scrape Off Excess Paint
The first step in removing paint from clothes is to scrape off any excess paint with a dull knife or spoon.
Be careful not to spread the paint further onto the fabric.
If the paint is still wet, blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the paint as possible.
Blot the Stain
Once you’ve removed the excess paint, blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Don’t rub the stain, as this will only make it worse.
Blotting the stain helps to lift the paint from the fabric.
Using Dish Soap
Dish soap is an effective way to remove paint from clothes.
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and apply it to the stain.
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain.
Rinse the fabric with warm water and repeat the process until the stain is gone.
Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another effective way to remove paint from clothes.
Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain.
Rinse the fabric with warm water and repeat the process until the stain is gone.
Using Commercial Stain Remover
If the paint stain is stubborn and won’t come out with the above methods, you can try using a commercial stain remover.
Follow the instructions on the label carefully and test the product on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before using it on the stain.
Remember, the key to removing paint from clothes is to act quickly and use the right method for the type of paint and fabric.
With these tips, you can save your clothes from permanent paint stains.
Post-Treatment Steps
After successfully removing the paint from your clothes, there are a few post-treatment steps you should take to ensure that the stain is completely gone.

Rinse and Repeat
The first step is to rinse the affected area thoroughly with warm water.
This will help to remove any remaining paint particles and cleaning solution residue.
If you notice any remaining paint, repeat the removal process until the stain is completely gone.
Washing and Drying
Once you have removed the paint, it’s important to wash the clothing item as soon as possible.
This will help to remove any remaining cleaning solution residue and prevent any long-term damage to the fabric.
When washing the item, be sure to follow the care instructions on the label.
Use a gentle detergent and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners.
If possible, wash the item alone or with similar colors to prevent any dye transfer.
After washing, hang the item to air dry or tumble dry on a low heat setting. Avoid using high heat, as this can damage the fabric and set any remaining stains.
By following these post-treatment steps, you can ensure that your clothing item is completely free of paint stains and ready to wear again.
Preventing Future Paint Stains
Nobody wants to deal with paint stains on their clothes.
The good news is that there are several preventative measures you can take to avoid getting paint on your clothes in the first place.
Here are some tips to help prevent future paint stains:
- Wear old clothes or a smock when painting.
- This will protect your regular clothes from getting stained.
- Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover floors and furniture.
- This will help prevent accidental spills and splatters from getting on your clothes.
- Use painter’s tape to mask off areas you don’t want to paint.
- This will help you stay within the lines and avoid getting paint on your clothes.
- Keep a damp rag or paper towel nearby to quickly wipe up any spills or drips.
- This will help prevent the paint from drying and setting into your clothes.
- If you’re using spray paint, work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask.
- This will help prevent you from inhaling fumes and getting paint on your clothes.
By following these simple tips, you can help prevent future paint stains and keep your clothes looking clean and fresh.

Key Takeaways
Removing paint stains from clothes can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be done effectively.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when trying to remove paint from clothes:
- Act quickly: The longer you wait to treat a paint stain, the more difficult it will be to remove. As soon as you notice a stain, try to remove it right away.
- Identify the type of paint: The method you use to remove paint will depend on whether it is water-based or oil-based.
- Water-based paint can usually be removed with just water and soap, while oil-based paint may require a stronger solvent.
- Test before treating: Before you apply any cleaning solution to the stain, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
- Use the right tools: A soft-bristled brush can be helpful for scrubbing the stain, while a scraper or butter knife can be used to remove any excess paint.
- You may also want to use a stain remover or laundry detergent.
- Wash separately: After treating the stain, wash the garment separately from other clothes to avoid spreading any remaining paint or cleaning solution.
- Air-drying is usually best to avoid setting the stain with heat.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of successfully removing paint stains from your clothes.