To get kid’s paint out of clothes, follow these steps:

• Use a spoon or a blunt knife to remove any excess paint gently.
• Run the stained area under cold water to remove the paint.
• Try putting some stain remover on the stain and leave it for a bit.
• Rub the fabric to help lift the paint.
• Wash clothes in a machine using the warmest water setting.
• Before drying, check if the stain is gone.
• Do not use a dryer until the stain is completely removed.

How To Get Kids Paint Out of Clothes

I remember one incident at my daughter’s school art fair. She was so engaged in her painting that her dress turned into a colorful mess. At that time, I knew how to tackle these stubborn stains effectively.

To remove paint from clothes, just be patient and use the right methods. I’ve figured out some easy ways that can help you.

In this blog, I’ll share useful guides, techniques, and top tips to protect your child’s clothes from paint stains.

How to Remove Water-Based Paint Out of Clothes

I once faced a situation where my child decided to turn their clothes into a canvas. Getting water-based paint out of clothes can be a bit tricky.

But with the right approach, it’s entirely manageable. Let me share some tips with you:

Supplies and Tools

To effectively remove water paint from clothes, you will need:

• Cold water
• Mild detergent
• A sponge or cloth
• A soft brush (like an old toothbrush)
• Rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover
• Cotton balls or pads
• A bucket or basin

Step 01

Act quickly to tackle the paint stain for removal. If the paint is wet, dab it with a cloth or paper towel to lift as much as possible.

Step 02

Flip the clothing inside out and rinse the stained area with cold water. This will effectively remove most of the paint from the fabric.

Step 03

Rub a small dab of mild detergent onto the stain, using a soft brush. Work from the edges towards the middle to stop the stain from spreading.

Step 04 

Suppose the paint has dried, wet a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Then, dab it onto the stain. 

Be sure to test this on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

Step 05

Fill a bucket or basin with cold water and add extra detergent. Let the stained clothing soak for at least an hour. For stubborn stains, you can leave it overnight.

Step 06

After soaking, wash the garment in the washing machine with cold water. Check the stain before drying. If it’s still there, repeat the steps. 

Don’t use the dryer until the stain is gone to prevent setting it permanently.

How to Remove Oil-Based Paint Out of Clothes

As an expert, I’ve dealt with countless paint mishaps and know the frustration of getting oil-based paint on clothes.

It doesn’t matter if it happened during a project or from a random spil. Getting rid of this paint can be tricky.

Let me share the best ways I’ve found to fix this problem.

Supplies and Tools

Before you start, make sure you’ve got all the stuff you need. Having everything ready makes the process much smoother.

• Solvents: Turpentine or mineral spirits
• Detergent: Heavy-duty laundry detergent
• Soft Brushes: Old toothbrush or nail brush
• Protective Gloves: To protect your hands from harsh chemicals
• Clean Cloths: For blotting and applying solvents
• Bucket: For soaking the clothes

Step 01

Remove as much paint as you can with a clean cloth by blotting. This prevents the paint from spreading and sinking deeper into the fabric.

Step 02

Put on your protective gloves and apply a small amount of turpentine or mineral spirits to the stain. 

Use a soft brush to gently work the solvent into the fabric. This step may take some time, so be patient.

Step 03

After the solvent has loosened the paint, rinse the fabric under cold running water. Continue to blot and rinse until the majority of the paint is removed.

Step 04

Apply a heavy-duty laundry detergent directly to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush.

Step 05

Wash the garment in the machine washing using warm water. Check the stain before drying, as heat can set any stain remains.

Step 06

Some stains may require multiple treatments. If the stain stays, repeat the steps until the paint is completely gone.

How to Remove Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes

I have faced the challenge of removing acrylic paint from the clothes many times.

Once, during an art workshop, my little brother accidentally got acrylic paint on his favorite shirt. That time, I learned a few effective techniques to tackle this problem.

Supplies and Tools

you will need the following supplies and tools:

• Rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover
• A spoon or dull knife
• A clean cloth or sponge
• Mild detergent
• Warm water
• A soft brush or old toothbrush

Step 01

Use a spoon or a dull knife to scrape off as much paint as possible. Be careful not to spread the stain further.

Step 02

Start by soaking a clean cloth or sponge with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Then, gently dab the stain, moving from the outside to contain it.

Step 03

Gently rub the stain with a cloth or sponge until you see the paint start to lift. Then, rinse the area with warm water to wash away any remaining paint and alcohol.

Step 04

Apply a small amount of mild detergent to the dusty area. Gently scrub with a soft brush or an old toothbrush to work the detergent into the fabric.

Step 05

Rinse the garment thoroughly with warm water. If the stain lasts, repeat the process until it is completely gone.

Step 06

After the stain is gone, simply wash the garment as usual. Before drying, inspect the area to make sure the paint is completely removed.

Understanding Paint Types

When dealing with kid’s paint on clothes, make sure you know the various paint types.

I first discovered this when my child returned home from school with colorful paint all over a new shirt.

Here I discuss:

Latex or Water-Based Paints

Water paints are commonly found in children’s art projects. It can be easily washed out of fabrics. These paints dissolve in water, making cleanup a breeze.

I recall rescuing a cherished shirt that my child had transformed into an artwork. Just a brief soak in warm, soapy water and a gentle scrub made it new!

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints may not be the usual choice for kid’s art. They can be tough to remove. Unlike water-based paints, they need special solvents.

Once, a drop of oil paint stained my kid’s jeans during a home project. With some turpentine and a little patience, I was able to rescue them.

Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are really handy because they dry fast. You can clean them up with water when they’re wet. Once they dry, they won’t smudge easily. 

I remember when my kid’s acrylic painting got on the couch. I acted fast, using a mix of water and soap to stop the paint from staining permanently.

How Different Paints Affect Fabric

Paints behave differently on fabric. Water-based ones are usually safer. But oil-based and acrylic ones can seep deeper and leave permanent stains.

I once spilled oil paints on a fancy shirt. It was clear the paint had stuck to the fibers. I had to use a stronger cleaner to prevent damage.

Identifying the Paint Before Treatment

Before trying to remove a stain, it’s essential to know the type of paint you’re dealing with. Using the incorrect method might ruin your fabric.

In my experience, testing a small spot that’s not visible first can help you figure it out.

For example, when I had a dried acrylic stain, I tried a bit of alcohol-based cleaner on a hidden area.

Immediate Actions to Take

I understand how frustrating it can be when your kids get paint on their clothes. 

So, I have developed some effective strategies to deal with them.

Step to Act Quickly

When I notice a paint stain on my kid’s clothes, I jump into action right away. The sooner I treat the stain, the better chance I have of getting rid of it completely.

At a kid’s art event, I saw how acting right away can stop stains from sticking around forever.

Removing Excess Paint

One of the initial steps I take is to remove any extra paint from the fabric. This involves gently scraping off the paint with a blunt knife or spoon. 

It prevents the paint from spreading further into the fabric fibers.

Blotting vs. Rubbing

Using a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the stain works better than rubbing it. 

Blotting helps soak up the paint without spreading it further into the fabric. 

I learned the hard way by rubbing a paint stain and making it worse. Now, I strongly suggest blotting instead.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

I have identified some common mistakes people make when trying to remove paint stains. 

For example, using hot water can set the paint into the fabric, making it nearly impossible to remove. Instead, I use cold water and mild detergent for the initial cleaning.

Another mistake is not testing the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area. This test ensures it doesn’t cause damage or discoloration.

By using these steps and avoiding mistakes, I’ve rescued many outfits from paint stains. My hands-on method and effective strategies always do the trick.

General Pre-Treatment Methods

For water paint, you can usually fix the stain with stuff you’ve got at home. But oil-based paint often requires some heavy-duty help.

Let me share some effective pre-treatment tips:

Using Water and Soap

I’ve often found myself in situations where the paint is still new. In these cases, I immediately reach for water and soap. 

Then gently patting the stain with a mix of warm water and a mild soap. That usually does the scheme to lift the paint. It’s a trick I use all the time.

Using Vinegar and Baking Soda

In one particular instance, I was faced with a stubborn paint stain on my kid’s shirt. After some research, I decided to try a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. 

This combination not only helped break down the paint but also deodorized the fabric. It’s a fantastic eco-friendly option that I highly recommend.

Commercial Stain Removers

Sometimes, home therapies just aren’t enough. I recall a time when I had to deal with a particularly tough paint stain. 

Turning to commercial stain removers was my last alternative. Products specifically designed for paint stains can be very effective. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the care labels carefully.

Testing a Small Fabric Area First

Protect your fabric from damage by testing any treatment on a small area first. This step ensures the cleaning method won’t harm the fabric. 

I remember when a quick test saved my kid’s delicate dress from getting ruined.

Tips for Paint Removal from Kid’s Clothes

Remove paint stains from your favorite clothes with ease. No matter if it’s polyester or cotton, a little time and effort can save your garment. 

If you’ve spilled paint on your shirt, use these tips. They will help you remove stains quickly.

Tips 01

Act fast to remove a stain, as letting it air dry can make it stickier. Avoid putting the stained garment in the dryer, too – the heat can lock the stain in place.

Tips 02

Soak dried latex paint stains in a mix of vinegar, ammonia, and salt. This will remove the paint from your clothes. Then, wash them.

Tips 03

Get rid of stains by gently blotting them – don’t rub, or you’ll make it worse.

Tips 04

Try using turpentine to deal with dried oil-based paint stains on clothes. It helps soften the stain. So you can follow the usual steps to get rid of it.

Tips 05

Remember to look at the garment’s care label first to find the best way to treat or wash stains for that particular item.

Tips 06

Dried water-soluble paints need less elbow grease. But, you should still coat the paint in dish soap or detergent for a few hours. This loosens the stain and readies the fibers.

How to Remove Fresh Paint Vs Dried Paint

To get rid of new paint on clothes, dab the spot with a cloth, then rinse with warm water. Apply detergent with warm water and dab it on the stain. 

New paint stains are usually easier to get out than dried ones. Remember to dab, not rub, to stop the stain from spreading deeper. Using a mix of detergent and warm water can help break down the paint.

Removing dried stains is a bit harder. First, use a non-acetone nail polish remover. Dab it on the stain, then rinse and wash the garment. Always test on a hidden spot first to avoid fabric damage.

First, rinse the clothes well before washing. Then, dry any clothes with flammable materials.

What to Do If Paint Stains Lasts

When a paint stain just won’t budge, try some tougher methods. Start by giving it another go with the cleaning process, scrubbing hard.

Then, grab a stronger paint remover from the store and follow the advice carefully. And remember, always be safe and take care of your clothes while you’re at it.

Try dabbing the cloth with a pad soaked in dry cleaning stuff to lift the paint stain. Keep blotting until it’s all gone. If the stain sticks around, just keep at it, but if the color starts fading, it’s time to stop.

Dealing with Sensitive Fabrics

For delicate fabrics like silk or wool, be gentle! Don’t scrub them hard or use strong chemicals – you’ll ruin the fabric. Instead, take it easy and use mild stuff.

To clean fabrics like these, grab some gentle dish soap and warm running water. Dip a soft sponge or cloth in the mix, then softly pat the paint stain. 

Wash the fabric with cold water. If the stain sticks around, try a fabric paint remover made for delicate fabrics.

Before tackling that stain, be sure to check the product instructions. This way, you’ll protect the fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Handling paint stains can be challenging, but with the right tools, it’s possible. Just act fast, grab the right stuff, and follow the steps for good results.

In this article, I’ve shared the best ways to clean various paint stains. So, the next time your kid gets paint all over their clothes, you’ll know just what to do.

I believe, my article has provided you with the best method for removing kid’s paint from clothes. Stay tuned to my blogs for more helpful tips on caring for your child.