How to Get Paint Out of Clothes (Acrylic, Latex and Oil)

Painting the house or doing a craft project with the kids almost always ends with a splatter on your clothes. Whether you can get it out depends on two things: what type of paint it is and whether it's still wet. Here's how to get paint out of clothes, from water-based acrylic and latex to oil-based paint.

Quick answer: Act while the paint is wet. For water-based (acrylic, latex, washable kids' paint), scrape off excess, flush from the back with warm water, work in dish soap, rinse and wash. For dried water-based paint, soften with rubbing alcohol and scrape. For oil-based paint, use the thinner recommended on the paint can, test first, then pre-treat with dish soap and wash. Air-dry and check before using the dryer.

Step 1: Identify the Paint

Paint type	Clean-up clue on the can	Main remover
Washable kids' paint	"Washable"	Water and detergent
Acrylic / latex (water-based)	"Clean up with soap and water"	Dish soap; rubbing alcohol for dried paint
Oil-based / enamel	"Clean up with mineral spirits"	Mineral spirits or turpentine (test first)

Wet Water-Based Paint (Acrylic or Latex)

Scrape off excess with a spoon or dull knife. Don't rub.
Turn the garment inside out and flush the back of the stain with warm running water to push paint out.
Work a few drops of dish soap into the stain with your fingers or a soft brush.
Rinse and repeat until no more color comes out.
Pre-treat with laundry detergent and wash as the care label allows.

Dried Water-Based Paint

Scrape off as much dried paint as possible.
Test rubbing alcohol on a hidden seam, then dab it onto the paint to soften it. Wait a few minutes.
Scrape or scrub with an old toothbrush; dab more alcohol as needed.
Wash with dish soap, rinse, and launder.

Hairspray and hand sanitizer (alcohol-based) work in a pinch. Avoid alcohol on acetate and triacetate.

Oil-Based Paint

Blot (don't rub) excess paint.
Work in a well-ventilated area, away from flames. Wear gloves.
Test the solvent the paint can recommends (usually mineral spirits or turpentine) on a hidden spot.
Place paper towels under the stain and dab the solvent on from the back until paint transfers.
Pre-treat with dish soap to remove the solvent, rinse, and wash separately.
Air-dry: never put solvent-treated clothing in the dryer until the solvent is completely washed out, because of fire risk.

Tips for Success

Never put paint-stained clothes in the dryer until the stain is gone; heat sets it.
Work from the outside of the stain inward.
Repeat treatments; paint often takes a few rounds.
For delicate or dry-clean-only fabrics, take the item to a professional cleaner and tell them it's paint.

Paint on Carpet?

Use the same paint-type rules, blotting with white cloths. Our carpet deep-cleaning guide helps with the rinse.

Other Tough Stains

Sharpie and permanent marker · Nail polish · Ink · Grease

FAQ

Does vinegar remove dried paint from clothes?

Hot vinegar can soften some dried acrylic paint, but rubbing alcohol is usually more effective. Test first.

Can I use nail polish remover?

Acetone can remove some paints but damages acetate and some synthetics and dyes. Test carefully.