Removing Latex Paint From Clothing (3 Practical Ways)

This article will teach you the most effective techniques for removing latex paint from clothing without much elbow grease.

Because if we are being honest: it’s not uncommon to spill a few drops of paint on our clothes when rejuvenating our home with a fresh lick of paint.

In fact, it’s like a custom to accidentally splatter paint on your shirt before the end of the project.

And nine out of ten people condemn the clothes because latex paint behaves like oil-based paint once dried.

And you will have to move mountains before it comes out. Friction and force will be your greatest weapon, and doing so could damage the material.

But hold on, antsy homeowner, before you decide what to do with yours, we have prepared a step-by-step guide using just warm water and a sponge to make your cloth whole again.

YES! It is that simple. 

Removing Latex Paint From Clothing (4 Simple Steps)

Using dish soap or laundry detergent to remove the stains is logical. And in this case, it works miraculously well. But there is a way to do it: 

Step 1: Shake It Off! 

If the paint is still fresh, remove as much stain as possible. 

And the quickest and safest way to do this is by running warm water over the stained area. 

You can either place the fabric under a warm water tap or soak and shake it over the water.

Step 2: Apply The Detergent

Not all materials are detergent-friendly, so test them first. 

Try rubbing the detergent on the inseam of the cloth.

If the color doesn’t wash or come out, it is safe. However, if it does, I recommend you visit a professional dry cleaner. 

For the former, prepare a 1:1 ratio solution of detergent and water. 

Most experts prefer dishwashing detergents since they are good at breaking up oil. They perform well dissolving latex paint. 

Once ready, dip a sponge into the solution and apply it to the fabric. 

Before scrubbing the stain with a clean cloth, let it drink enough of it.

Step 3: Repeat Until The Stain Fades

One time might not be enough. Use your sponge repeatedly —you want to see a lather covering the surface and the stain no longer visible. 

If the detergent isn’t as effective as it should be, it is time to break out the big boy: Rubbing Alcohol. 

Step 4: The Final Rinse! 

To finish it over, you should rinse and launder the cloth. 

Do the stained clothing laundering separately from the regular washing load. 

How To Remove Latex Paint From Clothes With Baking Soda

Baking soda is often used to clean stains and odors from around the house. It can also remove paint, grease, dirt, and grime when it comes in contact with water.

And that is precisely what we’re going to use.

First, you need to assemble the following tools: 

• Plastic scraper or dull knife
• Microfiber cloth
• Disposable bowl 
• Disposable stirrer or mixer 
• Baking soda
• Warm water

Step 1#

First and foremost, apply the dull knife on the stained area —scraping off any removable paint as much as possible.

Step 2# 

Next is to pour the warm water over the affected area. This is usually done from the back of the material while gently working on the paint still. 

Step 3#

Mixt a 1:1 ratio of baking soda and water. Dip the microfiber cloth into the mixture and dab it over the affected surface. 

Step 4# 

Rinse the cloth with some warm water. You can repeat step 3 if need be. But step 5 is more crucial. 

Step 5#

Create a gummy paste mixture of water and baking soda. Apply it evenly on the area and let it rest for about an hour. 

Then finish the process by laundering the clothes.

Removing Latex Paint From Fabric [Best If Widely Stained]

This is the surefire method for removing latex paint from clothing: rubbing Alcohol. 

Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol is the perfect solution for driving off stubborn stains because the alcoholic percent liquefies even the oldest paint stains.

And it is quite the rockstar for doing so on different surfaces. 

This is what you must do: 

Step 1: Soak The Fabric In Warm Water

You can dip the fabric in a bucket of warm water or dip a clean rag with some warm water, squeeze a bit, and dab the stained fabric until it is slightly damp.

Step 2: Apply The Magic 

Pour a considerable amount of rubbing alcohol over the stain. 

I love to turn the solution first in a clean garden sprayer, so I get the proper application on the stain. 

But either way, it will be effective. Just let the solution set for a few minutes to loosen the paint. 

Step 3: Scrubbing Time! 

Once drenched in the solution, time to apply some elbow grease. 

Get the affected area a nice scrub with a soft brush —depending on the material; you could go from gentle to vigorous. 

However, if you are dealing with a delicate fabric, you should rub the cloth against itself, and the stain will go off. And if need be, apply more isopropyl. 

But no need to apply a soft brush or laundry brush. 

Step 4: Rinse Off The Residue With Warm Water

Rinse the fabric with some warm water. You can either do it in your laundry sink, soak the clean rag in warm water, then wipe the targeted area with it. 

Lastly, put the clothing in the washing machine for a final wash. Remember to follow the directions while laundering the item. 

Removing Latex Paint From Jeans [Ideal For Small Stains]

Jeans are complex materials.

For most people removing latex paint from it can be a tedious and time-consuming process when dried.

On the contrary, it is not if you have rubbing alcohol handy. 

So what else do you need? 

You will need rubbing alcohol, an old toothbrush, and a clean rag.  

Most experts recommend you begin working on the jeans inside out. But it is not a necessity. 

Damp the clean rag in a bowl of warm wet and dab it on the affected area —if the paint is still wet. 

Doing this will help remove excessive paint. 

Next is to apply the old toothbrush with the rubbing alcohol and begin working on the stained portion. 

Scrub evenly until the paint lifts off completely—rinse with hot water. You can choose to do your laundry afterward –just so you have fresh, clean jeans to wear. 

Conclusion 

And as you have seen, removing latex paint from clothing is a job that can be done quickly and easily.

With persistence and patience, you can recover your clothing after being painted with latex paint.

But note you must follow the procedure accordingly. It is also imperative to pick the best method for your situation.

For instance, if it is freshly stained clothing, method one would be ideal —considering it is stress-free.

However, using the dry latex paint removal strategy for wet latex paint could be somewhat abrasive on the material.

Find out how to remove paint from clothes with these tried and true methods.