How To Get Paint Out of Clothes (Even Acrylic Paint)

Learn how to get paint out of clothes with these three easy methods. Includes how to get acrylic paint out of clothes and how to get dried paint out of clothes.

We've all been there. You're helping your kids with a fun art project or finally getting around to painting that room you've been meaning to update, and then it happens: a paint stain on your clothes.

You know the frustration that comes with seeing that stain and wondering if you'll ever be able to wear that favorite shirt or pants again. In this article, we show you how to get paint out of clothes, whether that paint is wet or dried. You’ll get practical tips on removing paint stains so you can salvage any type of clothing. 

We'll cover everything from simple techniques like using rubbing alcohol and dish soap to more unconventional methods like hairspray or vinegar and baking soda paste. 

What you’ll need

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Dish soap
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Hairspray
  • Soft-bristled brush or cloth
  • A dull knife, spoon, or old credit card

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How to get paint out of clothes

Getting latex paint out of clothes is easy. Simply scrape off excess paint, rinse with warm water, apply dish soap, scrub gently, and repeat until the stain is gone. Acrylic paint needs more effort. You can either use rubbing alcohol and dish soap, vinegar and baking soda paste, or hairspray to get rid of the stain.

How to get latex paint out of clothes

Latex paint is water-based, making it easier to remove than oil-based paint. To clean, scrape away the excess paint. Then rinse the stained area with warm water, apply dish soap, and gently scrub with a brush. Rinse and repeat until the stain is gone. A pro tip is to avoid hot water, which can set the stain.

How to get acrylic paint out of clothes: 3 ways

If you’ve had to deal with acrylic paint on clothes, you know how challenging and frustrating it can be to remove. Here are three tried and tested ways to get acrylic paint out of clothes: rubbing alcohol and dish soap, vinegar and baking soda paste, or hairspray.

Method 1: Rubbing alcohol and dish soap

Follow these steps to get acrylic paint out of clothes with rubbing alcohol and dish soap.

Remove excess paint

If the acrylic paint is still wet, gently blot it with a paper towel or cloth to remove as much as possible. Be careful not to rub the stain, which can worsen it. For dried paint, use the edge of a dull kitchen knife, spoon, or old credit card to remove as much of the paint as possible from the fabric's surface. 

Apply rubbing alcohol

Next, pour rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain, making sure to saturate the area thoroughly. Allow the alcohol to soak into the fabric for a few minutes.

Meanwhile, you can also use rubbing alcohol to dissolve other substances, like permanent marker ink and sticker residue off furniture and glass, making it a powerful stain remover. 

Scrub with dish soap

After the alcohol has time to work its magic, apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain and gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush or cloth. Finally, flush out the paint by running the stained area under cold water. 

If the acrylic paint stain is still visible, repeat the processes above until the stain is completely gone.

Method 2: Vinegar and baking soda

Here’s how to remove acrylic paint from your clothes with vinegar and baking soda. 

Blot the paint stain

As with the first method, start by blotting the paint stain with a paper towel or cloth to remove the excess paint. If it's dried paint, scrape with a dull kitchen knife or spoon.

Create a vinegar and baking soda paste

Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. 

The length of time the paste needs to sit depends on the size and severity of the stain, so it's always a good idea to check the stain after a few minutes to see if it's lifting and adjust the time accordingly.

Scrub with a brush

Using a soft-bristled brush or cloth, scrub the stain gently, working the paste into the fabric. Rinse the area with cold water and repeat the process if necessary.

Method 3: Hairspray

Follow these steps for using hairspray to remove acrylic paint from your clothes. 

Apply hairspray

First, verify that your hairspray has alcohol listed among the ingredients. If it does, spray the affected area with the hairspray until it’s completely saturated. Then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Scrub with dish soap

After letting the hairspray sit, apply a small amount of dish soap to the paint stain and gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush or cloth. Rinse the area with cold water and repeat the process until the acrylic paint is completely gone.

FAQs on removing paint from clothing

Quick answers to your most commonly answered questions about getting paint out of clothes.

Does vinegar remove paint from clothing?

Yes, vinegar removes paint from clothing due to its acidic properties, which help to break down and dissolve the paint. To use vinegar for paint removal, mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda to create a paste. Apply to the stain and let it sit for 30 mins. Then scrub with a brush and rinse with cold water. 

How do you get paint out of clothes with hairspray?

To get paint out of clothes with hairspray, spray the paint-stained area with hairspray containing alcohol. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then apply dish soap to the paint stain and gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with cold water and repeat until the stain is gone. 

How to get just about anything out of clothes

More tips for the laundry room. Learn how to get these other tricky items out of your clothes:

Don't let paint stains ruin your clothes

Paint stains on clothes can be frustrating, but they don't have to be permanent. Whether you're dealing with latex or acrylic paint, by following the steps outlined in this article, you can say goodbye to the stubborn stains and salvage your clothes. 

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