Have you started to do a load of laundry and realized that an article of clothing is covered in dried latex paint? Or perhaps you are a homeowner who tried a DIY project and is now spattered with dried latex paint.
No matter how your clothing is decorated, we have solutions for removing paint that will make restoring your clothes back to their original glory easy! Keep reading to get our tips and tricks for removing dried latex paint and making those stained garments look like new!
What Are Water-Based Paints?
For those who don't know, latex paint is considered water-based. Water-based paints are a type of paint that is water soluble and environmentally friendly. This type of paint can come in various finishes, including flat, matte, semi-gloss, satin, and glossy.
Typically water-based paints are used to paint walls and ceilings in your home or an outdoor area, as they provide excellent coverage and protection against water infiltration. In addition, water-based paints can also be used on objects like wood furniture, concrete surfaces, and masonry walls.
Due to all its uses, getting these types of stains on your clothes can be common. And unfortunately, these types of stains can be difficult to remove. However, we will offer you our best tips and solutions for removing paint stains.
What To Do Before Removing Paint From Clothes
When it comes to removing paint stains, the steps are very straightforward. From these first few steps, you can then choose the solution stain remover of your choice. We will also give our picks for the best latex stain removers.
Scrape Off Excess Paint
First, you must scrape off all the excess paint found on your clothes. This is vital because if the extra paint doesn't get washed away, it can further stain. Scraping away the paint can be done with a butterknife, credit card, or any other strong surface.
Flush Stain With Warm Running Water
Next, when the excess parts of the stain are gone, you need to flush the stain. This is completed by running your article of clothing under warm water. Warm water helps with removing stains because it's an effective solvent.
Apply Stain Remover
When your item of clothing is wet and ready to be cleaned of all paint stains, you can then begin to apply one of the following stain removers.
Rubbing Alcohol
First, put some rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth or towel to get it damp. Rub the area gently but firmly until the paint has been removed. If any stubborn spots remain, add some additional rubbing alcohol and continue rubbing gently. Of course, always make sure you do a test patch first to ensure rubbing alcohol won't damage your material.
One word of advice, be sure not to rub too hard for the best results when using this solution.
Baking Soda
Yes, baking soda is a great stain remover for latex paint. As many know, baking soda really works for any household dilemma you run into and can be considered a great solution for removing stains of any kind.
All it takes is baking soda, some water, and a little bit of elbow grease, and you'll have those stains removed in no time.
Simply make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain and gently rub until the paint starts to come away. As you rub, add some more baking soda and water if needed to keep the paste moist - this will help to soften the paint for easy removal. Afterward, you can rinse off any residual baking soda with warm water.
Laundry Detergent
Arguably the best method for removing latex paint stains is laundry detergent. Laundry detergent works best because it removes stains without causing further damage to clothes.
To get started, combine laundry detergent and warm water in a bowl to make a paste, then apply the paste directly onto the stained area. From here, start off by gently rubbing it in with a sponge. Let the paste sit for several minutes before removing it with cool water for particularly tough stains.
It's important to allow time for the laundry detergent to soak in and penetrate the stain as you wait throughout the process. Although this is a great solution, one laundry detergent is steps above the rest in quality.
Tru Earths' fragrance-free laundry detergent strips can be a great choice for the job for various reasons. These hypoallergenic detergent strips are efficiently designed to seek out and dislodge dirt molecules and stains effectively.
Additionally, these strips have quality ingredients free from parabens, phosphates, dyes, and chlorine bleach, creating an eco-friendly product that is a ready-to-use stain remover for any type of stain!
If the Stain Remains, Repeat This Process
Sometimes this stain removal process won't work the first time, and that's alright. If you find yourself following the process and the stain is still there, just repeat these steps again. You can always use more of the solution provided or use various types of cleaners, like a different washcloth or harder sponge, to better remove the stain.
What Is the Best Way To Remove Latex Paint?
Removing water-based paint, such as latex paint, can be difficult. Fortunately, laundry detergent is the best latex paint remover out of the ones listed above. Using laundry detergent is the best way to tackle stains by helping to effectively remove any water-based paint stains without using harsh or dangerous chemicals.
Benefits of Laundry Detergent for Paint Stain Removal
As stated above, laundry detergent is the best option for removing latex stains. There are loads of advantages to removing stains with detergent. These benefits include:
- Being gentle on clothes while still having great stain-fighting power
- Working well in both hot and cold water will allow you to use whatever temperature is most effective for the particular stain.
- The cost of laundry detergent makes it an economical option when it comes to stain removal
With Tru Earth, You Won't Need Luck to Remove Paint Stains!
Paint stains can be a pain to remove, but with the right knowledge and products, you can easily get them out of your clothes. By following these tips and tricks, you will be able to get rid of latex paint stains so your clothes can live to see another day. Have no fear when it comes to stain removal; Tru Earth is here to help!
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