How to Get Dried Paint Out of Clothes in 2024

Whoops, you’ve had a lot of fun painting and now you need to learn how to get dried paint out of clothes. It happens to the best of us. Whether you need to figure out how to get kids paint out of clothes or it was your own artistic accident, there are ways to solve the problem. 

We’re here to teach you how to get dried paint out of clothes with baking soda, alcohol, soap and even hairspray. Read on to find out about tried and true methods to save your favorite clothes.

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• How to Get Dried Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes
• How to Get Wall Paint Out of Clothes

How to Get Dried Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes

Are you getting a bit too creative at home? There’s nothing wrong with creativity (as a matter of fact, we encourage it), but it’s easy to let things get out of hand. One minute you’re making a masterpiece and the next you’re trying to figure out how to remove paint stains from fabric. We’ve been there. Luckily, when it comes to acrylic vs oil paint, acrylic paint is far easier to remove. 

If you want to learn to paint properly, consider taking classes. This won’t remove the chance of accidents, but it will help and you’ll learn a few new skills. You can take painting classes in Columbus, painting classes in NYC, painting classes in Sacramento or even online painting classes. The location doesn’t matter as long as you’re learning and having fun. 

Anyway, here’s how to get dried paint out of clothes.

Water and Soap Method

When in doubt, if you’re trying to figure out how to get dried paint out of clothes, try soap. Start by running cold water over the stained area. Apply mild soap or dish soap directly to the stain and gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush or cloth. Try to avoid spreading the paint around. Rinse the clothing thoroughly with cold water. Repeat this process until the stain fades.

Acetone or Nail Polish Remover Method

Whoops! You got too enthusiastic with your glass painting ideas and now you’re covered in paint. Now what? Nail polish remover may be just the thing you need. Dampen the stained area with water and apply acetone or nail polish remover. Gently scrub with a soft cloth and rinse with cold water and mild soap. Be cautious, as acetone can damage certain fabrics.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Method

Does vinegar remove dried paint from clothes after trying painting for beginners? If you’re lucky (and you act fast), yes. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and apply the solution to the stained area. Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it fizz a bit. Let the combination sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse with cold water and mild soap and dry as normal.

Laundry Detergent Boosters Method

Can you get dried gloss paint out of clothes after painting ceramics? Well, doing it the old-fashioned way and putting it in the washer might help. However, you can help your chances of removing the paint if you apply laundry detergent boosters, such as OxiClean or Shout, according to product instructions before washing. Then, wash clothes as usual and check for stains after drying.

Rubbing Alcohol Method

When it comes to how to remove paint from clothes, home remedies often include isopropyl alcohol (otherwise known as rubbing alcohol). Start by scraping the paint off of the item with a simple butter knife. Be careful not to cut the clothing. After that, you’ll want to rub the clothing with a rag soaked in alcohol to break down the paint. Next, wash the clothes as normal. This should help clean up after any messy painting techniques.

Hairspray Method

If you need to know how to get kids' paint out of clothes fast and you don’t have any conventional cleansers on hand, try this unlikely home remedy: hairspray. That’s right, you can remove dried paint from clothes using hairspray. 

Start by spraying a generous amount of hairspray onto the paint. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Then, gently scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush or cloth. Rinse the clothes under cold running water to remove the paint and hairspray residue. Repeat the process if some paint remains, and then wash the clothing normally on cold.

How to Get Wall Paint Out of Clothes

Oops! Painting the house wasn’t as seamless as you thought it would be. Luckily, the previous tips still apply for most types of wall paint. If you’re trying to figure out how to get dried wall paint out of clothes, try those tips first. Rather than breaking down individual tips here, we’ll talk about how to get dried paint out of clothes if it’s a different type of paint.

Latex Wall Paint

Latex wall paint is somewhat common. Most of the previous tips for how to remove dried paint from clothes will still apply. However, if you’re still struggling, there are a few methods you can try. 

If you can’t remove the dried paint from your clothes with hairspray, soap or other methods, try a paste made from baking soda and water. Skip the vinegar. Simply put the paste on the paint, let it sit and rub it off in about a half hour. 

If that doesn’t work, use essential oils. This isn’t the most reliable method, but the oils may help make the paint looser and easier to remove. If you act quickly and you have the right type of fabric, you may even be able to chip or peel the paint away without leaving a stain. 

Oil-Based Wall Paint

Anyone familiar with oil painting for beginners knows that oil paint is far harder to remove. Figuring out how to get dried paint out of clothes when it’s oil paint can be tricky, and the previous tips may not be as helpful. 

What you can do, however, is use paint thinner or turpentine. Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area. Use a brush or rag to rub the paint after using the paint thinner or turpentine.

Now that you know how to get dried paint out of clothes, it’s time to start cleaning! Make those clothes look as good as new. 

For even more tips and tricks, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!