Pre-treatment
Before we get into the methods of removing water based paint from clothes, it’s important to know that pre-treatment is crucial. The longer the paint stays on the fabric, the harder it is to remove. Pre-treating the stain as soon as possible will increase the chances of success.
What You Will Need
To pre-treat the stain, you will need the following items:
- Water
- Dish soap
- Paper towels
- Old toothbrush
How to Pre-treat the Stain
1. Blot the paint stain with a paper towel to remove as much excess paint as possible. 2. Rinse the stained area from the back of the fabric with cold water. 3. Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain and gently rub it in with an old toothbrush. 4. Let the soap sit on the stain for a few minutes. 5. Rinse the stained area again with cold water.
Removing Water Based Paint from Clothes
Now that we have pre-treated the stain, it’s time to move on to removing the water based paint from the fabric.
Method 1: Vinegar and Water
This method is useful if the paint stain is still wet. 1. Blot the stain with a paper towel to remove as much excess paint as possible. 2. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. 3. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and dab it on the stain. 4. Continue to blot the stain until it is gone. 5. Rinse the fabric with cold water.
Method 2: Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is an effective solvent for water based paint, but it can also damage some fabrics. Test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first before using this method. 1. Blot the stain with a paper towel to remove as much excess paint as possible. 2. Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain. 3. Let it sit for a few minutes. 4. Gently rub the stained area with an old toothbrush. 5. Rinse the fabric with cold water.
Method 3: Dish Soap and Ammonia
This method is useful if the paint stain is dry. 1. Mix a solution of 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 1 tablespoon of ammonia, and 1 cup of water. 2. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and dab it on the stain. 3. Let it sit for a few minutes. 4. Blot the stain with a paper towel. 5. Rinse the fabric with cold water.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bleach to remove water based paint stains?
A: No, bleach can make the stain worse and damage the fabric.
Q: Can I use a washing machine to remove water based paint stains?
A: It’s not recommended. The paint can spread to other areas of the fabric and the washing machine.
Q: What if the stain doesn’t come out?
A: If the stain doesn’t come out, take the garment to a professional cleaner.
Conclusion
Getting water based paint out of clothes is challenging, but not impossible. Remember to pre-treat the stain as soon as possible, and try one of the methods mentioned in this article. With a little patience and effort, you can remove the stain and save your favorite clothes from the trash bin.