Removing paint and cleaning paint stains: here's how

A smear of paint on the wall, the window or your clothes? It happens to the best DIYers. Luckily, paint is often easy to remove, whether it's dried wall paint, splashes on tiles or stains on clothing. In this article you'll read exactly how to remove paint and paint stains from different surfaces, with and without cleaning products.

What to do about a paint stain?

Whether you've got paint on your wall, clothes or hands, acting quickly stops the paint from setting. For fresh stains, always use a clean cloth or kitchen paper to dab away excess paint. Don't rub, because that pushes the paint deeper into the material. With dried paint, it's smart to soften the paint first with warm water or a mild cleaning product before you start scrubbing or scraping.

Removing paint stains from clothing or textiles

A paint splash on your trousers or jumper is annoying, but luckily not always permanent. The approach depends on the type of paint.

Water-based (wall paint, acrylic paint or latex)

1. Carefully scrape away the excess paint with a blunt knife or spoon.
2. Rinse the back of the stain under lukewarm running water.
3. Dab the stain with a little mild detergent or washing-up liquid.
4. Let it soak in for a moment and rinse.
5. Wash the garment as usual.

Oil-based or gloss paint

1. Apply a little turpentine or white spirit to a clean cloth.
2. Gently dab the stain (from the inside of the fabric).
3. Then rinse with lukewarm water and let the garment soak in soapy water.
4. Then wash it in the washing machine on the usual programme.

Paint in carpet or upholstery

Paint stains in carpet or chairs call for a different approach. For this, use the Achaté Spot Cleaner. It extracts moisture and dirt deep from the fibres, without damaging the material.

How to use it:

1. Apply some water to the stain.
2. Move the suction nozzle slowly over the surface.
3. Let the fabric dry before using it again.

Removing dried or old paint stains

Old or hardened paint takes a bit more patience. With this approach you can loosen dried paint too:

1. Make a mixture of warm water with a tablespoon of soda crystals or vinegar.
2. Place a damp cloth on the stain and let it work for 30 minutes.
3. Then carefully scrape the paint loose with a plastic spatula or a cloth.
4. Repeat if necessary and wipe the surface down with clean water.

Removing paint from hard surfaces

Not every surface reacts to paint in the same way. Below you'll find the best approach for each material.

Removing paint from walls or brick

Paint on walls or brick can usually be removed with paint stripper or steam.

1. Apply paint stripper with a brush and let it work for 15 minutes.
2. Carefully scrape the paint loose with a putty knife.
3. Rinse with clean water.

For an eco-friendly method, you can also use a steam cleaner to soften the paint layer before removing it. Test on a small patch of wall first to see how the surface reacts.

Removing paint from tiles or floors

Paint on tiles or grout is usually superficial. So cleaning tiles doesn't have to be difficult.

1. Use a solution of warm water with vinegar or a drop of washing-up liquid.
2. Scrub the stain with a soft brush.
   Rinse well and dry with a microfibre cloth.

For stubborn residue you can use a steam cleaner or a chlorine-free all-purpose cleaner. Avoid harsh products that can damage grout.

Removing paint from glass or windows

Fortunately, paint splashes on glass are easy to remove.

1. Wet the glass with warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid.
2. Use a glass scraper or razor blade at a shallow angle to scrape off the paint.
3. Clean the window with glass cleaner and wipe dry with a cloth.

Removing paint with household remedies

You don't always need expensive products to remove paint. Try one of these simple household remedies:

• Mix soda crystals and warm water into a thin paste and apply it to the stain.
• Let the mixture work for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Carefully scrape or dab the paint loose.
• Rinse with clean water or use a spot cleaner.

This method works especially well on dried paint on tiles or clothing.

Frequently asked questions about removing paint

How do I get paint out of clothing?

Rinse the back of the stain with lukewarm water and dab with detergent. For stubborn stains, use a spot cleaner to pull the paint deep out of the fabric.

How do I remove dried paint?

First soften the paint with warm water and a little soda. Then scrape carefully with a cloth or plastic spatula.

How do I get paint off my wall?

Use paint stripper or a steam cleaner to loosen the paint layer. Then scrape carefully with a putty knife and rinse.

Is paint on glass easy to remove?

Yes, with a glass scraper or razor blade held at a shallow angle you can remove paint safely without scratches.