We Asked a Maintenance Pro How to Get Paint Out of Carpet, and We Wish We Knew This Sooner

When paint gets on your carpet, there’s no need to panic. You can remove the paint and restore the carpet to its original condition.

Whether the paint is wet or dry, using only a few household items and the proper techniques can help you remove it.

Learn how cleaning experts and maintenance pros remove paint from carpet.

Best Method for Removing Paint From Carpet

The best method to remove paint from carpet is to blot wet paint, scrape dry paint, or apply isopropyl alcohol to loosen stubborn dry paint.

Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest how-tos, reno guides, and more!

Why It’s Effective

“The carpet cleaning method will depend on the type of paint and carpet materials,” says Shari Cedar, co-owner of commercial carpet cleaners AK Building Service.

Most paint is either latex (water-based) or oil-based, adds Cedar. The most common carpet materials are synthetic (such as nylon) or wool.

The key is to blot the carpet with a dry or damp cloth. When using liquids, apply as little as possible to avoid saturating the carpet.

Isopropyl alcohol is acceptable for loosening stubborn dry paint. Avoid using chemical cleaners whenever possible, as they may discolor the carpet.

How to Remove Paint From Carpet

When cleaning paint from carpet, first determine whether the paint is wet or dry. If the paint is wet, don’t wait for it to dry; clean it immediately.

“Latex water-based paint will typically come out with water and a light degreaser like dish soap,” Cedar says.

Cleaning Wet Latex Paint

1. Blot the carpet with a clean white cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing the stain.
2. Replace the soaked cloth with a clean section or a new one.
3. Repeat until no more paint shows on the cloth.
4. Fill a clean container with warm water and a drop or two of dish soap.
5. Wet a clean cloth in the mixture, then wring it out until it is damp.
6. Blot the stain with the damp cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone.

Cleaning Dry Latex Paint

1. Gently scrape the top layer of dry paint with a dull knife or plastic scraper. 
2. Fill a clean container with warm water. Add a drop or two of dish soap.
3. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture and wring it until it is damp.
4. Blot the paint stain with the cloth.
5. Repeat the blotting process until all flakes of dry paint are gone.

Cleaning Oil-Based Paint

Though rarely used due to environmental concerns, oil-based paint is sometimes applied to window trim, baseboards, and door casings.

“Oil-based paints are so stubborn that they require a solvent,” says Cedar, not just water and soap.

Cedar suggests using solvents like Goof Off or turpentine, often called paint stripper, to clean the paint from the carpet.

Type of Materials

The most common type of carpet fiber is synthetic, such as nylon or polyester, because they are stain-resistant. Wool is favored for its softness and lack of VOCs.

Synthetic Carpet

Synthetic carpet can usually be cleaned by blotting with a dry cloth or a cloth dampened with warm water and soap.

Wool Carpet

For wool carpet, first try gentle products like water and soap. You can use solvents to clean wool carpet—but you need to be careful.

Wool carpets will fade with heavy solvents. Immediately remove the solvents with warm water extraction using a commercial cleaning machine, advises Cedar.

Advice From Contractors

How contractors remove paint from carpet is a different matter. Since carpet lasts between five and 15 years, this is often a good time to install new carpet if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.

The cleaning company should have specialized cleaning experience—not just a typical residential cleaning service.

The carpet company should offer repair services. They will cut out the damaged section and replace it with new carpet.

Tips for Removing Paint From Carpet

Clean paint from your carpet with these tips:

• Cover wet paint with an inverted bowl if you can’t get to it immediately. This slows the drying process.
• Use a white cloth rather than one with color or patterns.
• Avoid applying dish soap alone to paint stains; always mix it with water.
• Work slowly and be gentle when scraping dry paint from carpet.
• Test isopropyl alcohol or other liquids in an inconspicuous area.