If you’ve been redecorating your Adelaide home and spilled a few drops of paint on the carpet don’t worry as in most cases it can be successfully removed without leaving a trace! While drop sheets should always be used to cover carpeted areas during painting, accidents can occur and we’ve seen our fair share. So follow this simple guide on how to remove dried paint from carpet effectively and safely.

The first thing to note is that paint will not be removed by any type of regular carpet cleaning process – remove paint stains from carpet using a manual process that is done by hand and is not included in a standard carpet cleaning service charge. Perhaps your previously immaculate carpets are now looking like this?

What You’ll Need?

Oil Type Paint Remover

The brand we use is Stelco and you can find it at specialist cleaning equipment stores. We get ours from DC Supplies in Thebarton, South Australia.

No-Rinse Neutralizing Agent

Virtually impossible to find for consumers, we can supply you with a bottle straight from the Australian Carpet Cleaning Institute.

Microfiber Cloths to Absorb the Paint

We recommend microfiber cloths from Supercheap Auto / Costco / Bunnings stores throughout Adelaide.

Protective gloves (Bunnings)

Wear protective gloves from Bunnings to shield your hands from harsh chemicals while safely removing dried paint stains from carpet.

Respirator Mask (Bunnings – prefer twin filter)

Use a twin-filter respirator mask from Bunnings to protect against fumes when using strong cleaners to remove dried paint stains.

It’s very important that you take precautions to ensure that none of the oil-type paint remover touches your skin and that the mask is fitted correctly to prevent you from inhaling any toxic fumes. Unfortunately, dried paint on carpet requires the use of strong chemicals, so care must be taken through every step of the paint stripping process for your safety and that of your family.

Step By Step Guide

Wear Protective Gear

First put on your gloves and respirator mask. After fitting your respirator mask, use your fingers to pinch the mask at the sides of your nose while inhaling a deep breath – this will suck the mask further into your face giving you a much tighter seal. Open any nearby windows to allow a continuous supply of fresh air while you are working and help dissipate any smells from the paint remover.

Apply Paint Remover to a Cloth

Now that you’ve got your safety gear on we are ready to start. If dealing with only a minor amount of dried paint on carpet, you can often apply a small amount of the oil type paint remover directly to the area and give it a gentle rub back & forth using a clean section of a microfiber cloth. This will cause small amounts of paint to quickly go from dry to liquid and be absorbed onto the microfiber cloth.

Cover the Paint Stain

For large amounts of paint the first step is to apply a generous amount of the oil type paint remover on to a clean section of the cloth so it is soaked and large enough to cover the area. Then hold down the wet part of the cloth for a minute over the paint while gently applying a small amount of pressure with your hands.

Blot the Softened Paint

After a minute, repeat the same procedure with a fresh cloth or section. You’ll notice the paint stains begin to lift and transfer onto the cloth after two or three repetitions.

Repeat as Needed

Continue using fresh cloths and paint remover until all the dried paint on carpet is removed. Gently blot with the cloth and heel of your palm to speed up the absorption process.

Neutralize the Area

After removing the paint, apply a mild detergent or vinegar solution to neutralize chemicals and odors, then blot with clean water.

Dry and Vacuum

Allow the carpet to air dry completely, then vacuum thoroughly to restore texture and remove any remaining residue or loosened particles.

After all the paint is off, spray the No-Rinse Neutralizing Agent over the entire area where you applied the oil type paint remover. This will neutralize any toxic chemicals from the paint remover, rendering them inert. A “No-Rinse” agent should be used as this means it won’t leave behind any sticky residue and hence the treated area won’t re-soil faster than the rest of the carpet. Alternatively have your carpets professionally cleaned by our carpet cleaning in Adelaide service.

If you’ve followed all the steps correctly you now know exactly how to remove dried paint from carpet and have successfully eliminated both the paint stains from carpet and any harmful chemical residue.

How to Remove Fresh Paint Stains?

Water-Based Paint:

Blot the spill (don’t rub)

Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot up as much fresh paint as possible. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain.

Apply dish soap & warm water

Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Apply the solution to the stained area using a sponge or cloth.

Dab gently, rinse, and vacuum

Dab the area gently to lift the paint. Rinse with clean water, blot dry, then vacuum once the area is completely dry.

Oil-Based Paint:

Scrape excess

Use a blunt tool, like a spoon or dull knife, to gently scrape off any excess paint without pushing it deeper into the carpet fibers.

Dab rubbing alcohol or paint remover

Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or a carpet-safe paint remover to a clean cloth and dab the stain carefully.

Blot and rinse

Continue blotting until the paint lifts. Rinse with warm water and blot dry to remove any remaining solvent or residue.

Still concerned or unsure about tackling dried paint on carpet yourself? Our expert carpet cleaning service in Adelaide is ready to help, with professional-grade products and decades of experience, we ensure your carpet looks as good as new.

FAQs

1. Can vinegar remove dried paint from carpet? 

Yes, for latex paint. Avoid on wool.

2. Can I use nail polish remover? 

Only on synthetic carpets. Test first.

• Will paint thinner damage carpet?  

Yes, if misused. Always test in a hidden spot.

• What if the paint won’t come out? 

Contact Delight Carpet Care in Adelaide.

Final Tips:

• Use drop sheets while painting
• Keep a damp cloth nearby
• Use a paint tray instead of the can

Need help with paint stain removal? 

Contact Delight Carpet Care – Adelaide’s expert in paint and stain removal.

📞 Call us at 0449 127 793
🌐 www.delightcarpetcare.com.au