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What is the Best way to get Water Based Paint out of Carpet?

Answer:
Removing water based paint from carpeting is generally not too difficult,

nor is it usually damaging to the carpet fibers, if done correctly. Water based paints clean up and thin out using only water, thus little or no environmental or health hazards are present, providing the disposal of paint-laden cloths or paper towels is handled properly.

If trying to remove a still-wet amount of water based paint from typical (nylon--wall to wall) carpeting, simply daub the stain with a paper towel or rag moistened with tap water. Do not rub the spot, but simply use the moist towel or cloth as a blotting tool, to pull as much of the paint material from the carpet fibers as possible. Rinse out or change the towel or cloth frequently, and do not over-saturate the carpet, to ensure the stain remains localized and does not spread. Once the stain appears to be sufficiently removed, continue to rinse the carpet fibers a few more times, then dry them with a hand-held hair dryer, fluffing them as needed with an old comb or toothbrush.

If trying to remove an already dried amount of water based paint, a different approach is required. Tap water may or may not help to soften an already dried water based paint stain, but it is worth a first try, for sure. Start by using hot water with a little dish detergent. If possible, drip or spoon a small amount directly onto the stain, and allow it to sit there for a few minutes to see if it might begin to soften the paint on its own. It should be readily apparent if it is going to work; when you attempt to scrape the stain with a sharp knife or perhaps a pin, it should be evident. If it seems to be softening, continue to scrape the softening material and re-wetting with the hot water/soap solution until the stain is gone.

If the hot water/soap method does not seem to be sufficient at softening and removing the already dried water based paint stain, you may need to use a hand-held steamer, which will produce steam (to 285 degrees), which should be sufficiently warm to soften the stain. Once softened, you can pick the paint from the carpet fibers with a strong needle or pin.

Once the stain is removed and the carpet fibers rinsed clean, dry the carpet with a hand-held hair dryer and fluff the fibers with an old toothbrush or comb.


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