Removing Latex Paint from Clothes

Once a piece of cloth is stained, we hardly ever see it restored to its former glory. Therefore, I won't be exaggerating if I say I actually dread repainting of my house as not only does it cause an upheaval in my domestic haven, but one or two pieces of my garments are sacrificed to the Paint deity, too. If the paint is oil based, then you can bid goodbye to your stained garment. But if it's latex paint that has ruined your clothes, then you might be actually lucky, because it's not that difficult to rescue clothes from a disastrous fate. I actually happened to learn from my neighbor who taught me few laundry tricks which come handy whenever a paint job is being done in my house.

How to Remove Latex Paint from Fabrics

Tip 1: As latex paint is water based, it is easier to wash it off with water. As soon as your clothes get stained with latex paint, bring it near a tap of water and hold it there for few minutes. Try to do it before the paint dries off. Gently brush the stained spot so as to break the paint. Do not demonstrate vehemence when brushing as it might damage the cloth.

Tip 2: Use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol for latex paint removal from clothes. Latex paint removal can also be done using hair spray available in most bathrooms as it also contains rubbing alcohol. After spraying the dried paint on the cloth, gently rub it with another piece of cloth. Continue this process of spraying and rubbing until the paint loosens and comes off.

Tip 3: Nail polish remover is a blessing where latex paint stain removal is concerned. It does not only get rid of nail paint but also works its magic on a variety of paints including latex paint.

Tip 4: If the stain is too stubborn and you have tried your luck with most other techniques of removing latex paint, then buying a paint thinner can be your next option. There are different types of paint thinners available in the market, like turpentine, acetone, toluene, etc. But before trying your hands at them, do read the manufacturer's guidelines in order to escape from any of its acute side effects. Exercise utmost caution when handling these paint thinners.

Tip 5: White spirit is also known as Stoddard solvent which can be used for latex paint removal. White spirit is organic solvent commonly used in painting and decorating. It act as a solvent for paints, varnishes, wood preservatives, lacquers, aerosol and also asphalt products.

Tip 6: You can try methylated spirits for some cleaning action on paint stained clothes. Also known as denatured alcohol, it is a mixture of ethanol and methanol. For stain removal from clothes, you need to dab the stained spot with methylated spirit and then, gently brush off the paint.

Tip 7: If it's your white clothes which had the misfortune of getting stained. Then, enzymes pre-soak products would prove to be of great help in removing nasty latex paint stains. Enzymes pre-soak products are basically bleaches containing enzymes as its ingredients. But they have to be used in cold or normal temperature only as hot water deactivates the enzymes present in it. Similarly, chlorine bleached water also hampers the activity of the enzymes.

Removing latex paint from your favorite shirt is no longer a daunting task. You can use any of the aforementioned stain removal tips to get the desired result and have your clothes restored to their former states.