How to remove acrylic paint from clothing: Methods and tips

How to remove acrylic paint from clothes step by step

The best chance of removing acrylic paint stains is to act quickly. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to remove acrylic paint completely after it has dried, but you can come close to it.

The best thing to try is to gently scrape the dried paint off the fabric with a scraper, soap, and water.

However, there is a chance that the scraping method will damage the clothes you are trying to clean, so it is better to act before the stain dries.

What you will need to remove acrylic paint from clothes

• a scraper
• liquid laundry detergent
• isopropyl alcohol;
• a nylon brush or an old toothbrush.

While the stain is still wet, carefully scrape off the paint so as not to smear the stain. Then treat the area following the steps below.

Scrub acrylic paint stains

Apply liquid laundry detergent to the stain and rub it in gently but quickly. You can also use a soft nylon brush or an old toothbrush to clean the fabric quickly.

After applying the detergent, rinse the stained item thoroughly in cold water and repeat the process as many times as necessary to remove the paint as much as possible.

Apply isopropyl alcohol

After washing with a liquid detergent, it is recommended to treat the area with isopropyl alcohol to make sure that the stain is removed from the clothes.

According to Arch Art Supplies, isopropyl alcohol helps to dissolve stubborn acrylic paint but it's better to test the product on a small area first.

Wash clothes in a washing machine

After the stain has completely disappeared, wash the clothes in a washing machine. Set the cycle that is suitable for the stained item, choosing cold water. After the cycle is complete, let the item air dry.

What not to use when removing acrylic paint

Although it is believed that window cleaner, vinegar, and ammonia can remove acrylic paint stains, these products will not be effective on insoluble stains.

Industrial solvents such as acetone and paint thinner should also be avoided.

Although both dissolve acrylic paint, they are designed for hard surfaces and do not work well on soft surfaces such as fabric, dissolving the factory dye.

In addition, industrial solvents are flammable.

Also, when removing acrylic paint from fabric, do not rub the fabric too hard with the brush - this will remove not only the stain, but also the color of the fabric in the contaminated area, and damage the fibers.

Earlier, we wrote about how to remove a stubborn sweat odor from clothes.