How to Remove Paint From Floors, Glass Carpet and Hair

T here isn't a DIY (do-it-yourself) in the world, who hasn't decided to paint something indoors or out, and had to deal with the consequences of splatters or spills, afterwards.

If you're working with latex, which is a water-based paint, keep a couple of soft rags on hand, and a bucket of water. Cleaning up spills as soon as they happen, is your best defense.

When you don't see those little extra touches you didn't mean to leave, there are a number of tips to follow.

When painting windows, dried paint can be removed by dabbing hot vinegar onto the spots with a cotton ball, to soften it. It will then come off easily when scraped, instead of having to scratch the glass.

Waved your brush a little too freely when doing the kitchen? Clean dried spots on your floor by mixing a paste of starch and hot water that will soften the paint, to be scrubbed off in half an hour.

This also works on brick, and cement surfaces that have not been water sealed, although you may need a stiff brush for the scrubbing.

If the latex paint spill is on carpeting and still damp, try blotting it with a wet cloth and a solution of two tablespoons dish detergent to three cups of water. Some people also recommend adding two tablespoons of white vinegar. Sponge the solution into the carpet, then rinse.

If you have been using oil-based paint, it generally takes some type of chemical paint thinner to remove it, no matter where the spill is. On carpets, this should be handled delicately, by testing the fabric first to make sure it doesn't melt under the harsh chemicals.

For small spots apply with a Q-tip, or a cloth on your finger, to control the area that is moistened. Blot and repeat until most of the paint is off, then use the same detergent solution as for latex paint, to remove the leftovers, and the thinner.

Whichever paint was on your brush, if it ends up in your hair, try using baby oil to wipe down the locks. Then wash your hair with a grease-cutting dish detergent before using regular shampoo.

Here are some additional tips for removing paint:  

If you have ever painted a room in your home and accidentally spilled some paint on the new carpet, no doubt you will start to freak out.  However, there are methods you can use to remove the paint, but you have to act immediately. 

1.         Remove as much paint as you can with a scraper or a spoon. 

2.         Take a bucket and fill it with warm water.  Add either a liquid detergent or a product called Oxi-Clean to the water.   

3.         Place towels into the bucket until they are fully soaked. 

4.         Put the towels on the areas where the paint is and blot, but do not rub. 

5.         Use towels to remove the excess moisture. 

6.         Repeat the process until the paint is completely gone. 

Now there are many recommendations such as using laundry detergent to glass cleaner and rubbing alcohol. 

If there are paint drops on the carpet that have dried, one way to remove the paint is to pull the fibers up from the carpet and snip the top of the fiber with a pair of scissors.  It doesn’t leave any holes in the carpet and once you vacuum it is non-detectable. 

Another option is to use a wet/dry vacuum and/or steam clean the area.  Keep in mind that using any type of chemical to remove the paint can also lighten the carpet.  Moreover, if you have the carpet professionally cleaned, the scotch guard that protects the carpet is also removed in the process, leaving the carpet quite limp.  

To avoid getting paint on the carpet, use the plastic tarps that are sold in the paint store.  They are relatively cheap and you can buy several to cover not only the carpet, but every piece of furniture in the room.

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