While acrylic paint might leave an artistic mark on your canvas, it doesn't have to become a permanent stain on your clothes. Acrylic paint is known for its vibrant hues and fast-drying properties, making it a favorite among artists. However, its tenacity can pose a challenge when it lands on fabrics. Don’t worry–we’ll show you how to get acrylic paint out of clothes so that your artistry stays on the canvas where it belongs!
What Causes Acrylic Paint Stains?
Acrylic paint is known for its vibrant hues and fast-drying properties, making it a favorite among artists–and a challenge for your laundry. When acrylic paint comes into contact with fabrics, the pigments and polymers can penetrate the fibers and become trapped within them. This adhesion is further reinforced as the paint dries and hardens, making the stain challenging to remove with standard washing methods. The quick-drying nature of acrylic paint also contributes to its ability to create stains, as it doesn't give much time for intervention before it sets into the fabric.
How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes
What you’ll need: Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent, Stain & Odor Laundry Pods, Oxi Booster Pods
Step 1. Remove Excess
Whether you’re looking to learn how to get dried acrylic paint out of clothes or if the paint is freshly spilled, the first step is the same–let’s get rid of that gloppy paint! Gently scrape off as much excess paint as you can with a spoon, credit card, or dull knife. This will help you remove dried paint from clothes before treating the stain.
Step 2. Flush Out Stain
Rinse the stain under cold water to flush out as much of the paint as possible. Be sure to rinse through the back of the stain to push the pigments out of the fibers, instead of further in.
Step 3. Treat Strain
Add one pump of an enzyme-based product, like Dropps Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent, directly to the stain. Gently rub the detergent to create a lather, and allow it to sit. The enzymes in the detergent should break down the oils that make up the stain, making this a great treatment for removing acrylic paint from clothes. After allowing the treatment to sit, rinse the stain in cool water, working the stain with your fingers as you do so. The remaining paint should lift out of the fabric. Repeat as needed until the stain is fully gone.
Step 4. Wash
Now that the stain has been removed, wash the item as normal. We recommend using a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod, which contains enzymes for extra stain fighting. You can also add an additional Oxi Booster Pod to the wash for extra cleaning power and brightening!
Step 5. Dry
Let your garment dry! Be sure that the stain is completely removed before putting the item in the dryer, as the dryer’s high heat can cause stains to set permanently. We recommend leaving your garment out to air dry after the first wash, preferably in the sunshine. After following all of these steps, your clothes should be as good as new!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to get acrylic paint out of clothes? We’re here to help you learn how to remove acrylic paint from fabric for good.
Will acrylic paint come out of clothes?
Yes, with prompt and proper stain removal techniques, acrylic paint in clothes can usually be successfully removed. The quicker you act, the easier it will be to remove the paint, so treat those stains as soon as possible!
Does acrylic paint stay on clothes forever?
No, acrylic paint doesn't have to be a permanent addition to your clothes. Swift action and the right stain removal methods can effectively lift acrylic paint stains.
How do you get acrylic paint out of cotton clothes?
Our step by step guide above will help you get acrylic paint out of nearly any fabric!