Maybe it was a moment of carelessness, or maybe there were events outside your control… but regardless of how it happened, it’s done. Paint is spilled on the floor; what do you do? How do you clean up spilled paint? Is there any way to prevent this from becoming a disaster? Can you clean interior paint off of carpet? What about wood or laminate floors?
If you searched for this question, you probably need immediate answers, so let’s get right to the key information:
Acrylic/Latex Interior Paint Spills versus Oil-Based Paints
Water-based paints (also called acrylic or latex paints) are generally washable, if treated quickly and properly. The key is to act immediately, scooping up as much as you can to contain the spread, and then washing with very warm, soapy water. See below for more details.
In contrast, oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, and similar products are very difficult to clean. Again, the first step is to do whatever you can to contain the spread and scoop up the bulk of the paint. Open windows to ensure adequate ventilation, as these products have potentially harmful (or even explosive) properties. To clean up, you will need a paint thinner or a similar product (mineral spirits, etc.). Be careful, however, as these cleaning chemicals are also harsh and potentially explosive. Also, these products can remove the finish from your floor. Read the label carefully on whatever product you use, and also refer to the “cleaning and care” instructions for your specific flooring.
Small Paint Spills on Hard Surfaces
If you spill a small amount of latex paint on a hard surface such as vinyl, laminate, hardwood, or tile, use an absorbent cloth or paper towel to soak it up. Blot the paint, rather than wiping. Next, use a sponge with warm, soapy water, and finish cleaning the spot. Grout can be one of the hardest floor surfaces to clean paint out of; be extra careful to remove paint from it promptly.
In the case of small flecks or rings from latex paint that you find later or could not clean up immediately, they can often be removed with a putty knife once the paint is dry.
Small Paint Spills on Carpet
Use an absorbent cloth or paper towel to soak up the latex paint. Blot; don’t scrub. You don’t want to spread it! Next, use a sponge with hot, soapy water, and scrub the area. Be careful not to get the carpet too wet, or it could lead to mildew. Once you have washed it, let the area dry. Remaining paint can sometimes be brushed out once it is dry, using a carpet comb or a nylon brush.
Large Spills with Latex Interior Paint
When your paint spill looks more like a puddle than a spot, you need to contain the spread right away. Kitty litter is the perfect absorbent material, but you can also use sawdust or cedar chips. If you don’t have those on hand, you may want to sacrifice some old towels. Whatever you choose, put it around the perimeter of the spill to keep it from spreading.
Next, scoop up as much of the liquid as you can. A plastic dustpan could work very well, or a paper plate folded in half.
Now you can follow the instructions above regarding hot, soapy water for cleaning up the area. Once it has dried, remaining residue may be removable using a putty knife or a nylon brush.
An Ounce of Prevention
Clearly, the best way to handle interior paint spills is to prevent them. Whenever you are working with interior house paint, be sure to protect all flooring and furniture. If you use fabric drop cloths, make sure they are non-absorbent. For those who prefer to use plastic sheeting, tape it carefully in place, and be careful not to tear it. Now, if paint spills, all you have to do is roll up the protective sheet with the paint inside, and remove it from the house; disaster averted!
Professional Interior Painting Services
Another way to prevent damage to your floors and furniture is to hire a professional house painter. When you work with a reputable painting contractor, you can be assured of quality and care in every step. The workers will take all preventative measures for protecting the home, and they work with utmost caution to ensure beautiful results.
For homeowners in New Jersey, Cherry Hill Painting is a name you can trust for excellence in interior painting. Additionally, we offer exterior painting, drywall services, kitchen cabinet refinishing, and more. To get started with your interior painting project, contact our office for a free, no-commitment estimate.