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How to Remove Latex Paint from Flooring

Latex paint spills on flooring can happen easily, especially during home building or remodeling. However, these paint spills should not be a cause for alarm. Since latex paint is water-based, you should be able to remove the stain with a few household items and a little scrubbing. With the right stain-fighting techniques, you can restore your flooring or carpet to the condition it was in before you had that little paint-spilling mishap.

Things You'll Need

  • Dull knife
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Lemon juice
  • Old toothbrush
  • Clean cloth
  • Water
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Vacuum
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Instructions

  1. Hard-Surface Floors

    • 1

      Scrape as much paint as possible off the floor using a dull knife. Work carefully so you don't scratch the floor.

    • 2

      Mix together a solution of 3/4 cup of rubbing alcohol and 1/4 cup of lemon juice.

    • 3

      Dip an old toothbrush in the solution and test it on a small, inconspicuous area of flooring. Wipe the area clean with a cloth dipped in clean water and let it dry. If the flooring appears damaged or discolored in any way, stop and consult a cleaning professional.

    • 4

      Scrub the paint with the toothbrush using the solution until all the paint is removed. Wipe the area with a clean cloth and let it dry.

    Carpet

    • 5

      Dampen the stained area of the carpet with water. Blot with a cloth to remove any loose paint.

    • 6

      Use a pair of needle-nose piers to twist the fibers and loosen any dry, ground-in paint. Scrub any remaining paint with a wet toothbrush.

    • 7

      Let the dampened area dry, then vacuum up any loose bits of paint.