Treat paint spills on carpet or hard flooring fast, using the right method for wet or dried, water-based or oil-based paint.
PS-01Act quickly and work out what you're dealing withFresh paint is always easier to remove than dried paint, so deal with a spill straight away. Check whether it's water-based (emulsion, most wall paint) or oil-based (gloss, satinwood, some primers) — the tin will say, or emulsion wipes thin with a wet finger while gloss stays sticky and won't budge with water alone.
PS-02Scrape off any excess paintUse a blunt knife or the edge of a spoon to lift off as much wet paint as you can, working from the outside of the spill inwards. Don't rub or spread it — this pushes paint deeper into carpet fibres or floor grooves.
PS-03Treat wet water-based paint on carpetBlot with a damp cloth, working from the outside in. Mix warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid, dab it onto the stain, then blot with a clean cloth. Repeat, using a fresh area of cloth each time so you're not smearing paint back in.
PS-04Treat wet oil-based paint on carpetWater won't shift gloss or satinwood. Dab a small amount of white spirit onto a cloth — not straight onto the carpet — and blot gently. Test on a hidden bit of carpet first, as white spirit can affect some carpet dyes. Work in a well-ventilated room, as the fumes are strong.
PS-05Clean spills on hard flooringWipe wet emulsion off wood, laminate, vinyl or tile with a damp cloth straight away — don't let water sit on laminate joints, as it can swell the boards. For wet gloss or oil-based paint, wipe with a cloth dampened with white spirit, then go over with a plain damp cloth to remove any residue.
PS-06Remove dried paint from carpetPick off any hard flakes with your fingernail or a blunt knife first. For dried emulsion, soften it with warm water and a little washing-up liquid, leave for a few minutes, then blot and scrape gently. For dried gloss, dab with methylated spirit on a cloth, working in small sections, then rinse with a damp cloth.
PS-07Remove dried paint from hard floorsScrape off dried flakes carefully with a blunt knife held flat to the floor, so you don't scratch it. Stubborn residue on tile or vinyl can take a dab of methylated spirit on a cloth; on wood or laminate, use it sparingly and wipe off quickly.
PS-08Rinse, dry and check the areaOnce the paint is gone, go over the area with a cloth dampened with plain water to lift any leftover soap or solvent. Blot dry with a clean towel and let it air dry fully before walking on it or putting furniture back.
PS-09Tidy up and dispose of materials safelyWhite spirit and methylated spirit are flammable, so keep them away from heat and open flames, and let solvent-soaked rags dry outside before binning them, rather than balling them up while damp. Seal used rags and empty containers in a bag before putting them in the bin, and wash your hands well afterwards.