What supplies are needed to remove paint stains from cotton denim?

You'll need laundry detergent, a non-abrasive scrubbing brush, a bucket of warm water, a towel, a sponge, and a few rags. You may also want to pick up a bottle of pre-treatment stain remover if the stain is particularly stubborn.

How often should I wash my denim after treating a paint stain?

It's best to wash your denim immediately after treating the paint stain. Wash on the delicate cycle with a mild laundry detergent, and then hang dry or tumble-dry on low heat.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Paint > Cotton denim

Getting Rid of Paint Stains on Cotton Denim: A Complete Guide

Paint stains on your favorite pair of cotton denim can be a hassle. But with right know-how and supplies, you can clean up those pesky paint stains in a jiffy! Read on for an easy, step-by-step guide to removing paint stains from your denim.

Updated 22 Jun 2023

By Isabelle Trottier

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Your first step is to collect all the supplies you’ll need to get started. Grab some laundry detergent, a non-abrasive scrubbing brush, a bucket of warm water, a towel, a sponge, and a few rags. If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, you may also want to pick up a bottle of pre-treatment stain remover.

Step 2: Pre-Treat the Stain

If you purchased a pre-treatment stain remover, now’s the time to use it. Apply a generous amount of the stain remover directly onto the paint-stained area of the denim. Let the product sit for up to 15 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.

Step 3: Soak the Denim

Fill a bucket or large bowl with warm water and add a few drops of laundry detergent. Place the denim in the water and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This will help to loosen the paint stain and make it easier to remove.

Step 4: Scrub Stain

After waiting for 30 minutes, take out the denim and lay it flat on a towel. Use a non-abrasive scrubbing brush and a dab of detergent to gently scrub the paint stain. Don’t be too harsh — you don’t want to damage the fabric!

Step 5: Wash and Dry the Denim

Once you’ve been able to remove most of the paint stain, it’s time to throw the denim in the washing machine. Wash it on the delicate cycle with a mild laundry detergent, and then hang dry or tumble-dry on low heat.

Bonus Tips

If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, try using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda before pre-treating or soaking.
Always test a small, inconspicuous area of fabric before applying any products.
It’s best to treat paint stains as quickly as possible, as longer they sit, the harder they are to remove.

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