Make Flannel Look Good As New with These Paint Stain Cleaning Tips
Accidents happen - but don’t worry, you can still get paint stains out of your favorite flannel. Whether you’re dealing with water-based acrylic, latex, or oil-based enamel paint, we’ve got you covered.
Updated 22 Jun 2023
By Mateuzs Kowalski
Basic Steps for Cleaning Paint Stains from Flannel
- Begin by dabbing at the stain with a white cloth or white paper towel to absorb as much paint as possible.
- Check the care label on the item of clothing to see if you can machine wash it. If so, it’s best to pretreat the stain with an enzyme detergent such as Tide. Pour the detergent directly onto the stain and rub it in then let it sit for 10 minutes before laundering.
- If the flannel is not machine washable, spot treat the stain using rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Gently apply the cleaning product to the stained area using a clean white cloth. Work from the outside edge of the stain inwards.
- Once the stain has been treated, rinse the fabric in cold water and launder as normal.
Tips to Keep in Mind When Removing Paint Stains from Flannel Clothing
- Never rub a stain; the friction can spread the paint to a larger area and even cause the fabric to tear.
- Be sure to work gently when cleaning; using too much force may damage the fibers in the fabric.
- It’s important to use cold water when cleaning a paint stain, as warm water can set the stain.
- When using a chemical cleaner, always do a patch test on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it won't damage the fabric.
Conclusion
Paint stains can be pesky, but with the right tools and method it is possible to remove them from flannel clothing. Just remember to be gentle, use cold water, and always double-check fabric care label.