How to Get Paint Stains Out of Scarves Quickly and Easily
Have you ever accidentally gotten paint on your favorite scarf? Whether you’re an artist or you just made a mess while doing some painting around the house, don’t worry—there’s still hope! Here’s how to get those stubborn paint stains out of your scarf quickly and easily.
Updated 22 Jun 2023
By Jacobim Mugabe
Dish Soap and Cool Water
The simplest way to remove paint from a scarf is to use dish soap and cool water. Start by running the fabric under cool water to rinse off any excess paint. Then, lather the stained area with a few drops of mild dish soap and work it into the fabric with your fingers. Rinse the scarf in cold water once more and then repeat if necessary.
Rubbing Alcohol
Another effective way to remove paint from a scarf is to use rubbing alcohol. First, test the scarf in an inconspicuous area to make sure rubbing alcohol won’t damage the fabric. If it doesn’t, go ahead and apply the rubbing alcohol directly to the stain. Let the rubbing alcohol sit for a few minutes before rubbing the fabric together to work it into the fibers. When you’ve finished scrubbing, blot excess alcohol away and rinse the scarf in cool water.
Baking Soda
If your scarf is made of wool or cashmere, baking soda is another great tool for getting paint out of fabric. First, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of warm water to create a paste. Apply the paste directly to stained area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully rub the fabric together using your fingertips to work the paste into fibers. Once the area is clean, rinse the scarf in cool water and let it dry.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
You can also tackle paint stains on fabric with a combination of vinegar and baking soda. Start by rinsing the stained area in cool water to get rid of any excess paint. Then, mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda and apply it directly to the fabric. Let mixture sit for about 10 minutes before blotting it away with a damp cloth. Lastly, rinse the scarf in cool water and then hang it to dry.
Acetone
Acetone is a powerful solvent that can effectively remove paint from scarves. Be warned that acetone is extremely flammable and can be toxic, so it should only be used as a last resort. Start by testing acetone in an inconspicuous area of the fabric to make sure it won’t damage the fibers. Then, apply the acetone directly to the stained area and work it into the fabric with your fingers. Finally, rinse the scarf in cool water and then hang it to dry.
Laundering
If all else fails, you can always try laundering scarf in hot water and detergent. To ensure that the paint comes out, set the wash cycle to its hottest setting. You should also consider adding a tablespoon of oxygen bleach to the wash cycle to give the detergent an extra boost. If you’re concerned about color-fastness, add a color catcher sheet to the load to prevent any dye from running.
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