How do I remove paint stains from a t-shirt?

Q: How do I remove paint stains from a t-shirt?

Check the care label first. If hand-washing is an option, begin by pre-treating the stain with a small amount of laundry detergent and cold water. Leave it to soak for at least 10-15 minutes. Then, gently rub the stained area in a back-and-forth motion for a few minutes, changing the water as it becomes soiled. Now that the main part of the stain is gone, rinse the t-shirt with lukewarm water and allow it to air dry. Repeat these steps if necessary.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Paint > T-shirt

Make Your T-shirt Look Like New Again - How to Remove Paint Stains

Paint stains on a t-shirt can be unattractive and difficult to remove. But the good news is, with careful cleaning and some focused effort, you can get those paint stains out of your t-shirt and make it look like new again.

Updated 22 Jun 2023

By Luke Smith

Step 1: Check Care Label

The first step to removing paint stains from your favorite t-shirt is to check care label. If your t-shirt is made of delicate fabric, you may want to take it to a dry cleaner for proper stain removal treatment.

Step 2: Pre-treatment

If hand-washing is an option, begin by pre-treating the stain with a small amount of laundry detergent and cold water. Leave it to soak for at least 10-15 minutes. This will help to loosen the paint stain before hand-washing.

Step 3: Hand-washing

Once the pre-treatment is done, it's time to start hand-washing. Begin by filling your sink or basin with cold water and adding a few squirts of laundry detergent. Then, gently rub the stained area in a back-and-forth motion for a few minutes, changing the water as it becomes soiled. Make sure to use a gentle movement when rubbing the stained area, otherwise you could damage the fabric.

Step 4: Rinse & Repeat

Now that the main part of stain is gone, it's time to rinse your t-shirt. Use lukewarm water to do this, and then repeat Steps 2 and 3 if necessary.

Step 5: Air Dry

Once you've finished rinsing t-shirt, lay it out flat on a clean towel and allow it to air dry. Don't put it in the dryer until you're sure the stain has been completely removed. Otherwise, heat from the dryer could set the stain permanently.

Conclusion

Paint stains on t-shirts don't have to be permanent. With a little bit of effort and patience, you can make your t-shirt look like new again. Just remember to check the care label and follow the steps outlined above to successfully remove paint stains from your t-shirt.

Try Laundryheap - 24h laundry service with free delivery

Never do laundry again. Save time for things you ❤️

Book now

WikiLaundry