WikiLaundry > Stains > Paint > White tie

Quick and Easy Guide to Cleaning Paint Stains from White Tie

Q: What is the treatment for water-based paint?

Dab a small amount of clear laundry detergent onto the stain, making sure it’s worked into the fabric well. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

Accidents happen, and you may find paint stains on your white tie. But don't despair! Here is everything you need to know to remove those unsightly paint stains.

Updated 22 Jun 2023

By Mateuzs Kowalski

Step 1: Identify the Paint Type

Not all paints are created equal, and that means not all paint will come out the same way. Before you take any action, you need to identify the type of paint that stained the tie. If the paint is water-based, such as tempera, craft paint, or poster paint, you have lucked out and you’re in for an easier cleanup. If it's oil- or latex-based, you’ll be in a bit more of a pickle.

Step 2: Prep the Tie

Once you’ve identified the stain, you can get started on prepping the tie for cleaning. Start by laying a white towel flat next to the sink. Place tie on the towel paint side up, and then gently brush stain so that all the excess paint is removed. From here, you can rinse the tie with warm water until the paint is no longer visible.

Step 3: Treat It

Once excess paint has been rinsed away, you can begin treating the tie. For water-based paint, dab a small amount of clear laundry detergent onto stain, making sure it’s worked into the fabric well. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Make sure the paint is completely gone before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Degrease It

If the tie is oily or has grease stains, you’ll need to degrease it. Begin by mixing ¼ cup (60 mL) of white vinegar with 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water. Dip a cloth or soft brush into the mixture and scrub the stain in a circular motion until the oil is gone. Once it’s gone, rinse tie with warm water until all vinegar is gone.

Step 5: Soak It

For oil- or latex-based paint, you’ll need to soak the tie. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a drop of mild detergent. Submerge the stained area of the tie in the bowl and let it soak for at least an hour before checking to see if the stain has softened. If it has softened, rinse the tie with warm water before using a soft-bristle brush to scrub away any remaining paint.

Step 6: Rinse and Wash

Once the paint is gone, rinse tie with warm water and wring it out thoroughly. Don't forget to check the back side of the tie for any paint residue. Finally, wash tie in a washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Hang it to dry and voila! Your tie is good as new.

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