How To Get Paint Out Of Polyester

Things Needed

  • Heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent

  • Sponges and clean cloths

  • Dry-cleaning solvent

  • Alcohol

Tip

Test any stain removal method in an inconspicuous place. Don't use chlorine bleach on polyester fabrics unless the label specifically directs such use. Overloading a washing machine or washing polyester fabrics on high will cause wrinkles that are difficult to remove.

Polyester fabrics are durable and resist many stains, but they wrinkle easily and are damaged by heat. Some stains can prove difficult on polyester, however, including stains from oil point, which may be difficult or even impossible to remove, according to Ohio State University. Treat stains while they are fresh, if possible. Also, base your treatment on the type of paint. If the paint is latex-based, stain removal will prove less difficult than oil-based paint.

Removing Latex Paint

Step 1

Rinse wet latex paint under cold running water to remove most of the paint.

Step 2

Apply a dime-size amount of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent and rub it into the stain. Wash the garment in cold water. Inspect the stained area and repeat the process if necessary.

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Step 3

Spray or sponge a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent onto dried latex paint. Blot with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse the item in clean water.

Step 4

Apply heavy-duty liquid detergent to the stain and wash as previously directed.

Removing Oil-Based Paint Stains

Step 1

Dab some alcohol on the oil-based paint stain with a cloth or sponge to thin it. When the paint dissolves, rinse it in clean, cool water.

Step 2

Apply heavy-duty detergent to the stain and wash as previously directed. Repeat the process if necessary.

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Step 3

Dry the garment on in the dryer on a medium setting only after the stain is completely removed. Putting a stained garment in the dryer will permanently set the paint.

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