How to remove oil-based paint from carpet

January 7th, 2025 Carpet Cleaning Guides

Removing oil-based paint stains is notoriously difficult because they contain no water and, therefore, no pH, making conventional cleaning methods ineffective.

These stains fall into the “oil and grease” category, where water-based cleaners fail entirely. In fact, using water on these stains only pushes the paint deeper into the carpet pile, spreading the problem rather than solving it.

The solution lies in using solvents. Non-polar solvents like xylene or natural options such as eucalyptus oil are specifically designed to dissolve oily substances that water cannot touch. These solvents break down the paint’s molecular structure, loosening it from the carpet fibers. Choosing the appropriate solvent ensures the stain is removed efficiently without further embedding or damage to the carpet.

Equipment

Orange Solvent

A diLimonine, citrus solvent spotter for removing gum, tar, oil and grease.

When dealing with stubborn oil-based paint stains that resist water-based cleaning methods, Orange Solvent stands out as the ideal solution. Its powerful citrus blend featuring DiLimonine solvents and emulsifiers, effectively breaks down the oils and resins in paint, allowing the stain to lift from the carpet fibres. Unlike water, which only spreads the stain, Orange Solvent dissolves and emulsifies the paint, making it easy to rinse away without leaving a trace.

To remove oil-based paint from carpet & upholstery, you will need:

Absorbent white terry towel
Conquer
Carpet Extraction Machine.
Wet extraction equipment (or wet & dry vacuum)
PPE including eye protection and gloves.

Ensure that you have read and understood the safety data sheet and technical information for all chemical products used. This includes a thorough understanding of directions for use and the limitations and capabilities of each product.

The Process

Apply Orange Solvent

Begin by dampening a clean, dry, white absorbent cloth with Orange Solvent. Gently blot the solvent onto the stained area, ensuring even coverage without saturating the carpet or fabric. This step helps dissolve the nonpolar oils and resins in the paint.
Agitate the Stain

Using a spotting brush, lightly tamp the stained area to agitate the solvent into the fibres. This mechanical action helps the solvent penetrate deep into the stain, breaking down its structure for easier removal.
Allow for Dwell Time

Let the Orange Solvent sit on the stain for approximately five minutes. This dwell time gives the solvent adequate time to emulsify the paint, loosening its grip on the fibres.
Blot Away the Stain

Using a fresh, dry towel, blot the treated area to absorb the loosened paint. Alternatively, you can dry vacuum extract the solvent and stain residue. Avoid adding water during this step, as it can spread the paint further.
Repeat if Necessary

If traces of the stain remain, repeat the process until the stain is completely removed. Patience and thoroughness are key to achieving optimal results.
Rinse and Extract

Once the stain is fully removed, prespray the treated area with Conquer or a suitable prespray solution. Then, rinse and extract using wet extraction equipment to remove any remaining solvent and residue, leaving the area clean and refreshed.

Further Notes

Alternative product

If Orange Solvent is unavailable, you can substitute it with Gum Gone – a powerful aromatic solvent for oil spot removal, or Actichem PIG – a water-rinseable, powerful stain remover that quickly breaks down tough stains such as inks, graffiti and shoe polish.
Encapsulation Method

For encapsulation or low moisture cleaning methods, Actichem VDS is the perfect alternative to Orange Solvent, providing powerful stain removal without excessive wetting. Its low-residue formula complements these techniques, ensuring thorough cleaning with minimal disruption.
To finish, apply Conquer and carefully blot the area to eliminate any remaining residue. This approach not only delivers exceptional stain removal but also preserves fiber quality and achieves a clean, professional finish.
Avoid Spreading The Stain

When tackling an oil-based paint stain, always blot the stain instead of rubbing or scrubbing. Firstly, this will prevent fiber damage or distortion and secondly blotting will absorb the stain out of the carpet without pushing it deeper into the fibers.
Another way to avoid spreading the stain is to avoid water. As it is an oil-based paint, water will be completely ineffective in removing the stain. Rather it will dilute it, allowing it to spread and seep further into the carpet.