How to Clean Up After a DIY Disaster

Even the best-planned DIY projects can result in a mess. Whether you’re painting, stripping paint, oiling a cutting board, or hanging pictures with adhesive hooks, the less-Instagrammable truth is that you might spill or stain something. Before you throw away that shirt, take your chair to the dump, or rearrange the living room to cover up a paint spill, browse this guide for tips on DIY cleanup.

Clean-Up Best Practices

Before you dive in with paint stripper or a heat gun, it’s important to take a few safety precautions. Remember, these are just a starting point.

1. Always use appropriate PPE.

Wear gloves, a mask or ventilator, an apron, and closed-toe shoes when cleaning.

2. Cover up.

Put down a tarp or dropcloth, or move your furniture outside before working on it. You don’t want to create a secondary mess while trying to clean up the first!

3. Get outside. 

Work in a well-ventilated area when using any kind of cleaning chemicals, ideally outdoors.

4. Read the label.

Follow the directions on any type of cleaning solution before you get started.

5. Don’t mix chemicals.

Never mix different chemicals, like bleach and ammonia, when cleaning your belongings.

6. Test in a hidden area.

You never know how a cleaning solution, even basic soap and water, will react with your material. Test it in a hidden area, like the back of a piece of furniture or the bottom of a cushion, before tackling conspicuous spots.

7. Consult a professional!

Are you unsure of how to tackle this project? While we’ve upcycled a thing or two, we aren’t experts. Consult a professional if you have questions or are unsure about the materials you’re working with.

How To Remove Paint From Furniture

Whether you’re repainting an old dresser or a piece of wooden furniture that got paint splattered on it while you painted your walls, you’ve got unwanted paint on your furniture. Depending on the type of furniture and paint, there are a few ways to remove it. 

• Paint stripper: This is best for removing multiple layers of paint or a large quantity of paint (like when repainting or refinishing a piece).
• Sandpaper: Best for flat surfaces, like the top of a dresser or table.
• Hot water: Best for removing splatters of water-based paint.
• Goo-Gone or similar: Best for removing splatters of latex paint.

If you want to remove paint from upholstery or clothing, keep reading!

How To Remove Adhesive From a Wall

Try these solutions if your renter-friendly DIY didn’t go as planned.

• Soap and warm water: Use a microfiber cloth gently scrub the sticky surface with soap and water.
• Heat: If soap and water don’t work, try a little heat, like a hair dryer, to loosen the adhesive.
• Goo Gone: If heat doesn’t work, try an adhesive remover like Goo Gone to strip it.

 

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How To Remove Acrylic Paint From Clothes

Art project gone wild? Acrylic paint can be a tough foe when it gets in your clothes. Your best chance is to act fast and remove it while it’s still wet. The tips from Visual Arts Passage will help you clean up acrylic paint messes.

Pro tip: When it comes to paint stains on fabric, blot, don’t rub! Rubbing paint with a cloth or other material can cause the pigment to spread. Blotting will help lift the pigment instead.

Wet acrylic paint

Use an old credit card, a metal utensil, or something similar to scoop up any excess paint. Then, run cold water through the fabric from the back. This will help push the paint out instead of pushing it further into the fabric. Finally, dab with soapy water or wash in the washing machine — heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent is your best bet.

Dry acrylic paint

First, scrape as much of the dried paint off with an old credit card or a dull butter knife. Then, gently blot the stain with a cloth damped with isopropyl alcohol or window cleaner. You may have to do this repeatedly to completely get rid of the stain, but be patient! 

How To Remove Oil Stains From Clothing

Have you ever decided to try your hand at DIY car or bicycle repair only to end up in a greasy mess? It happens to the best of us. Even DIY oiling furniture and cutting boards can result in oil-stained clothing. Much like acrylic paint, it’s important to try to remove oil stains as quickly as possible.

Baking Soda Method

Pro tip: Try this method for items that can’t be laundered!

1. Use a paper towel to blot the oil
2. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and leave it for 24 hours
3. Brush the baking soda away
4. Treat with a mix of vinegar and water, then scrub with a brush and soap.
5. Rinse with water and repeat as needed.

Dish Soap

Pro tip: Try this method for set/dried stains!

1. Ensure your fabric is dry before starting.
2. Place a piece of cardboard under the stain so you don’t transfer it to the other side
3. Place a few drops of dish soap on the stain and gently rub it in, then let it sit for about 5 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water, then wash in the washing machine.
5. Air dry to make sure the stain is gone – don’t put it in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone; otherwise, you could set it further. Repeat the dish soap treatment if needed.

How To Remove Paint From Carpet

That color-drenching project looked great online until you accidentally drenched your carpet, too. Much like the other stains we’ve talked about, it’s important to address a paint spill ASAP. Your removal method will depend on the type of paint you’re working with.

Water-based or Latex Paint

1. Use a rag or paper towel to blot the paint off the carpet. Remember, blot, don’t rub!
2. Pour hot water over the stain
3. Add dish soap to the wet area, then scrub with a stiff brush.
4. Keep scrubbing until the paint dissolves.

Oil-based paint

1. Blot the excess paint
2. Use a carpet cleaner with carpet cleaning solution on the stain
3. Blot the spot with a cleaning cloth and paint remover (don’t forget to test an inconspicuous area first).
4. If you don’t have paint remover, Home Depot recommends 100 percent acetone or hydrogen peroxide, but note that hydrogen peroxide can bleach your carpet.
5. Keep at it, oil-based paint can be stubborn!

CORT Furniture Outlet Has the Used Furniture You’re Looking For

Sometimes, DIY can get messy, but the end product is usually worth spending a bit of elbow grease on! Upcycling a piece of furniture can keep it useful for longer and help give your space more character.

Whether you’re on the hunt for your next piece to paint, or looking to buy something that’s already perfect for your home, turn to CORT Furniture Outlet. With lightly used furniture at up to 70% off new retail prices, you’re sure to find the right piece of furniture or decor in our ever-changing selection. Visit your local CORT Furniture Outlet today!