Latex paints are reduced with water during their production, while oil-based paint contains white spirit as a coalescing agent. Therefore, oil-based paint stains are more difficult to get out than their water-based counterparts.

Latex-paint stain

Dab at the paint stain with a white towel if it is still wet. Refrain from making a rubbing movement, or the paint stain will spread to the surrounding fabric.

Spray the area with cool water from a spray bottle. Mix 1 tbsp of liquid detergent with 237 ml (1 cup) of cool water and dab at the stain with a moist towel.

Rinse the soapy detergent off the sofa by spraying the area with water until it runs clear. Press the area with a clean, white towel or paper towels to dry. Place a fan next to the sofa to help dry the wet area.

Oil-based stain

Apply a small amount of paint thinner to the stain using a cotton swab. Continue to dab at the stain with the swab until the paint begins to lift.

Scrape some of the paint off with a knife or spoon as you are dabbing at the stain. Spray the stained area with warm water from a spray bottle.

Mix 1 tsp of liquid detergent with 237 ml (1 cup) of warm water. Dip a towel in the mixture and dab at the area. Rinse with warm water and press down with a towel to dry.