Sometimes, while painting with water-based paint, accidents occur. While you may have been able to protect your furniture and carpet with tarps, protecting your clothing from water-based paint stains may be another story. With a few simple steps, you should be able to remove new and maybe some old water-based paint stains as well. Remember that once the item has gone through a dryer's cycle, the water-based paint stain may be permanent.

Remove any excess paint with a damp cloth or rag that you do not mind throwing away. Flush out the stain with warm running water, starting from the back of the clothing item. Create a solution of equal parts dish-washing liquid soap and warm water. Rub the solution into the stain with either your fingers or a different, clean rag to attempt to remove any remaining paint on the garment. Rinse the garment, and repeat the process if necessary to remove any remaining paint.

Wash the item as directed on the clothing tag. Pour any detergent used in the wash directly on the stain prior to placing it in the wash for extra stain removing power. Inspect the garment after the cycle ends. If the stain is not completely removed, repeat this step until the stain is removed. Do not dry the garment until the stain is completely removed.

Dry the garment as directed on the clothing tag, once the stain is completely removed. Remove the item from the dryer as soon as the cycle is complete to avoid wrinkles. Use an iron to remove any wrinkles, if needed.