How to Remove White-Out From Carpet and Other Surfaces

White-out, also known as liquid paper, is a quick-drying paint used to cover up pen or marker ink on paper. It can be very useful for correcting minor mistakes without having to rewrite an entire page. However, white-out can also create messy stains if it gets on carpeting or other surfaces. With some effort and the right cleaning methods, you can remove dried white-out from carpets, clothing, wood, and more.

Why White-Out Stains and How to Prevent Them

White-out consists of an opaque, white pigment suspended in a fast-evaporating solvent. This allows the white-out to dry quickly on paper, creating an opaque layer that blocks out the ink underneath. However, this fast-drying nature also means that white-out can quickly soak into and stain fabrics or carpets before it has a chance to fully dry.

The pigments and waxy binders in white-out also make it difficult to remove once dried, as it forms a stiff, adhesive residue. Unlike ink, which soaks into the paper fibers, white-out sits on the surface, binding strongly to any material.

Here are some tips to prevent white-out stains in the first place:

Apply white-out sparingly using thin layers. Thick globs take longer to dry and are more likely to get on surroundings.
Allow each layer to fully dry before applying more white-out.
Work on an impermeable surface like a desk rather than on a carpet or fabric. Place scratch paper underneath to catch drips.
Wear an apron or old clothes when using white-out extensively to avoid splashes and spills on clothing.
Put the white-out container cap back on securely whenever you are not actively using it to avoid accidental spills.
Store white-out bottles upright and out of high traffic areas. Knocked over bottles lead to spilled white-out.
Supervise children carefully when they use white-out on crafts or schoolwork.

Cleaning White-Out from Carpet

White-out can quickly soak into carpet fibers, creating unsightly stained spots. The longer the stain sets, the harder it will be to remove. For best results, start cleaning white-out from carpet right away.

Step 1: Blot Excess White-Out

If the white-out spill is still wet, blot away as much of the excess liquid as possible with a clean cloth or paper towels.
Avoid scrubbing or mashing the white-out deeper into the carpet at this stage.
Focus just on wicking up the excess to prevent the stain from setting and spreading.

Step 2: Loosen Dry White-Out

For dried white-out stains, use a plastic spoon or dull knife to gently scrape and chip away at the hardened material on top of the carpet fibers.
Try to remove as much of the dried white-out residue as possible before wetting the stain.
Vacuum up any loose crumbs.

Step 3: Apply Stain Remover Spray

Spray a carpet stain removal product directly onto the white-out stained area according to the directions on the bottle.
Massage the spray into the stain using a clean cloth or soft-bristle brush.
Let it soak for 5-10 minutes so it can penetrate and loosen the stain.
Avoid using bleach or peroxide at this stage as it can discolor or damage carpet fibers.

Step 4: Blot with Warm Water

Dip a clean white cloth into warm water and gently blot the stained area to rinse away the cleaning spray and dissolved white-out.
Avoid scrubbing or you may drive the stain deeper into the carpet backing.
Keep blotting with clean sections of the cloth until it comes up clean.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 if needed for stubborn stains.

Step 5: Rinse with Vinegar

For final traces of white-out, spray the stain with undiluted white vinegar.
The mild acid helps dissolve any remaining staining residues.
Blot again with water to remove all vinegar.
Let carpet dry completely before vacuuming up any remaining dried stain debris.

Step 6: Repeat Stain Remover Treatment

If faint white-out stains still remain, reapply carpet cleaner and let soak overnight under plastic wrap.
Blot and rinse again the next day until all traces are removed.
For really stubborn white-out spots, call a professional carpet cleaning company. Their commercial-grade cleaners and steamers can remove set-in stains more effectively.

Eliminating White-Out from Clothing

White-out stains on clothing can appear permanent but can be conquered with some work. Address them promptly for best results.

Step 1: Scrape Off Fresh Wet White-Out

Use a dull knife or spoon to gently lift off as much still-wet white-out as possible.
Wipe the area underneath with paper towels to absorb liquid.
Avoid pushing the white-out further into the fabric.

Step 2: Flush With Cold Water

Hold the clothing stain-side down under gently running cold water to flush out any remaining wet white-out.
Check the backside of the fabric to make sure the water is going through.
Avoid hot water as it can set the stain.

Step 3: Apply Stain Stick

Apply a laundry stain removal stick directly to the stained area.
Rub it in to penetrate the fabric.
Let it sit for 5 minutes to work.

Step 4: Wash With Detergent

Wash the stained garment in the washing machine with regular laundry detergent and the warmest water safe for the fabric.
For whites, the hottest water can help lift out white-out stains.
Avoid bleach on colors, as it may remove the original dye along with the stain.
Air dry the garment and check if the stain remains.

Step 5: Treat With Solvent

If the stain remains, try applying a solvent like rubbing alcohol, acetone-free nail polish remover or dry cleaning fluid directly to the stain.
Let it soak in for 10 minutes before washing again.
Solvents break down the binding agents in white-out.

Step 6: Repeat Laundering

Launder the garment through a full wash cycle again using hot water.
If stains remain, repeat solvent treatment and washing.
With multiple treatments, you should be able to get clothing looking white-out free again.

Step 7: Consider Bleach

For white fabrics only, try soaking in a diluted bleach solution for 30 minutes before laundering.
This will remove stubborn discoloration but cannot be used on colors.
Rinse thoroughly after soaking in bleach.

Cleaning White-Out from Wood Surfaces

Wood surfaces like furniture, cabinets, or hardwood floors can also fall victim to white-out stains. But these can also be removed with the proper cleaning methods and some elbow grease.

Step 1: Scrape Off Fresh White-Out

Use a plastic card or dull knife to gently lift and scrape off as much still-wet white-out as possible.
Wipe the area clean with a dry paper towel afterwards.
Take care not to scratch the wooden surface.

Step 2: Rub With Mineral Spirits

Dip a clean cloth into mineral spirits and gently rub the white-out stained area.
Mineral spirits will help dissolve the paint binders in dried white-out.
Reapply more mineral spirits as needed and rub until white-out is removed.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

Wipe the area with clean water on a damp cloth to rinse off the mineral spirits and cleaning residue.
Dry the wood surface thoroughly with a paper towel.
Allow treated area to fully dry before applying any new finishes or paint.

Step 4: Sand Away Stain

For deep set or persistent white-out stains, use 120 grit sandpaper to gently sand away the stained outer layer of wood.
Try to match the original surface level so the sanded spot is not noticeable.
Wipe away all sanding dust afterwards.

Step 5: Refinish Wood

Apply new stain, sealant, or varnish to the sanded area per manufacturer directions to blend it with the surrounding finish.
Let dry completely before using the refinished surface.
Take care not to get any new white-out spills on the freshly treated spot.

Removing White-Out from Skin and Nails

White-out dried on skin and nails can be annoying. Fortunately, it can be scrubbed off relatively easily.

Step 1: Rub With Soap and Water

Lather white-out stained skin with regular hand or body soap and warm water.
Gently rub the stained area to emulsify and rinse away the white-out.
Repeat soaping and rinsing until skin is clean.

Step 2: Scrub With Exfoliant

For stubborn dried white-out on hands, use a gritty exfoliating scrub on the skin.
The mineral abrasives help slough off stained skin cells.
Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.

Step 3: Use Nail Polish Remover

For white-out stains on nails and cuticles, use acetone nail polish remover.
Soak a cotton ball and gently rub on nails until white-out breaks down.
Rinse nails clean before reapplying nail polish if needed.

Step 4: Buff Nails

For lingering white spots or stains on nails, use a nail buffer block to gently buff the nail surface.
Buffing sands away the stained layers to expose clean nail underneath.
Avoid over-buffing, which can thin and weaken nails.

Step 5: Examine and Moisturize Skin

After scrubbing off white-out, thoroughly examine skin for any lingering paint or discoloration.
Apply a rich moisturizing hand cream to condition skin after repeated washing.
See a doctor if skin shows signs of irritation or sensitivity after contact with white-out.

Cleaning Dried White-Out from Walls

White-out splatters or handprints on walls can be annoying. But the paint-like formula generally allows for cleaning using similar techniques.

Step 1: Scrape Off Fresh White-Out

Use a dull plastic tool to gently lift and scrape off as much still-wet white-out as possible from the wall.
Take care not to gouge or scratch the wall surface.

Step 2: Wipe With Damp Cloth

For small spots, wipe the wall with a plain damp cloth to soak up fresh white-out before it dries.
Change cloth frequently to prevent spreading the stain.

Step 3: Apply Wall Cleaner

Spray stained area with an all-purpose wall cleaner formulated for latex or oil paints.
Let sit 5 minutes to penetrate stain.

Step 4: Rub Cleaner Into Wall

Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the foam created by the cleaner.
Gently rub the stained area using circular motions to lift paint.
Avoid excessive scrubbing or you may damage the wall surface.

Step 5: Rinse Off Residue

Wipe cleaned area with a fresh damp cloth to rinse off cleaning product and dissolved white-out.
Allow wall to fully dry.

Step 6: Spot Paint if Needed

If any shadow remains, use a small artist’s brush to carefully touch up paint in the cleaned area.
Match surrounding wall color and texture as closely as possible.
Let spot paint dry before wiping entire wall with clean damp cloth to blend touch up.

Cleaning Dried White-Out from Tile, Vinyl, and Laminate Flooring

Tile, vinyl, and laminate flooring is vulnerable to dried white-out stains if spills are not addressed promptly. But these non-porous surfaces allow for aggressive cleaning to remove set-in stains.

Step 1: Scrape Fresh White-Out

Use a plastic scraper or old credit card to gently lift up as much still-wet white-out as possible.
Take care not to gouge soft vinyl or laminate floors.

Step 2: Wet and Scrub Stain

For dried stains, wet the area with a mix of warm water and heavy duty floor cleaner.
Aggressively scrub using a stiff nylon brush or scrubbing pad.
The textured surface helps slough away stuck-on stains.

Step 3: Flush With Clean Water

Once white-out residue is removed, rinse area thoroughly with clean water to eliminate any cleaner film.
Repeat scrubbing and rinsing as needed for stubborn stains.

Step 4: Dry and Examine Floor

Allow floor to dry completely.
Check from multiple angles for any remaining white-out shadows or residue.

Step 5: Use Solvent for Final Cleaning

For any remaining white-out stains, apply a solvent like rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover or mineral spirits directly to the spot.
Gently rub with a soft cloth. Solvents break down paint binders.
Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.

Step 6: Recoating or Resealing

If stains persist, it may require sanding and resealing tile floors or applying fresh polyurethane on vinyl or laminate to hide damage.
Contact a flooring professional to avoid damaging the floor when recoating.

Removing White-Out from Chrome, Glass, and Metal

Chrome fixtures, glass surfaces, and painted metal can also end up marred by dried white-out spills. Use gentle cleaners and polishes formulated for each material.

For Chrome

Spray chrome surface with glass cleaner and wipe clean with soft cloth.
For remaining stains, rub gently with chrome polish using circular motions.
Rinse and dry chrome completely to avoid streaks.

For Glass

Scrape off fresh white-out gently with a plastic razor blade.
Clean glass with mixture of vinegar and warm water.
Use 0000 super fine steel wool to gently scrub any remaining dried white-out.
Rinse and dry glass completely.

For Painted Metal

Wipe fresh white-out gently with a damp cloth.
Use a general all-purpose cleaner sprayed onto a soft cloth to rub remaining stains.
Avoid abrasive scrubbing which may remove paint along with stains.
Rinse and dry metal completely after cleaning.
Repaint any areas where scrubbing has removed metal paint.

Cleaning White-Out from Leather

Leather upholstery or clothing can be irreparably damaged if subjected to the wrong treatments. Use gentle methods to lift white-out off leather.

Step 1: Blot Fresh Stains

For wet white-out, blot gently with an absorbent cloth.
Avoid pushing the stain deeper into the leather grain.

Step 2: Use Leather Cleaner

Apply a small amount of mild leather cleaner to a soft lint-free cloth.
Gently rub the stained area using circular motions.
Avoid over-saturating leather or damaging the finish.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry Completely

Wipe area with a fresh damp cloth to remove all leather cleaner and dissolved white-out residue.
Allow leather to air dry fully.

Step 4: Condition the Leather

Once completely dry, apply a leather conditioner to help restore flexibility and luster.
Avoid oils and silicones which may stain.
Polish buff gently with a soft cloth until any remaining stain residue is removed.

Step 5: Consider Professional Cleaning

For stubborn set-in white-out stains, consult a professional leather cleaner.
They have access to stronger cleaners and methods.
Avoid do-it-yourself aggressive scrubbing which could permanently damage the leather.

Removing Dried White-Out from Plastic Items

Many household plastics like toys, storage bins, and appliances are also prone to white-out stains. Luckily, the slick surface of plastic allows stains to be removed fairly easily.

For Hard Plastics:

First scrape off any thick dried white-out with a dull knife.
Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a soft cloth.
Gently rub the alcohol over the stain to dissolve the paint.
Wipe clean with soapy water afterwards.

For Soft Plastics:

Blot fresh white-out stains immediately with paper towels.
Mix a mild solution of warm water and dish soap in a spray bottle.
Spray stained area lightly and wipe gently with a soft sponge or cloth.
Rinse and air dry before use.

For Outdoor Plastic Furniture:

Spray on a heavy duty outdoor plastic cleaner formulated for patio furniture.
Allow to soak 5 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff nylon brush.
Hose down thoroughly with water and allow to fully dry in sun.

When All Else Fails:

For extremely stubborn dried white-out on smooth plastic, gently rub with extra fine steel wool or abrasive plastic scouring pad.
Be cautious doing this on soft or scratched plastic which can get quickly damaged by abrasion.
Avoid over-scrubbing, which can permanently mar the plastic surface.

Tips for Removing White-Out Safely

When tackling white-out stains, keep these safety guidelines in mind:

Work in a