Having spent a great deal of time working with children in a classroom environment, it's safe to say we've seen our share of painting mishaps. Even if smocks were worn and floors and furniture were protected, we still found ourselves cleaning up rogue paint that ended up on the kids and ourselves. But clean up is always a breeze with our stain fighting solution!
How To: Use Dish Soap As A Paint Stain Preventative
Although most children's paint claims to be washable, we haven't always found that to be true. So to help out, we don't bother pre-treating or soaking, instead, we turn to our ever trusty bottle of dishsoap!
Before putting the bowls/tubs/containers of paint on the table, we add a few drops of soap (3 drops to 1/4 cup paint). We've used everything from Dawn and Palmolive, to more eco friendly choices without any difference in results.
Since we've started using soap in our paint, we haven't had a single stain we couldn't get out. The soap doesn't allow the paint grip hold of the fibers in the fabric in the same manner and washes out, even with cold water.
(Please check labels on upholstery before cleaning with water.)
(Image: Stockxpert)
Comments (6)
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I'm going to pass this tip along to my son's daycare! Great idea!!
view lisamfb's profile
ARGH! So simple. Thanks so much for posting. My four year old and I both thank you!
view sarah hawley's profile
yes, great tip! and ill also be forwarding this to all my teacher friends. ;>
view deeboyayay's profile
Genius!
view ksg's profile
My daughter's kindy did this - but the blue and purple paint still stain. White spirit was the only thing that would get most of it out, must be cleaned straight away and aired out.
view HereOrOverThere's profile
Good idea. Wish I could put soap in my kids' food too! That'd make laundry way easier.
view becbec's profile