Q&A: How do I remove emulsion paint from carpet?

Q: "I was recently decorating my living room and spilt emulsion paint on the carpet. How do I get rid of it before my wife gets back from holiday and sees what I’ve done?!"
Hugh, Peterborough

A: "If it’s a small stain, a little vodka can work wonders. Dampen the affected area with vodka then lay a cloth (also wetted with vodka) over the top.

“Then place a heavy object like a book wrapped in cling film (to prevent any print/colour transfer) on top, to allow the emulsion to be absorbed into the cloth. Leave for a couple of hours and then gently scrape away the now-softened emulsion with a blunt butter knife. Repeat the treatment, leave for a couple of hours and then rinse away any remaining paint.

“If it happens again in the future, tackle the spill straight away by rinsing thoroughly, using plenty of water, and then dab dry. Anything other than spots may also need some extraction to remove the water. A hand-held, wet vacuum may suffice."

Ian McCormack of ServiceMaster CleanAnswered by Ian McCormack, technical expert at ServiceMaster Clean.