However, painting also comes with the risk of drips, spills, and splatters.

If this occurs, it’s important to know how to remove paint from hardwood floors.

Here, discover four different methods for how to get paint off hardwood floors.

Using putty knife to remove dry paint from hardwood floor

Credit:Grant Webster

If the home was built after 1978, this step isn’t necessary.

Next, open any windows or doors, and turn on a fan to help ventilate the space.

Use the cotton ball to gently buff a spot on the paint for about 10 seconds.

Cotton ball of rubbing alcohol to remove paint from hardwood floor

Credit:Grant Webster

After buffing the paint, inspect the cotton ball for paint residue.

Fill the selected container with warm water and add enough dishwashing liquid to form suds.

As you work, use a dry cloth to wipe away any loosened paint.

Bowl of soap and water near hardwood floor paint stain

Credit:Grant Webster

Be careful not to use too much pressure, or you might damage the floor.

Continue scrubbing, scraping, and wiping the floor until all the paint has been removed.

Alternately, you may want to use a nylon-bristled scrub brush to help remove the paint.

Wiping paint from hardwood floor with microfiber cloth

Credit:Grant Webster

Continue this process until the floor is paint-free.

Then, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff and dry the floor.

If a heat gun is too powerfulfor the hardwood, another method is to use a handheld hair dryer.

Scraping paint off floor with putty knife

Credit:Grant Webster

After heating the paint, scrape it off with a plastic putty knife or nylon-bristled scrub brush.

Use a mixture of dish soap and warm water to scrub any remaining water-based paint.

After using a paint stripper, rinse the hardwood with a damp cloth.

Rubbing alcohol and lemon with dried paint

Credit:Grant Webster

Before you begin, check the manufacturer’s directions for use and double-check the area is well-ventilated.

After removing the paint, rinse the hardwood to get rid of any leftover paint-stripping solution.

Dip a clean microfiber cloth into water and wring it out until it’s damp.

Cleaning paint with lemon and alcohol solution

Credit:Grant Webster

This method is best for small projects.

When you’re hoping to remove paint from an entire room, other methods are much more time-efficient.

If it reaches the wood, it could end up warping it too.

Using bristle brush to remove paint from hardwood floor

Credit:Grant Webster

Since vinegar is acidic, it shouldn’t be used on hardwood floors.

It can damage your finishes by dulling and etching the surface.

Cleaning hardwood floor with microfiber cloth

Credit:Grant Webster

Scraping paint from hardwood floor while applying heat from hair dryer

Credit:Grant Webster

Cleaning hardwood floor paint stain with paint stripper

Credit:Grant Webster