How To Remove Nail Polish From Carpet

Nail polish looks pretty on fingernails, but it isn't pretty on your carpet. No matter how you try to avoid spilling it, accidents happen. A nail polish stain can be tricky to remove, however, it isn't always impossible. If you follow these tips, you should be able to clean the stain.

Get Ready to Remove the Nail Polish

To remove the polish. gather:

  • white rag or towel
  • spoon
  • butter knife
  • small bucket
  • eye dropper
  • nail polish remover (acetone or non-acetone)
  • baking soda, peroxide, rubbing alcohol, dish soap or carpet cleaner

Check the label on the carpet to determine the suitable cleaning method. Use the spoon to scrape as much of the stain as possible, and rinse the spoon as needed to keep from spreading the polish. A fresh spill is much easier to clean than a dried one. 

If the stain has dried, you may need to scrape it gently with your fingernail or a butter knife, then vacuum to make dissolving the remaining stain easier. Follow up by blotting the residue with an old towel or rag, but don't rub. Changing to the clean side of the towel or rag when necessary to avoid spreading the stain. 

Apply Household Cleaners, Non-Acetone or Acetone Nail Polish Remover

Non-acetone nail polish remover is powerful, because of the active ingredients methyl ethyl ketone, but if you choose this, be patient, as it works slowly. Acetone remover is effective in small amounts, and it works faster. 

Pour a small amount of non-acetone in an eyedropper, and squirt it on the stain. Blot until the stain has been removed, keeping the stain moist with the remover, and repeat if needed. You may also use an old toothbrush to blot the stain. Absorb remaining remover and polish by pressing on the area with a clean rag or towel.

To use acetone, add a small amount on a clean rag or towel, blot, then absorb extra cleaner and polish as for non-acetone remover. Avoid pouring acetone directly on the carpet, because it can penetrate the carpet backing. 

Alternately, clean the stain with baking soda rubbing alcohol, or bleach; using the same method. If you use bleach, only apply it to light colored carpets.

Clean the Area with Soap

Add a teaspoon or two of liquid dish soap, and gently shake the bucket to make suds. Dab the sponge in the mixture, wring it, and blot the stained area to remove smell and residue.

Rinse the sponge as needed, and proceed to blot until the smell has been removed. Rinse the suds with a clean sponge and a bucket of clear water to rinse.

For more help, contact a professional cleaner, like Fresh Start Cleaning.


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