How To Clean Nail Polish Stains From Carpet: 4 Best DIY Methods

Don’t know how to clean nail polish stains from carpet? Then, follow this article to learn about removing nail polish from carpet or ‘how to get nail polish out of carpet?’

Nail polish stains on carpets can be a common accident. Despite the best efforts, it often ends up spilling on the carpet and creating a stubborn stain. Fear not, as there are a few simple and effective ways to remove nail polish stains from carpets.

We’ve compiled a list of different methods to tackle such stains and explain the benefits of each. By following our guide, you’ll find many ways to remove nail polish stains from carpets so that your carpet will look as good as new.

How To Clean Nail Polish Stains From Carpet:

1. Cleaning With Non-Acetone Dye-free Nail Polish Remover:

Use non-acetone dye free nail polish remover on your light or gray colored carpets only to remove nail polish stains. But in your dark colored or colorful carpets you should not use non-acetone dye-free stain remover to avoid color damage.

1.1. Supplies Needed:

• Paper towels
• Non-Acetone Dye-free Nail Polish Remover
• Liquid dish soap
• Soft brush or scrubber
• Warm water
• Spraying bottle
• Rubber gloves

1.2. Extracting The Excess Nail Polish:

First, remove the excess nail polish from the fresh stains with paper towels, and then apply the preferred stain remover. While extracting the excess nail polish from the stains, do not rub them. If you do so, they will spread and sit deep into the carpet fibers. This will make the task difficult to accomplish.

1.3. Applying Nail Polish Remover:

Apply the nail polish remover on the stains using paper towels. Rinse the paper towels with the non-acetone dye free nail polish remover first, then apply it to dampen the spots. Keep doing this for several times and the paper towel will absorb the loosen-up nail polish from the carpet fibers. Never overuse the product.

1.4. Applying Liquid Dish Soap:

Use a (1:1) solution of liquid dish soap and warm water to clean up the remaining nail polish from the carpet. Spray the solution on the stains to rinse them. Do not over saturate the spots and wait for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, blot up the moisture or water with paper towels as much as you can.

1.5. Drying:

Finally, air dry the spot and you’re done with cleaning nail polish stains from your carpets.

If the stain is old and dried up then you may have to repeat the above process several times.

2. Cleaning Nail Polish Off Carpet With Rubbing Alcohol:

Cleaning nail polish stains with rubbing alcohol is almost the same as cleaning with non-acetone nail polish remover. In fact, the rubbing alcohol works in a similar way as the nail polish remover.

2.1. Supplies Needed:

• Paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol
• Liquid dish soap
• Soft brush or scrubber
• Warm water
• Spraying bottle
• Rubber gloves 

2.2. Extracting The Excess Nail Polish:

First, remove the excess nail polish from the fresh stains with paper towels, and then apply rubbing alcohol. While extracting the excess nail polish from the stains, do not rub them. If you do so, they will spread and sit deep into the carpet fibers. This will make the task difficult to accomplish.

2.3. Applying Rubbing Alcohol:

Apply rubbing alcohol on the stains using paper towels. Rinse the paper towels with the rubbing alcohol first, then apply it to dampen the spots. Keep doing this for several times and the paper towel will absorb the loosen-up nail polish from the carpet fibers. Never overuse rubbing alcohol on the carpet, if you don’t want any color damage.

2.4. Applying Liquid Dish Soap:

After this, clean the spot with the help of liquid soap and warm water solution.

Use a (1:1) solution of liquid dish soap and warm water to clean up the spots. Spray the solution on the stains to rinse them and wait for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, blot up the moisture or water with paper towels as much as you can.

2.5. Drying:

Finally, air dry the spot and you’re done with cleaning nail polish stains from your carpets.

If the stain is old and dried up then you may have to repeat the above process several times.

3. Cleaning With Ammonia-Based Window Cleaner:

Window cleaners that are ammonia based can easily loosen up and dissolve the nail polish stains for effective cleaning.

3.1. Supplies Needed:

• Paper towels
• Ammonia-Based Window Cleaner
• Soft brush or scrubber
• Water
• Rubber gloves  

3.2. Extracting The Excess Nail Polish:

First, remove the excess nail polish from the fresh stains with paper towels, and then apply the window cleaner. Do not rub the spots, otherwise the nail polish will spread widely and sit deep into the carpet fibers. This will make the task difficult to accomplish.

3.3. Applying The Window Cleaner:

Spray the window cleaner directly on the nail polish stains. Give the window cleaner 3-5 minutes to sit. This will loosen up and lift the nail polish stains from the carpet. Now blot up the spot with paper towels. Repeat the whole process several times until the nail polish is removed completely.

[ If you have pure ammonia at home, then you can clean nail polish stains from carpet with it too. In this case, you have to make a dilute solution with it by adding water and work with it more cautiously. ]

3.4. Drying:

Finally, air dry the spot and you’re done with cleaning nail polish stains from your carpets.

4. Removing Nail Polish From Carpet With Dry Cleaning Solvent:

Dry cleaning solvents for carpets and rugs are petroleum-based chemicals that are capable of dissolving dirt, nail polish, paints, lipstick, oil, grease and eliminate harmful microbes, carpet bugs, dust mites from carpets without water.

4.1. Supplies Needed:

• Paper towels
• Dry cleaning solvent
• Soft brush or scrubber
• Sifter
• Rubber gloves 

4.2. Extracting The Excess Nail Polish:

First, remove the excess nail polish from the fresh stains with paper towels, and then apply the dry cleaning solvent. Do not rub the spots, otherwise the nail polish will spread widely and sit deep into the carpet fibers. This will make the nail polish stains hard to remove.

4.3. Applying The Dry Cleaning Solvent:

There are several dry cleaning agents available in the market, read some of their user manuals and ingredients type then select the appropriate one for you. Store-bought dry cleaning solvents are mostly powder in form. Now sprinkle the compound on the carpet at a suitable amount using a sifter.

4.4. Gently Scrub The Agent:

After sprinkling the dry cleaning compound, gently scrub the spot with a soft scrubber. While scrubbing, don’t rush and avoid harsh scrubbing. Move the scrubber in a back and forth direction on the carpet surface. After scrubbing let the cleaning agent sit for 20 to 30 minutes for a proper cleaning.

4.5. Vacuuming The Residues:

After 30 minutes, check whether the carpet fiber and the cleaning agent are dried out or still wet. If they are already dried out, now patiently vacuum up the cleaning agent. If necessary, repeat the vacuuming in a back and forth direction on the carpet to neatly remove the cleaning agent. 

Repeat the whole process if necessary for better results and you’re done with cleaning your carpets.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Do I Get Nail Polish Out Of Carpet?

To get nail polish out of carpet, spray hairspray on the stain, pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol, scrub the stain for a minute, pour clean cold water onto the stain while scrubbing, continue to brush out the stain, blot dry the stain with a white cloth, vacuum the stain spot to remove excess liquid, and repeat until the stain is gone.

Alternatively, you can use a mixture of gelatin cleaning agent, pretest the carpet cleaning solution, apply the mixture, gently work the spot with a spoon, and blot the spot.

Does White Vinegar Remove Nail Polish From Carpet?

Yes, white vinegar can remove nail polish from carpet. Soak a cloth in vinegar and apply it to the stain, then blot it until the polish is absorbed. Rinse with water and repeat if necessary. Avoid rubbing the stain to prevent it from spreading.

What Happens If You Spill Nail Polish Remover On Your Carpet?

Spilling nail polish remover on your carpet can damage it. Acetone is a strong solvent and can remove varnish, lacquer, paint, and stain from wood. If it penetrates the backing of the carpet, it may cause the carpet to buckle and come unglued.

Professional help may be required to re-glue the carpet or replace the damaged area. Try using nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol with a microfiber cloth to blot the spill. Use lukewarm water with dish soap to remove any lingering polish.

Can Nail Polish Stains Be Removed?

Yes, nail polish stains can be removed. Dip a microfiber cloth in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover and blot the spill until the nail polish has been absorbed. Use a little dish soap in lukewarm water to get rid of any remaining polish.

It is important to act quickly because if left for too long, the stain can become permanent.

How Can I Get Nail Polish Out Of Carpet Fibers?

One way is to mix warm water and dish soap in a bowl. Dip a cleaning brush in the solution and rub the stain in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and repeat until the stain is gone.

Conclusion:

Removing nail polish stains from carpets requires patience and the right approach. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or hot water that may damage your carpet fibers. Instead, opt for common household items such as rubbing alcohol, hairspray, and dish soap to gently lift the stain.

If the stain persists, seek professional help to prevent any further damage to your carpet. By following these tips, you can restore your carpet’s appearance and prevent ugly stains from ruining your beautiful floors.