Nail polish, also known as nail varnish or enamel, is a protective coating applied to nails to prevent breakage and enhance their appearance. Available in countless colours, nail polish has evolved significantly since its origins in ancient China around 3000 BCE, later spreading to cultures like Ancient Egypt and Greece. Today, it remains incredibly popular.

However, nail polish can also be a nightmare when it stains carpets, clothes, or upholstery. Professional carpet cleaners often list it among the top 5 most difficult stains to remove. The strong scent of nail polish further complicates the cleanup.

Despite the challenges, a spilled nail polish stain is not the end of the world. If you act quickly, you can restore your carpet to its former state. Keep reading to discover how to remove nail polish from carpet fibres.

How to clean nail polish out of carpets

Basic guidelines for dealing with nail polish stains on carpet

Before diving into specific methods for removing nail polish stains, it's essential to follow some basic guidelines to ensure the best results without damaging your carpet.

Do not rub wet stains

If the stain is still wet, avoid rubbing it. Rubbing will only smear the polish further into the carpet fibres or push it deeper into the fabric. Instead, gently blot the stain using a clean paper towel or a white cloth. If using a coloured cloth, ensure it is colourfast to avoid transferring dyes onto your carpet.

Avoid scraping dried stains with a knife

For dried stains, do not attempt to scrape them with a dull kitchen knife or any sharp object. Scraping can damage the carpet fibres, making the stain even harder to remove. Treat your carpet with care—it’s a significant investment that deserves the proper attention.

Patch test cleaning products first

Before using any cleaning products, always test them on a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet. This will help ensure the product won’t discolour or damage the carpet fibres. Avoid jumping straight into using strong chemicals that could cause irreversible harm.

Avoid using hot water

When rinsing the stain, never pour or spray hot water directly onto the nail polish. Hot water can set the stain, making it even harder to remove. Instead, use cold or lukewarm water to rinse the area after the majority of the stain has been blotted away.

Act quickly to prevent stubborn stains

Time is of the essence when dealing with nail polish stains. Like paint, nail polish sets quickly, and the longer you leave it, the more difficult it will be to remove. Act fast to prevent the stain from soaking too deeply into the fibres and causing permanent discolouration. The quicker you blot it up, the better the chances of restoring your carpet to its original state.

By following these basic steps, you can ensure that you’re not inadvertently making the stain worse while trying to clean it. Now, let’s move on to the first method for removing nail polish from your carpet: using nail polish remover. Keep reading for more details!

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Safe cleaning products for pets

How to use acetone nail polish remover on carpet stains

To remove nail polish stains from your carpet, start by gently blotting the affected area with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain or push it deeper into the fibres.

Next, apply a small amount of clear acetone nail polish remover to a white cloth. Ensure the remover is clear, as coloured versions may cause dye transfer. Dab the stain gently, continuing until the nail polish starts to lift.

After the stain is gone, rinse the area with cold water and blot it with a dry towel to remove excess moisture. Let the carpet air dry completely.

*Be cautious with acetone, as using too much can reach the carpet underlay, causing delamination, where the glue that holds the layers together breaks down. Acetone can also bleach darker carpet fibres, so always perform a patch test on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the stain.

By following these steps carefully, you can effectively remove nail polish stains without damaging your carpet.

Can rubbing alcohol remove carpet nail polish stains?

Rubbing alcohol is cheap and found in every local pharmacy or drug store. Aside from disinfection, it can be useful on both damp and dry nail polish stains. If the stain is dry, the rubbing alcohol will make it damp again, enabling its removal. It is also possible to use it on wax carpet stains, to the exact same effect.

Apply the rubbing alcohol to the fibres with a dry cotton swab, or a clean cotton cloth. Afterwards, blot with a different cloth, or use cotton balls, if you have them. This way, the cotton will soak the rubbing alcohol and nail polish alike. It's worth noting that rubbing alcohol is usable on any colour of carpet fibres.

Is hydrogen peroxide useful on carpet nail polish stains?

Hydrogen peroxide is also available in all local drug stores, and is a popular home remedy. It is used to remove stains from food, drinks, pets and nail polish all the same. This product acts as if it was scrubbed, without doing any actual scrubbing. It goes through dry stains and pushes dirt on the surface, where it is easily removed.

When using hydrogen peroxide, care is needed, as it is acidic and can burn you. Use a pipette, and blot with a cloth until fully removed, while wearing hand protection. Latex gloves are ideal for applying hydrogen peroxide, and they are also sold in pharmacies.

We want our readers to be very careful when using hydrogen peroxide. Much like acetone, it has a bleaching effect, which is much harder to control. Therefore, we do not suggest using hydrogen peroxide on non-white carpets.

Now, let's look at how professionals deal with carpet nail varnish stains:

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How to remove nail polish stains with vinegar and baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda create an effective, natural solution for removing nail polish stains from carpet fibres. This method is safe, simple, and environmentally friendly.

To start, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of white vinegar to form a paste. Apply this paste directly to the stain, gently rubbing it in.

Let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes to allow it to break down the nail polish stain. Afterward, blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to lift the stain from the carpet.

Rinse the treated area with cold water and blot dry with a towel. Always perform a patch test first to ensure that this method won’t damage your carpet fibres.

Organic carpet cleaning products

How to use WD-40 to remove nail polish stains from carpet

WD-40 is a quick solution for removing nail polish stains. Spray a small amount on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, blot gently with a clean cloth, working from the edges inward to avoid spreading.

Rinse the area with cold water and blot dry. Always test WD-40 on a hidden spot first to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolour your carpet.

This method is simple, effective, and perfect for tackling stubborn nail polish stains.

Using ammonia solution for stubborn nail polish stains on carpet

Ammonia is an effective cleaner for tough, stubborn nail polish stains on carpets. To use, mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of warm water. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing to prevent pushing the stain deeper into the fibres.

Once the stain lifts, rinse the area with cold water and blot dry with a towel. Always do a patch test in an inconspicuous area first to check for any potential discolouration or damage.

This method works best for dried, set-in nail polish stains. Ensure proper ventilation when using ammonia, and take care to avoid inhaling fumes.

What products do professional carpet cleaners use on nail polish stains?

A product used by professional UK carpet cleaning companies is Prochem Solvex. This solvent is built to tackle paint, nail polish, ink and other similar substances on carpets. The cleaning solution is clear, and best used in well ventilated rooms.

It is applied with a clean, colour fast cotton cloth, by blotting and soaking. The manufacturer advises to not rub the carpet fibres in any circumstances. Do not over-apply, and do not pour directly onto the fibres. For best results, it should be combined with water rinsing.

This cleaning solution is very strong, so take appropriate measures. Wear protective gloves and a mask, as well as eye protection. Do not directly inhale the fumes, and keep out of reach of children.