How to get nail polish out of carpet – 5 simple solutions to successful stain removal

Spilling anything on a carpet can be tense, but nail polish is a particular kind of stress. So, how do you get nail polish out of a carpet?

Luckily, no matter if it's dry and glued into your carpet's fibers or wet and smearing as you clean, while troublesome, it is not impossible to banish, our experts say.

Here, professional cleaners share their top tips for cleaning a carpet to remove nail polish to return your furnishings to fabulous again.

How to get nail polish out of carpet

As with getting nail polish out of fabric, before you start cleaning, Reuven Noiman, owner of On Time Steam Cleaning advises, 'Always perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area to ensure it does not cause any damage or discoloration. With the right product and technique, you can effectively remove nail polish stains from your carpet and restore its appearance.'

1. Blot wet polish

If nail polish has splashed onto your carpet, the first thing you should do is blot at the stained area using a paper towel or clean cloth before it dries. Doing this will remove as much polish as possible, making it easier to clean the rest of the stain out. This carpet cleaning tip will also stop the stain from spreading.

To avoid a carpet cleaning mistake, Karina Toner, professional cleaner and operations manager at Spekless, adds, 'When you're blotting, I recommend starting from the outer edges of the stain toward the center to prevent the polish from smearing. Never scrub the stain aggressively, as this can push the polish deeper into carpet fibers.

She also noted that it's important to blot using a plain cloth or paper towel as 'using colored cloths or paper towels could transfer dye onto the carpet.'

2. Scrape up dry polish

If your nail polish has dried up before blotting or if your blotted polish has still left pieces of polish behind, Reuven says to avoid pickling or peeling the residue.

He explains, 'Do not peel or scratch off the nail polish as this can cause damage to your carpet. The porous nature of carpet allows the polish to spread and adhere to individual fibers strongly, so pulling at the polish can yank out strands of your carpet.'

Instead, as with getting paint out of a carpet, Karina suggests, 'Scrape off as much dried polish as possible with a blunt tool.' This way, your cleaning products will have less product to remove. be careful when scraping product off of your carpet, however, as doing so roughly can pull strands out.

Karina adds, 'An old bank or loyalty card is perfect for the job.'

3. Use non-acetone nail polish remover

You can use nail polish remover to clean at home, and it is highly effective at getting nail polish out of a rug or carpet.

Karina notes, however, that it's vital to use a non-acetone-based version of the product, such as the Equate Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover from Walmart as acetone can discolor your carpet and break down the fibers.

To remove polish using a non-acetone-based nail polish remover, Karina advises:

1. Check that the remover is safe for your carpet by testing on a small, hidden area.
2. Apply a few drops of the nail polish remover to a clean white cloth [the Mainstays Microfiber Assorted Solid Colors Dishcloths from Walmart are a good choice as they're soft and neutral in color, so dye won't transfer to your carpet].
3. Gently dab the stain, repeating as needed until the polish lifts [you may find this easier to do using the Cutex Swipe & Go Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover Pads, available at Walmart, as the wipes are small and already saturated with the product].
4. Blot with a damp cloth to remove any residue afterward, then pat dry using another dry cloth or paper towel.

4. Remove with rubbing alcohol

Cleaning with rubbing alcohol is great for removing nail polish because the high alcohol content works to break down the viscous liquid. It is also highly effective at getting gel nail polish out of carpet, especially if it is a fresh stain.

To remove polish using rubbing alcohol, Karina says:

1. Spray or dab a small amount of 91% isopropyl alcohol, from Target, onto the stain [Using Q-tips, also from Target, is good for targetting the stain and not your carpet]
2. Use a clean dry cloth to blot, lifting the polish as you go.
3. Repeat until the stain has lifted.
4. Rinse a new cloth with water to give the area a final dab clean, and blot everything dry with a dry cloth at the end.

5. Tackle fresh stains with baking soda and dish soap

There are few things that cleaning with baking soda cannot achieve. When dealing with freshly spilled nail polish, Karina suggests making a homemade carpet cleaner solution with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, available at Walmart, and some dish soap.

To remove polish and clean a carpet with baking soda and dish soap, she recommends:

1. Sprinkle baking soda over the spill and let it absorb any excess liquid for up to five minutes. When it's clotted most of the polish, carefully scrape away the excess.
2. Combine a few drops of gentle dish soap [such as the Dapple Baby Bottle and Dish Soap, from Walmart] with some warm water and dampen a soft cloth with it.
3. Gently blot at the remaining stain with the cloth until it starts to lift away and dry.

Meet the experts

Karina Toner

Karina has been a professional cleaner and operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, one of the top-rated cleaning companies in D.C, for over six years. With a strong commitment to quality, Spekless proudly serves over 10,000 customers each year across Washington, D.C., Virginia and parts of Maryland, setting the standard for excellence in the cleaning industry.

Reuven Noiman

Reuven Noiman is the proud owner of On Time Steam Cleaning, which has been operating for 23 years and helps around 8,000 per year with their cleaning needs. With a diverse background spanning various industries, Reuven has cultivated a unique blend of skills and expertise that he believes have been instrumental in shaping his success in premier cleaning services.

FAQs

Does vinegar remove nail polish from carpet?

Cleaning with vinegar can help to remove nail polish from a carpet as they high acidity can break down the stain. Simply saturate the fresh stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before dabbing away and repeated as needed. That being said, it is not as fast acting as acetone and can make your carpet smell strange.

Can perfume remove nail polish?

Perfumes with a very high alcohol content do have a shot and removing nail polish stains, but it is a very expensive method that does not offer sure-fire results. You are better off using nail polish remover or isopropyl alcohol instead.

After your carpet is nail-polish free, you may notice the area you cleaned looks a little flatter than the rest of the area. But fear not, for we talked to experts to discover 4 ways to make carpet fluffy again, even after an intense clean.