How to Get Nail Polish Out of Carpet: 9 Easy Techniques (2024)

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Last Updated: November 27, 2024Fact Checked

How to Remove Fresh Nail Polish from Carpet Fast

Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover

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1. Best for: fresh or old stains Pour a small amount of non-acetone nail polish remover onto the nail polish stain. Then, take a clean white cloth or cotton swab and gently blot the stain until the polish comes off. The fresher the spill is, the easier it will be to remove it using this method!^[1]

   • Use clear, non-acetone nail polish remover only! Acetone is a strong solvent that can dissolve certain types of carpet fibers, so it's best to opt for a remover product that doesn't have it.
   • Avoid cleaning nail polish stains on dark carpets with nail polish remover or you'll run the risk of bleaching them.
   • For large nail polish spills, use a kitchen spoon to scoop up the wet nail polish. Tilt the spoon slightly to get up as much polish as possible, then immediately wipe the spoon clean with a paper towel and wash it before you use it for cooking. Then rub and dab the area with non-acetone nail polish remover.^[2]

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Hairspray

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1. 

   Best for: recent, set stains Start by wetting the nail polish stain with cold water, then apply 10-20 pumps of hairspray to the area. Spray as much as needed and blot the carpet with a clean cloth until the stain is gone, then clean up the residue with water.^[3]

Rubbing Alcohol

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1. 

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   Best for: fresh stains Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the stain and scrub it with a toothbrush. It should come right off! When you're done, rinse the area with water. When the carpet is dry, apply a deodorizer if you're not a fan of the rubbing alcohol scent.^[4]

   • For double the cleaning power, spray hairspray on the spot, then apply the rubbing alcohol on top of the hairspray. Scrub the stain with a toothbrush until it lifts.

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White Vinegar

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1. 

   Best for: old nail polish stains After pouring a small amount of vinegar onto the stain, lay a vinegar-soaked cloth over the stain and leave it for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the cloth and blot up the excess vinegar. Then, gently scrub the stain using a fresh cloth or toothbrush to lift any remaining color.^[5]

   • Vinegar has a strong scent that will linger for a while after you remove the stain. If you can't stand the way it smells, follow it up with a carpet deodorizer or try different cleaning methods first, like nail polish remover or baking soda and ginger ale.

Hydrogen Peroxide

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1. 

   Best for: stubborn stains Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto a white cloth and dab at the stain with it until the polish comes off the fibers. Then clean the carpet by hand with dish soap and water and let it dry completely before you walk on it.^[6]

   • Only use this product on light-colored carpets, as it will bleach darker colors!

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1. 

   Best for: hardened stains First, cover the hardened nail polish stain with a generous layer of baking soda. Next, pour ginger ale on top of the baking soda and let it soak for 10 minutes. Finally, blot the nail polish stain away with a clean white cloth.^[7]

   • Vacuum up any remaining baking soda and clean the ginger ale residue by scrubbing it with a cloth and warm, soapy water.

Ammonia-Based Window Cleaner

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1. Best for: stubborn stains Ammonia is a harsh chemical and can sometimes discolor your carpet, but it may be just the thing to get the nail polish off your carpet if all other methods fail. Read the directions on the cleaner container carefully to ensure you follow all the safety protocols for using it.^[8]

   • Test the ammonia-based window cleaner on a small section of carpet. If it has no visible effect on the test area, spray a small amount of it onto the nail polish stain and scrub the stain in circular motions with a clean white cloth. Lightly rinse the area with cold water and then let it dry completely.

   See Also

   Why Washing Makeup from Your Face is Non-Negotiable

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Knife

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1. Best for: dried nail polish Work with the grain of the carpet fibers instead of against them to avoid fraying or cutting them. This method removes the solid part of the stain so you can attack the real stain underneath with a cleaner.^[9]

Scissors

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1. 

   Best for: dried nail polish This method is a great last resort if you can't seem to lift the entire nail polish stain with the other cleaning methods. If the stain is large or the fibers are short, avoid this method, as it will leave a noticeable bald spot on the carpet. ^[10]

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