How to Get Nail Polish out of Carpet? [Tried & Tested]

We all love trying new TikTok nail art trends, but in this world of DIY nail art, accidents happen! And the worst kind of accident during your me-time is spilling nail polish on your favorite carpet/rug. I know you know why it’s worse, it’s worse because your rug is expensive and to top it off some of your nails are most likely wet in nail polish. So, first thing’s first, DON’T PANIC!

Let me help you in cleaning that stained carpet/rug using some of the easiest nail polish removal methods and items that you can find in your house! If you are not a DIY type of person, check out the best portable carpet cleaners that’ll do the job for you.

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Step by step guide on how to remove nail polish from your carpet?

Below is an expert yet simple tutorial on how to get rid of that accidental nail polish spill from your favorite carpet using items that you can most probably find in your pantry or your dresser. Please note that it is always a good idea to do a test on a hidden part of the carpet so that you don’t damage the stained area more than it already is!

Type of stain: Wet or Dry??

Firstly, check if the stain is wet or dry…

If your nail polish is wet, gently blot the excess using a paper towel. (Do not rub).

If your nail polish is dry, scrape the excess out using a butter knife or a spoon.

And then you are ready to try one of our methods to remove nail polish out of carpet:

Using Hair Spray and Rubbing Alcohol

This method is absolutely miraculous and works on all carpets, and if your stain is not too deep and stubborn, one of these two cleaners might be enough too.

STEP 1: Wet the stain with cold water. 

STEP 2: Spray a generous amount of hairspray on it (about 10 pumps)

STEP 3: Add a few splashes of rubbing alcohol, depending on how big or deep the stain is.

STEP 4: Scrub the area using a toothbrush while adding more cold water to it as you go!

Using Baking Soda

This pantry staple along with a little ginger ale has proven to do wonders in removing nail polish stains from carpets.

STEP 1: Sprinkle enough baking soda to cover the whole stain.

STEP 2: Pour ginger ale on the area and let it soak for about 10 to 15 minutes.

STEP 3: Scrub the area with a clean toothbrush until it’s gone!

STEP 4: Rinse the area with some cold water or a wet towel.

Using Vinegar

This is the easiest – no fuss trick!

STEP 1: Wet the area thoroughly with plain white vinegar.

STEP 2: Place a vinegar soaked paper towel on the area and let it sit for 10 minutes.

STEP 3: Gently blot the area.

STEP 4: Scrub with a toothbrush in a circular motion until the stain is gone!

Using Nail polish remover: Acetone and dye free

Well ofcourse, nail polish remover should help with removing a nail polish stain. But the catch is to make sure you are using an acetone and dye free remover, otherwise it can damage the color of your carpet.

STEP 1: Soak a clean cloth in remover and use it to dab the stain carefully.

STEP 2: Repeat the process a few times, and yay! You are done!

Remember, nail polish removers can sometimes alter the color of a carpet. So, do a patch test on an out of the way area, especially if you have a dark colored carpet or use a different cleaner from the options given above.

Using Dish Soap 

This method is proven to be most effective and hassle free, especially when combined with a little bit of hair spray or rubbing alcohol.

STEP 1: Dilute a little amount of dish soap in warm water.

STEP 2: Dab the stained area and then gently scrub.

STEP 3: Add a little bit of hairspray or rubbing alcohol to quicken the process.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an extraordinary cleaner and has about a zillion household uses. Today let’s stalk about using it to remove that nail polish out of your carpet.

STEP 1: Pour the liquid in a spray bottle and spray it on the stain until it’s wet. Let this sit for about 10 minutes.

STEP 2: Blot the area using a paper towel and keep repeating until the stain disappears.

STEP 3: Clean using a wet cloth or some cold water.

Using a carpet cleaning machine

If nothing has worked for you from above, it is time to call in the big guns, invest in a carpet cleaning machine to save that expensive carpet, and have a safety net for all your future accidents (including food, wine, or makeup!) Check out this in-depth comparison review of carpet cleaners and choose the one that fits your needs.

So, which method to pick to clean your carpet?

All our methods are tried and tested and one of them will help you get rid of that nail polish stain, but one important thing to remember is: Be Patient! And remember this happens to the best of us. Any method you choose will work best when tried with gentle love and care (we know our carpets are our love, don’t we?) 

Also, next time you are cozying on your carpet, use this cute tweexy nail polish holder ring. It is super cute and spill-friendly!

FAQs

Which method works best in removing nail polish from a dark colored carpet?

We would say hair spray and rubbing alcohol are fool proof for a dark colored carpet.

Which method is best for a white/light colored carpet?

All of the cleaners work wonders for a light colored or a white carpet, especially the hydrogen peroxide.

What is the quickest way to get rid of the nail polish stain?

The quickest way has to be using the plain vinegar. It’s simple and hassle free, removes the stain by requiring little to no efforts from you.

Can a cleaner damage/discolor my carpet?

Unfortunately, some carpets are more prone to discoloration than others, hence we always recommend a patch test in an out-of-the-way hidden area and wait for a few minutes to be sure that your cleaner is not affecting your carpet in any way. You can also opt for a professional-quality carpet cleaner, here are some options!