How To Remove Nail Polish from Carpet

Acrylic fingernail polish is fast-drying and contains synthetic dyes that can stain carpets easily. After all, nail polish is designed to adhere strongly to nails and last for weeks at a time. Needless to say, when a nail polish spill happens on absorbent carpet fibers, it's there to stay - unless you act quickly and have the right products for the job.

While fresh nail polish is always easier to treat than dried nail polish, both pose cleaning challenges.

In this guide, we're covering professional carpet cleaning tips and tricks on how to remove nail polish from carpet as best as possible.

Why Is Nail Polish Hard To Remove From Carpets?

There are a few main reasons why nail polish is so stubborn:

• It's quick drying: Nail polish dries quickly, especially on surfaces like carpet, making it adhere strongly to the fibers before you have a chance to clean it up.
• It has a medley of chemicals: Nail polish contains solvents, pigments, resins, and plasticizers that give it staying power. These components can penetrate deep into the carpet fibers while the resins act like glue, making removal more difficult.
• Its dye transfers easily: Depending on the color of the nail polish, there's a risk of dye transfer to the carpet fibers, leaving a nail polish stain even after the excess nail polish is removed.

Steps for Removing Nail Polish From Carpet

Before you get started, consider the following:

• Ventilation: Ensure the area is well-ventilated when using chemical cleaning agents to prevent inhalation of fumes and to help speed up the drying process.
• Multiple cloths and pads: Use clean white cloths or paper towels to avoid dye transfer from the cloth to the carpet. Have several on hand so you can switch to a clean section of cloth frequently.

Once you're ready to begin, follow these steps:

1. Apply Matrix® Orange Power Gel undiluted to the stained area. Tamp and blot with a spotting brush and spotting towel. Note: Do not over-apply or aggressively scrub Orange Power Gel into the carpet as it can cause delamination if allowed to penetrate through the carpet's backing.
2. Rinse the area thoroughly and completely with water. Blot with a spotting towel until dry.If color or residue remains, proceed with the next step.
3. Apply Matrix® Breakdown POG undiluted to a spotting towel. Tamp and blot the towel against the spot with a spotting brush. Note: Do not pour Breakdown onto the carpet directly or allow it to penetrate through the backing as this can cause delamination.
4. Apply Matrix® Release undiluted to a spotting towel. Tamp and blot the towel against the spot with a spotting brush.
5. Apply Matrix® Target Tannin Stain Remover undiluted to a spotting towel. Tamp and blot the towel against the spot with a spotting brush.
6. Rinse the area thoroughly and completely with water. Blot with a spotting towel until dry.
7. If some color remains, apply Matrix® Red Be Gone to the stained area mixing equal parts solutions A & B. Cover with plastic and allow to dwell for several hours.

Warning: Always test materials for colorfastness, follow label directions and never mix products unless specified in the label directions. Each situation is different and results may vary.

Nail Polish In Carpet FAQs

Always use the proper cleaning solution for the job at hand. While some home remedies or DIY solutions for cleaning fresh or dried nail polish can be helpful, they can also be damaging to the carpet. If in doubt, call a professional.

Does White Vinegar Remove Fingernail Polish from the Carpet?

White vinegar, or any vinegar, is not typically effective for removing nail polish from carpet. Nail polish contains strong pigments and resins that adhere strongly to surfaces, and vinegar alone is not potent enough to break down these components.

Will Nail Polish Remover Ruin the Carpet?

Nail polish remover contains acetone or other solvents that can potentially damage certain types of carpet fiber and dyes. Acetone is a strong solvent that can dissolve or weaken some synthetic fibers used in carpets, especially if they are delicate or made of natural materials.

Can You Use Window Cleaner To Clean a Nail Polish Spill on a Carpet?

Contrary to popular belief, using window cleaner to remove a nail polish stain on a carpet is not recommended. Window cleaners typically contain ammonia which can be damaging and cause discoloration to the delicate carpet fiber.

Clean Up Nail Polish Like a True Professional

On the hunt for new carpet cleaning products and tools? Check out our selection of sprayers, air movers, spotting machines and more.

Eager to brush up on your professional carpet cleaning skills? Jon-Don offers a wide range of IICRC carpet and upholstery cleaning classes and seminars to help you hone your skills. For course information and upcoming classes, visit our course page.