HOW TO REMOVE NAIL POLISH FROM CARPET
*Before attempting to remove the stain, test an inconspicuous area for color fastness.
Here’s What You’ll Need
- 1/4 teaspoon clear/transparent dish-washing detergent (Dawn, Joy, or clear Ivory)
- Acetone type nail polish remover (non oily)
- 1 cup warm (not hot) water for solution
- Undiluted white vinegar
- Ammonia
- Additional warm water for rinsing
- Clean dry white towels or paper towels
- Small bowl for mixing
- Smooth/flat bottomed baking dish large enough for the affected area
- Heavy object, like books or jug of water
Step 1
Using a white towel, apply nail polish remover to the carpet. Do not over saturate the area.
Step 2
As the nail polish softens, pick up the material using a clean, white paper towel (pinch/push toward center of stain to avoid spreading the material).
Step 3
Repeat this process to continue softening the nail polish. Carefully remove a layer of material each time to avoid spreading the stain and damaging the carpet.
Step 4
Mix detergent and warm water in a small bowl.
Step 5
Using a damp cloth or paper towel, apply the mixed detergent solution to the carpet.
Step 6
Working from the outside in–blot the affected area (do not rub or scrub) Scrubbing could damage the carpet fibers.
Step 7
Using a clean cloth or towel, apply small amounts of fresh water to the carpet to remove the detergent residue. Any detergent left in the carpet can result in re-soiling of the area.
Step 8
To absorb the excess water, apply a thick stack of paper towels to the area. On top of the paper towels place a flat glass baking dish weighted down with books, or other heavy objects.
Step 9
If any stain remains, repeat the steps.
Step 10
If stain is still present, mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia into 1 cup of water.
Step 11
Apply the ammonia solution to the carpet using a damp cloth or paper towel.
Step 12
Working from the outside in–blot the affected area (do not rub or scrub). Scrubbing could damage the carpet fibers.
Step 13
Apply undiluted white vinegar only when the stain removal process is successful. The vinegar is used to neutralize the ammonia.
Step 14
Using a clean cloth or towel, apply small amounts of clean water to the carpet to remove the vinegar residue.
Step 15
To absorb the excess water, apply a thick stack of paper towels to the area. On top of the paper towels place a flat glass baking dish weighted down with books, or other heavy objects.
Step 16
To speed up the drying process, new paper towels can be added to the bottom of the stack. The wicking process can take several hours.
Step 17
If stain is still visible, repeat the process.
