Spills are inevitable for the carpet. While dealing with usual ones is quite easy, nail polish stains present a unique challenge. But the good thing is that they can be removed from your carpet with a little know-how.
In this blog, we will explore some useful strategies to remove nail polish from the carpet and the science behind using each suitable solution. Nail polish stains usually fall into two types. In the first section, we’ll learn how to remove dried nail polish, while the focus in the next part will be on removing wet nail polish stains.
How To Remove Dried Nail Polish Stain From Your Carpet?
The best way to remove nail polish from the carpet is to act fast before it dries. But that being said, delays happen. So here’s what you are supposed to do to remove dried nail polish stains.
- Take a blunt knife and scrape off any excess polish (be careful not to damage the carpet fibers)
- Next, soak a clean white cloth in white vinegar and place it on the stain, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes.
- Once the wait is over, blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth to absorb the loosened polish and vinegar.
- If the stain persists, repeat steps 2 and 3 until it disappears.
Note: Always blot when removing carpet stains, no matter how stubborn they are. Rubbing hard can cause irreversible damage to the carpet fibers.
How To Remove Wet Nail Polish Stain From Your Carpet?
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing Alcohol (also known as isopropyl alcohol) is a solvent. Solvents have the power to break down other substances. This comes in handy because nail polish itself contains pigments, resins, and solvents that keep it liquid.
So what rubbing alcohol does is it disrupts the link between these components and breaks up the nail polish to its core. This makes it easier for you to remove the stain.
- Thus, first of all, blot the stain with a clean cloth or absorbent towel to scrape excess polish.
- Now, dampen a clean, white cloth with rubbing alcohol and start botting the stain. (you can use a cotton swab for more precise application)
- As you blot, you’ll notice the nail polish gradually coming out of the carpet. Once the stain lightens, dampen the cloth with cool water and blot the area to remove the stain and solution.
Baking Soda And Ginger Ale
In addition to rubbing alcohol, baking soda and ginger ale can also be used to tackle nail polish from your carpet. Baking soda has a slightly alkaline nature. Because nail polishes have acidic elements, the mild alkaline nature of baking soda creates a chemical reaction that loosens the stain.
On the other hand, the fizz in ginger ale helps agitate the stain. This further loosens the nail polish from the carpet fibers. Follow the steps to learn how to apply them.
- So first, cover the nail polish stain with baking soda. Then, pour enough ginger ale on the baking soda-covered stain to create a paste. Allow them to sit for some 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, use a clean, damp cloth and gently blot the stain. Lastly, rinse it with clean water and use a fresh cloth to remove any baking soda residue.
Non-Acetone Polish Remover
Non-acetone removers are also a good option to remove nail polish stains. They contain solvents like ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, or even alcohol. These solvents dissolve ingredients (when applied over the stain) within the nail polish and break down the stain fully.
But contrary to popular carpet cleaning myths, make sure to always test it on a hidden part of the carpet first. This is due to certain solvents in them that may react with some carpet dyes and cause discoloration. If the test goes well, follow the steps and apply it accordingly.
- First, moisten a cloth with a non-acetone nail polish remover and dab the stain with it.
- Keep blotting until the stain comes off the carpet onto the cloth. (Use a clean section of the cloth as necessary to ensure you do not spread the polish on the carpet)
- After removing excess nail polish, dampen another cloth with cold water and blot the area to remove any leftover polish remover.
- As the carpet dries, use a soft-bristled brush and gently lift the fibers to restore their texture.
Dry-Cleaning Solvent
Most dry-cleaning solvents are non-polar molecules. Similarly, nail polish also contains non-molar particles like resins and pigments. So what this means is that when you apply the non-polar molecules (dry cleaning solvent) over the stain, it dissolves and breaks apart the non-polar components in the nail polish.
- Therefore, dampen a clean cloth with the dry cleaning solvent and carefully dab the stain with it. Start from the outer edge of the stain and work your way inward.
- Keep on blotting the stain, using a fresh part of the cloth each time. Once the stain vanishes, dampen another cloth with water and blot the area to remove any residue.
So That’s A Wrap!
Let’s be straight. Nail polish stains are not common, but accidentally spilling them on your carpet is never a good thing. Despite presenting a specific challenge, removing nail polish from the carpet is not difficult if you use the right cleaning solution, follow a proper step-by-step process, and remove nail polish from the carpet like a pro.
