How To Get Nail Polish Out Of Carpet: Effective For Both Wet And Dry Stains

how to get nail polish out of carpet

Nail polish on your carpets doesn’t look as glamorous as they would on your fingernails. Not just that, they can damage the fibers of your carpets and can be challenging to remove after some time. 

On top of that, if you’re too harsh, you can ruin them, and you’ll have to waste your hard-earned money on brand new carpets. Don’t worry; we’re here for you. This article provides the best tips if you want to know how to get nail polish out of carpet.

How To Get Fresh Nail Polish Out Of Carpet?


When you’re dealing with fresh nail polish stains, you don’t have to be too aggressive. The below-mentioned methods will eliminate the stains without causing any damage of your carpet.

Method 1: How To Get Nail Polish Out Of Carpet With Baking Soda & Vinegar:

remove nail polish from carpet vinegar

What you will need:

  • Liquid Dish Soap
  • Baking Soda
  • Lemon juice
  • Vinegar
  • Toothbrush
  • Dry cloth
  • Gloves

Step by Step Process:

Step one: Firstly, pour some liquid dish over the stain and then add some baking soda over it. Next, squeeze some lemon juice over the liquid dish/baking soda solution. Use gloves to prevent irritation in case you have bruises.

Step two: After that, apply vinegar over it, and you’ll notice some foam forming, but there’s no need to worry. Using a toothbrush, rub the solution in a circular motion for a few seconds. Ensure that you’re not spreading the stain to non-affected areas. You’ll notice the stain already coming off.

Step three: You can apply a little more vinegar over the stain and continue scrubbing in a circular motion. After the stain has been eliminated, you can use a dry cloth to wipe clean. If you have multiple stains, focus on one area first before moving to the next.

Method 2: Using Hydrogen Peroxide And Nail Polish Remover

What you will need:

  • Nail polish remover
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Plastic knife
  • Spray bottle
  • Soap
  • Water
  • Sponge
  • Cotton balls

Step by Step Process:

Step one: Using cotton balls, blot the stained area. Test your nail polish remover on a less discernible area first, and check if there’s any adverse reaction. Apply nail polish remover to a cotton ball and blot the affected area again.

Step two: If that doesn’t work, you can put hydrogen peroxide on the cotton ball and dab the area. Keep applying the peroxide until the stain is gone. Once the stain is gone, wash the area with soap and water using the sponge. If there are dried up stains, spray it first with the spray bottle and use a plastic knife to remove them.

Removing Dried Nail Polish Stains From Carpet


If the nail polish stain has been set in for a while, you might have to use stronger techniques.

Method 1: Using Carpet Stain Remover

What you will need:

  • Carpet stain remover
  • Toothbrush/sponge
  • Water
  • A rag
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Acetone

Step by Step Process:

Step one: Firstly, pour the acetone over the affected area and let it sit for a while. After that, using a toothbrush or sponge, scrub the area in a circular motion. Spray the stain remover directly onto the stained area. If there’s excess stain remover over your carpet, remove it using the sponge.

Step two: Let it sit for a few seconds, and it’ll begin to sizzle. Pour the water over it and use the sponge to scrub again. You’ll notice the color coming off. You can keep repeating the process until the stain is completely removed. After you’re done, you can wash your carpets and let it air dry.

Method 2: Using Hair Spray And Rubbing Alcohol

What you will need:

  • Spray bottle with cold water
  • Toothbrush/sponge
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Hairspray

Step by Step Process:

Step one: This method works best when the stain has already dried up. Test the hairspray and rubbing alcohol on a less visible area before using it on the rest of your carpet.

Step two: Wet the stained area with the spray bottle. After that, spray 10-15 pumps of the hairspray on the affected area and let it sit for a few seconds. Next, pour a generous amount of rubbing alcohol over it.

Step three: Using the toothbrush/sponge, scrub the stained area in a circular motion. As you scrub, you can keep spraying cold water. If you have multiple stains, concentrate on one area first before moving onto the next. If there are still some stain left, you can repeat the process.

Step four: After you’re done, clean your carpet, let it dry and store your tools in a cool and dry place.

Step four: After you’re done, clean your carpet, let it dry and store your tools in a cool and dry place.

Using A Portable Carpet Cleaner For Fast Result:


A portable carpet cleaner is a handy tool that you can use to effectively remove any shorts of carpet stain including nail polish. These cleaner are equipped with powerful suction and special stain removal brush for deep cleaning your carpet and upholstery. You can also use any recommended professional formula with these cleaning machine for quick result. 

You can see our recommended list of the best portable carpet cleaners here.

When Should I Call A Professional?


If you want your carpet to last for a long time, you should give it a deep cleaning session at least once a year by calling in a professional. If you have tried numerous DIY methods and there are still stains on your carpets, you must seek professional help. 

Remember, if the stains have been set in for a long time, it might be difficult for the professionals to remove them, and you’ll have to purchase brand new ones.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Does Hydrogen Peroxide Get nail Polish Out Of Carpet?

Ans: Yes, hydrogen peroxide can remove nail polish stains. Apply the peroxide on a cotton ball, apply it on the affected area, and scrub it using a toothbrush. However, don’t let it sit for a long time as it can bleach your carpet color.

Q2: Can You Use Vinegar Or Baking Soda To Remove Nail Polish?

Ans: Yes, baking soda and vinegar are both excellent stain removing agents. You can also combine equal parts baking soda/vinegar and apply it over the stain. Use a brush or sponge and scrub it in a circular motion. After you’re done, wipe clean the area.

Q3: Can I Use Nail Polish Remover?

Ans: You can use nail polish remover to remove fresh stains. Apply it over the affected area, let it sit for a while, and then wipe it with a sponge or dry cloth. Do a patch test first on a less visible area.

Q4: Can I Use Dish Soap To Remove Fingernail Polish From Carpet?

Ans: Yes, you can use it but ensure that it doesn’t contain bleach or lanolin. Dip a cotton ball with the detergent and dap it over the affected area. Afterward, wipe it with a dry cloth.

Final Words:

if you have any sort of stain on your carpet, you must treat them as soon as possible. Whether it’s fresh or dried up nail polish stains, the methods mentioned above will remove them without causing any damage to your carpets. If you still don’t see results, you must call in professionals and buy new ones.