Do you like doing your own manicure at home like me? Then you must be struggling with nail polish mess on clothes and carpets too. It is totally understandable.
In order to save time, we often get clumsy and end up staining our favourite carpets in the living room. I have a step-by-step solution to remove the stain easily from any clothes.
In this guide, I will help you with How to Remove Nail Polish from carpets and clothes with just 5 tricks. So, keep reading to find different solutions for different fabrics.
Table of Contents
Tools and Ingredients Required to Remove Nail Polish Stains
I always prefer and recommend natural cleaning practices. Though removing nails using acetone is one of the most powerful ways, there are also other effective ways using eco-friendly products.
Here are some sustainable cleaning alternatives and tools that you need to remove nail polish from carpets, rugs, and clothes:
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
- Dish soap
- Hairspray
- Microfiber cloths
- Paper towels
- Toothbrush
Now that you have gathered all your equipment, get ready for the war to remove nail polish, dried as well as fresh nail polish stains from your carpet.
5 Tricks to Remove Nail Polish From Carpet
Here are 5 easy steps for How to Remove Nail Polish from carpet:
1. Use White Vinegar
Mix the same ratio of white vinegar and water. Take a clean cloth and damp it with the solution. Gently rub on the stained area and rinse off with clean water afterwards.
If the stain is stubborn, put some baking soda on the affected area and then spray some of the solution. Let it sit for 10 minutes and rub with a toothbrush and rinse with clean water. This will do the job.
2. Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol does the same wonder as a nail polish remover. Take a cotton ball or a cloth and damp it with rubbing alcohol. Gently wet the stained area. Then, using a paper towel, blot until the stain lifts.
Be careful and do not accidentally blot the stain back to the carpet or rug again. You can keep changing the cotton ball to avoid the mess.
3. Non-acetone Nail Polish Remover
100% pure acetone is sometimes harsh and damages dark colour carpets and rugs. So, what is the alternative? “Non-acetone” nail polish remover!
Yes, you heard it right. Avoid cleaners that contain triacetate, acetate, or modacrylic. They ruin the fabric. Instead, there are various non-acetone nail polish removers available on the market that work effectively.
4. Try Hairspray
Hairspray works wonderfully to remove nail polish stains from fiber. First, wet the affected area with cold water and spray 10 to 15 sprays of hairspray directly onto the nail polish stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes and bolter the area using a lint-free cloth.
Repeat blotting until the stain disappears. If the stain is stubborn, you can also put some rubbing alcohol on top and scrub using a toothbrush. Once done, let the carpet dry.
5. Use Dish Soap
Dish soap can also be used to remove nail polish stains from carpets and rugs. I have tried it many times and believe me, it works wonderfully. Just mix the soap with some warm water, pour the mixture into the affected area, and gently rub using a soft bristle brush in a circular motion.
Once the nail polish starts to loosen, wipe it using a dry and clean cotton cloth or paper towel. Do not forget to rinse using clean water.
How Do You Remove Nail Polish from Carpet After It Dries?
You must be wondering now, How to Remove Nail Polish from carpet after it dried out. You must have that mess lying on your carpet too! No need to worry.
I have the perfect solution to clean that mess instantly. Follow here:
✔ The first step is to gently scrape off the hardened nail polish from the carpet. Be careful and try not to damage the fibers.
✔ If the carpet is lighter in colour, try using hairspray or white vinegar to wet the spot. Leave it for a few minutes and gently scrub using a soft-bristle brush.
✔ Carefully bolt and do not rub harshly. Repeat the bolting process using a clean cloth until the nail polish lifts completely.
| Note: Before directly applying any cleaning solutions to the affected area, I highly recommend you test on the hidden area of the carpet. It will ensure that the cleaning solution does not cause any discoloration or damage to the fibers. |
How to Remove Nail Polish from Clothes?
Spilling nail polish on your favourite clothes leaves a permanent mark. But, no need to panic! You can actually clean the clothes by following these steps:
✔ If you are dealing with dried nail polish stain, scrape off the hardened parts, and if you are dealing with a wet spill, try to wipe off the excess polish that has not been soaked.
✔ Take a cotton swab and soak it in laundry detergent. Work on the stain from outside to inside and make sure not to push it deeper. It will make the stain worse.
✔ If the stain is stubborn, you can try a white vinegar and baking soda mixture and gently scrub.
✔ Lift the remaining stain using a clean paper towel. You can also use small lint-free cotton pads, but make sure to replace them with a cleaner one.
✔ Lastly, rinse the cloth with clean water and your favourite dress will be as good as new.
How to Remove Nail Polish from Leather?
Removing nail polish stains from leather is easier than removing them from carpet or cloth. Before applying anything to leather, test the cleansing solution on the hidden part of the leather. Certain powerful products, like acetone may damage the dye from the lather.
Now, let’s test it out:
✔ You can consider rubbing alcohol, as it causes less damage than acetone. However, I prefer non-acetone nail polish remover.
✔ Wet a cotton swab or lint-free cotton pad and wet it with the non-acetone nail polish remover.
✔ Be careful not to put the cleansing solution directly on the affected area. This may damage the dye.
✔ Rub the nail polish stain in a circular motion and make sure not to touch other unaffected parts.
✔ If the stain is stubborn, the non-acetone solution may not work. You can consider making a mixture of white vinegar and olive oil.
✔ Now, wash off the leftover solution and pat dry the area.
✔ I prefer conditioning the leather afterwards to prevent it from cracking in future, especially for leather furniture.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, the above-mentioned solutions for How to Remove Nail Polish from carpet and cloth have been helpful. However, remember to always do a test on the hidden part to check for any damage. If the stain does not come out in one try, repeat the process three to four times.
If you are scared of drying on your own, I always recommend seeking professional advice. You can share your experience through the comment below. Don’t be shy and share which guide you need next!
