Nail varnish, also called nail polish or nail enamel is a type of liquid applied to the fingernail for decorative purposes.
If you mistakenly dropped a few of the liquids/lacquers on your carpet, then you need to remove them ASAP. In this article, we show you how to get nail polish out of the carpet, in real time.
A Few Things to Have in Mind
Before setting about the task of getting rid of the polish, have in mind that it is one “bulky” job, due to the thickness of the lacquer. Having the following points in mind will help you remove the nail varnish in good time – and using the best methods.
a. The Best Time to Clean the Polish
The best time to “catch” the nail varnish is immediately after it drops on the carpet. It could be when you missed the cover and the brush dropped on the floor or you forget to replace the cover and it rolled down to the floor.
Whichever is the case, the point is that you are better off removing the stain faster if it is still fresh.
b. Panicking Doesn’t Help
It doesn’t make sense to panic or break out in a sweat when the polish drops on your carpet. Even if the varnish is dried, you can still remove it. So, get yourself together and face the task of getting the polish removed.
c. Try Removing without Cleaning Solutions
Some homeowners are quick to introduce certain cleaning solutions into the mix – and sometimes, these cleaners turn out to be harmful to the carpet.
However, you stand a better chance of removing the nail varnish with just a paper towel or a clean cloth. It is only when you aren’t successful with that that you would consider secondary options.
Techniques for Removing Nail Varnish from Your Carpet
It can be tricky removing nail varnish, but with the right techniques, you can deal with it like a pro. Here is our trusted DIY process.
1. Use a Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover
Luckily, you can find a “quick fix” for nail varnish stains on your carpet. It is in the market and is called a nail polish remover. Go for the non-acetone variant.
To maximize this product, here are the things you have to do:
a. Prepare the Affected Area for Cleaning
Getting the carpet for cleaning entails using a clean cloth or a paper towel to blot the stain. This works best if the polish is still fresh. Be gentle with the rubbing so you don’t “rub in” more of the stains into the carpet.
b. Apply the Acetone to the Stain
Get a clean cloth or a white cotton cloth and dip it into the non-acetone nail polish remover. Use it to blot the stain the same you did previously and use an “up-and-down” motion.
Keep at it until the stain is completely lifted from the carpet.
c. Get Ready for the Last Stage of Cleaning
The task of cleaning the debris of the varnish must be handled with care. For this reason, we highly recommend making a mixture of water and a bleach-free detergent.
Get a spray bottle and fill it with water from the tap. Then, add a tablespoon of bleach-free detergent.
The following steps will help you remove the residues:
- Using the spray bottle, apply the mixture to the stained/affected part of the carpet.
- Get a clean cloth or towel and use that to press into the wet area of the carpet.
2. Try Using a Dry, Cleaning Solvent
This might not be one of the favorite cleaning products to stock on your shelf, but it can come in handy when tackling nail polish stains on your carpet.
The use of a dry, cleaning solvent is particularly because of the versatility of stain removal. So, get working with and you will be happy you did.
Here is how to put it to good use:
a. Blot the Stain with the Solvent
Since the cleaning solvent comes in the form of a powder, you are better off measuring it with a tablespoon. Apply a tbsp of the solvent into either a clean cloth or a toothbrush. Rub it into the stained area and allow it to sit.
b. Get Rid of the Solvent
The wait time is usually up to 10 minutes, after which you are sure the solvent has “set” on the stain. Inspect the surface to be sure of this. If you find out some of the stains are still there, use the cloth or the old toothbrush and make a circular motion around the remaining stains.
For faster removal, apply a little water to the cloth or the brush and continue rubbing in circles. Note that the rubbing shouldn’t be fast, because the bristles of the brush might cause more damage to the carpet.
c. Blot the Stained Area
You are almost through with the cleaning. Inspect the area once again to satisfy yourself that the stains are gone. Now, get a vacuum cleaner and use that to remove any residues or granules on the carpet.
3. Opt for a Hairspray as an Alternative Cleaning Solution
Sometimes, trying new cleaning solutions might work in place of the traditional/popular options. The normal hairspray you have in your haircare cabinet readily comes to mind.
The fact is that nail varnish might not “stand up” to this and the alcohol content makes it more intriguing. However, have in mind that your favorite hairspray works best for dried nail polish stains.
Now, let’s get started with cleaning the varnish off the carpet.
a. Scrape-off the Stains
Remember that the hairspray, especially the one with a high alcohol content works best for dried-on nail varnish stains? Now, you must remove as much of the varnishes as possible. Get a sharp object, such as a knife. Use it to scrape off as much of the varnish as possible.
Continually run your fingers over the carpet to feel for the lumps where some of the stains are remaining. When you are sure none is left behind, you can proceed to the next step.
b. Vacuum and Wet the Spot
Use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the dried bits of nail varnish. Now, get a bowl of water and sprinkle it on the stained area. Continue until you are sure the stain is wet or softened.
c. Apply the Hairspray
The floor is now “open” for the hairspray to be applied. Spray a generous amount of it – say up to 15 pumps on the stained area.
d. Apply Rubbing Alcohol Too!
Although the hairspray contains alcohol, well, more alcohol will quicken the speed of removing the stain. So, get a bottle of rubbing alcohol and apply about 3 splashes to the stained area. This, when combined with the hairspray, will fasten the pace of softening the nail varnish stain.
e. Scrub the Nail Polish – with Cold Water
Although you don’t want to saturate the area with water, you need to use water all the same. Now, get a bowl of cold water and use a bristle-free brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the area.
d. Allow the Spot to Dry
Give the spot some time to dry. You can also use a clean cloth to wipe the surface and allow it to dry.
4. Consider Dish Soap for Nail Varnish Removal
Your regular dish soap can come in handy when you want to remove nail varnish stains. This is how to use it:
a. Mix the Dish Soap Solution
The very first step is to mix a small amount of dish soap with a bowl of warm water.
b. Clean the Area
Get a clean cloth and use that to dip into the above solution and apply directly to the stained area.
c. Dry the Area
Using a clean cloth, remove the residues and give the carpet a thorough cleaning.
5. Will White Vinegar Solution Work?
You can also try using white vinegar to remove the nail polish. First, you are going to dip a clean cloth into the vinegar and place it atop the stained area. Give it about 10 minutes before blotting the area with the same cloth you used.
The blotting is done; get a damp cloth or rag and use that to scrub the stained area. Go deeper if you can and inspect the area at intervals.
Rinse and Dry
Get a bowl of clean water with a clean rag. Dip the rag into the water, wriggle moisture out of it, and apply it to the area. Scrub in a circular motion to remove the white vinegar from the surface.
Thereafter, use a different clean cloth to wipe the area. Allow the natural air to dry it completely.
FAQs
1. How Do I Tackle Dried Nail Varnish Stains?
Scrub off the stains with a knife or any sharp object. Use a mixture of liquid carpet cleaner or dish soap and a bowl of warm water to clean the stained area. Use clean water and a damp cloth to clean the area before allowing it to dry.
2. Can I Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Nail Polish?
It is better to use either white vinegar or a combination of baking soda and ginger ale stain remover. However, if you must use hydrogen peroxide, it has to be with a light carpet. Be sure to patch-test the solution on a smaller area before using it in the whole stained area.
Final Words
By following the different steps explained in this article, you should see an improvement in the shine of your carpet. If the steps didn’t work out as expected, do not hesitate to call in professional carpet cleaners to help.