How to Remove Fingernail Polish from Your Carpet

Anyone who has ever used fingernail polish knows that it can cause some nasty stains that will refuse to come out. So what should you do if you spill some on your carpet? With the right strategy, it is possible to remove nail polish stains. Follow these instructions and your carpet should be back to normal in no time.

Step 1: Setting Up

Before you do anything, see if you can scrape away any nail polish with a paper towel. Nail polish that hasn't dried yet might be possible to wipe away, and dried nail polish might break off with a little bit of effort. The earlier you get to your nail polish stain, the better. However, be sure not to spread the stain around if it's still wet—it's a good idea to pat dry instead of rubbing.

Next, you'll need to get ready to apply the amyl acetate. First, open all of the windows in the room with the nail polish spill. Amyl acetate can create fumes that you don't want to breathe, and it can be dangerous in a poorly ventilated area.

Step 2: Testing

Ideally you should check the cleaning instructions on your carpet to see if amyl acetate will damage it. Whether or not this information is available, it is still a good idea to test out your nail polish remover before applying, just to be sure.

Test out a small amount of amyl acetate on a hidden spot on your carpet. The inside of a closet, under a piece of furniture, and behind a door are all good spots. Try out a tiny bit on the spot you choose to see if it damages or discolors your carpet. If it does, you will have to decide which you would prefer—a discolored carpet, or a carpet stain. If your stain is in a hidden spot, or the color is not too different from your carpet, or you have a very dark carpet that discolors easily, you may be better off leaving the stain alone.

If you have to, you can replace amyl acetate nail polish remover with window cleaner, but you are better off with nail polish remover.

Step 3: Cleaning

Now it is time to apply the amyl acetate to your fingernail polish stain. The best way is to use a paper towel with the tip soaked in nail polish remover, and pat it onto the carpet stain. Don't rub, or the stain may spread. If your paper towel gets dirty or absorbs nail polish, get a new one and repeat the process. Keep going until the nail polish dissolves completely.

During this step, make sure you keep small children and pets away from the area you are working in, because nail polish remover is toxic.

Step 4: Finishing

Once the stain is dissolved, dry your with clean paper towels. Pat dry instead of rubbing to avoid spreading any leftover nail polish. Don't leave any nail polish remover in your carpet, as it is flammable, toxic, and can give off fumes.