Here are a few methods for getting nail polish out of your carpet in a flash.

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Avoid harsh removers containing acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic because they might ruin the fiber.

nail polish on carpet

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Saturate a cotton swab or sponge with the remover, and then dab the stain.

attempt to use as little nail polish remover as possible.

Use a clean paper towel or lint-free cloth to have a go at remove and lift the stain.

using a credit card to scrape away extra nail polish

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Repeat the process until the stain lifts, but stop if you notice discoloration or fraying.

Hairspray

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Hairspray is another efficient alternative to remove nail polish from any carpet.

Wet the stain with cold water.

applying acetone to the carpet

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Repeat until the stain disappears.

Let the carpet dry.

Rubbing Alcohol

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Rubbing alcohol works the same way as nail polish remover.

hairspray

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Do a spot test to ensure the ammonia doesn’t cause discoloration, as this is a harsher solution.

Rinse the affected area with water and let it dry.

The stain should disappear.

bottle of rubbing alcohol

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Vinegar

Mixwhite vinegarand water (ratio of 1:1).

Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and blot the stain.

Rinse the area with water afterward.

homemade glass cleaner

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

Spray it on the stain, completely saturating the area.

Club soda is best for light-colored carpets.

Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes or until it stops bubbling.

Bottle of vinegar on a marble countertop next to a scrub brush

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Then, blot the stain with a paper towel or clean cloth until it lifts.

Once the spot dries, vacuum up any remaining baking soda residue.

Blot dry with a paper towel to lift any wet colorings.

Closeup of baking soda being used to deodorize a carpet

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Rinse with clean water and repeat until the polish is removed.

Measure a teaspoon and apply it to the stain.

Then, scrub the stain with an old or soft bristle toothbrush, working the solvent into the fibers.

castile soap and spray bottle in the kitchen

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

Let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Vacuum any excess solvent.

If the above methods don’t work, try a commercial carpet cleaner designed to remove tough stains.

Dry cleaning solvent removing brown carpet stain with gloves and paper towel

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

In many cases, yes, acetone will damage your carpet.

Acetone can cause visible discoloration and fiber damage.

Bleeding colors, thinning fibers, and fraying are possible outcomes.

Hydrogen peroxide is a safer alternative to bleach.

Mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with three tablespoons of water.

Blot the stain with the mixture until the nail polish starts to dissolve.

Rinse the area with water afterward.