May 09, 2025

How to Get Fingernail Polish Out of Carpet or Clothing
Removing nail polish from carpet fibers may be more challenging than clothing — but you can do it! You’ll need paper towels, a clean microfiber cloth, and acetone-free nail polish remover or distilled white vinegar.
Nail polish accidents happen, but the good news is that they can be remedied. Maid Bright has a few tips to get nail polish out of carpets and clothes, so you should have your fabrics restored in no time.
How to Get Fingernail Polish Out of Clothes
To clean nail polish from your clothing, including cotton blends and synthetics, follow these steps:
- Blot the stain with a clean paper towel to soak up excess polish. Try not to rub or smear the polish to stop it from spreading.
- Use your finger to dab dish soap into the stain. This will draw out any leftover polish.
- Wet a clean microfiber cloth with cold water and add the liquid soap. Use this to dab on the stain.
- Rinse the fabric and repeat until the stain fades.
- Once the stain vanishes, use a soapless, clean cloth and cold water to blot the spot.
How to Remove Fingernail Polish From Carpet
Removing nail polish from carpet fibers may be more challenging than clothing — but you can do it! You’ll need paper towels, a clean microfiber cloth, and acetone-free nail polish remover or distilled white vinegar.
- Blot the stained area immediately using paper towels to absorb extra liquid and stop the polish from spreading.
- Pour a bit of acetone-free remover onto the clean cloth and dab the stain.
- Repeat until the stain fades.
If you only have an acetone remover, you can replace it with vinegar. After the first step with paper towels, you will:
- Wet the affected area with distilled white vinegar.
- Soak a cloth in vinegar, lay it on the stain, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Blot the area with paper towels to suck up the vinegar and polish mixture.
- Gently scrub the area with a damp cloth to clear residue.
Once you’ve let your carpet air dry, you can sprinkle essential oils onto the spot to reduce the sharp vinegar smell.
What Not to Do When You Remove Nail Polish From Textiles
You should avoid a few things when trying to clean nail polish from any fabric. The following can worsen the problem:
- Smearing: Light dabbing or blotting is better than rubbing or scrubbing the area, as these can spread the polish and create a larger stain.
- Hot water: Heat can impact the structure of the textile and create a stronger bond between the polish and the material.
- Machine washing: Tossing the stained item into a washing machine before treating the stain can increase the damage.
Cleaning Help With Maid Bright
At Maid Bright, we have over two decades of experience providing premium cleaning solutions. We have tried and tested hacks, quality devices, and a top team to clean your spaces. Let us take care of your upholstery and home fittings. Contact us today to get an estimate for cleaning services in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia!
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