Step 1: Act quickly
The key to removing nail polish from carpet is speed. The longer it sits, the harder it sets.
For light-coloured carpet:
- Sprinkle sugar (yes, really) over the spill — it absorbs the polish before it dries.
- Leave it for a few minutes to work its magic.
- Vacuum up the sugar.
- Gently dab the area with a cloth soaked in Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover.
(Avoid acetone removers — they’re too harsh for carpet fibres and can spread the stain.)
For dark-coloured carpet:
- Be careful — darker dyes can react differently.
- Try hairspray or rubbing alcohol instead of remover.
- Spray or dab the area gently.
- Blot with a clean sponge or paper towel.
Step 2: Blot — don’t wipe
It’s tempting to scrub, but resist. Wiping only spreads the pigment. Instead, blot gently from the outside of the spill inward to lift as much polish as possible.
Repeat as needed until the colour fades.
Step 3: Let it dry and reassess
Once the stain has lifted, allow the carpet to dry completely before vacuuming again. If any residue remains, repeat the process once more with a light touch.
Our best advice:
Stay calm and absorb — not smear. Quick action and gentle products usually do the trick.
And when it’s time to tackle your next manicure, stick with Kester Black’s Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover — tough on polish, gentle on everything else.
