
Don’t Panic! How to Tackle Nail Polish on Carpet Before Calling the Pros
Spilled nail varnish? Don’t despair! While professional cleaning is an option, there are some things you can try yourself to remove the stain. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
Act Fast: Fresh stains are easier to tackle. Blot up any excess polish with a clean, absorbent cloth (don’t rub!).
Choose Your Weapon:
- Dish Soap: Mix a tablespoon of dish soap with two cups of warm water. Using a clean cloth, blot (not scrub!) the stain with the solution. Rinse with cold water and blot dry with a clean towel.
- The Hairspray Hero: Surprisingly, hairspray can loosen nail polish. Spray a generous amount onto the stain, followed by rubbing alcohol. Use a soft brush to gently agitate the area. Blot with a clean, damp cloth and rinse with cold water.
- Baking Soda and Ginger Ale: This fizzy combo can be surprisingly effective. Cover the stain with baking soda, then drench it with ginger ale. Let it sit for 10 minutes before blotting with a damp cloth. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
General Tips:
- Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first.
- Work from the outside of the stain inwards to avoid spreading it.
- Blot, don’t rub! Rubbing can grind the polish deeper into the carpet fibers.
- Be patient! It might take several attempts to remove the stain completely.
If these methods don’t work, or the stain is large, it’s best to call a professional carpet cleaner. They have the tools and expertise to tackle even the toughest stains.
Bonus Tip: For lingering odours, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and leave it for a few hours. Vacuum it up afterwards.
