Acetone and Nail Polish Remover Spill on Carpet - How to Safely Remove Yourself

What is Acetone?

• Acetone is a clear, colorless, harsh-smelling, highly flammable liquid solvent that is miscible with water.
• It is a good solvent for synthetic fibers and plastics and a common ingredient in paint and varnish removers.
• In the beauty industry, it is the primary ingredient in many nail polish removers.
• Acetone can be irritating to eyes, skin and breathing.
• Latex gloves are dissolved by acetone. Use Neoprene or Nitrile gloves when handling.

What Are Some of the Common Ingredients in Nail Polish Remover?

• Acetone - strong, irritating solvent
• Ethyl Acetate - sweet-smelling, colorless, flammable solvent
• Aloe Vera - protects and conditions the nails
• Glycerin - helps nails and skin from drying out
• Cetyl Acetate - skin conditioning agent and emollient

How Does Acetone Affect Carpet, Rugs, Upholstery, Plastics, Wood?

• Nail polish removers and acetone can have a bleaching effect carpet if left on it for too long.
• Acetone dissolves acetate fibers.
• Acetone may dissolve or damage some plastics including PVC and polystyrene.
• Acetone will remove varnish, lacquer, paint and stain from wood.
• Because Acetone is such a strong solvent, if it penetrated into the backing of the carpet, the carpet may buckle up and come unglued. A professional may be required to re-glue the carpet or replace the damaged area.

Follow these Steps to Remove Acetone or Nail Polish Remover from Carpet Yourself:

1. Act Quickly - Acetone and nail polish removers will destroy carpet backing and some carpet pads!
2. Blot the liquid with a dry, white absorbent cloth.
3. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid (not laundry detergent) with 1 cup of lukewarm water.
4. Apply some of the dishwashing solution with a white washcloth to the acetone residue and for a few minutes, work in gently from the edges of the spill to the center. Don't rub. Continue until the spill is completely removed.
5. Blot the liquid up with another white cloth for as long as it absorbs the acetone solution. You may have to repeat the process until the acetone solution is completely removed.
6. Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water to remove all detergent residue when the spill is completely removed. Blot with a dry towel to remove all moisture. Ensure nobody walks on the area until it is completely dry.
7. NOTE: Towels and washcloths used to remove acetone or nail polish remover will be flammable until the solvents have completely evaporated! Allow to dry outside!
8. If unsuccessful:
   • Call the Bane-Clene locator service at 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!) for a professional in your zip code area.
   • Or use our Find a Cleaner function to locate a cleaner in your area.