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

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.
• Delamination will probably occur if material seeps into the backing.

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

1. Act Quickly - Acetone and nail polish removers will destroy carpet backing and some carpet pads!
2. Blot with dry towels to absorb as much of the spill as possible.
3. Thoroughly hot water extract the area.
4. Blot with dry towels to remove all moisture.
5. 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!