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Removing dry paint, lacquer, varnish, nail polish, shoe polish, lipstick, magic marker & related stains

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1. Use paint, oil, and grease remover (paint or lacquer thinner; clear, non-acetone fingernail polish remover, etc. Caution, can dissolve carpet latex.)
2. Agitate (tamp, rub gently, or distribute chemical evenly), then blot. Continue blotting until the stain no longer transfers to your cloth, or until the stain disappears.
3. If needed, reapply cleaning chemical evenly, agitate, then blot again until the stain no longer transfers to your cloth or the stain disappears.
4. Use a 'volatile dry solvent' (like 70-90% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, K2R® spotter, etc.)
5. Agitate (tamp, rub gently, or distribute chemical evenly), then blot. Continue blotting until the stain no longer transfers to your cloth, or until the stain disappears.
6. If needed, reapply cleaning chemical evenly, agitate, then blot again until the stain no longer transfers to your cloth or the stain disappears.
7. Use a general purpose spotter - includes most general spotters available at the grocer or carpet retailer (e.g., Perky Spotter®, R2X Stain and Soil Remover by Shaw Industries®, Spot Shot®, Arm & Hammer™ Odor and Stain Remover for Carpet, Mohawk Floorcare Essentials Carpet Spot Remover®, Spot Chomp®, etc.)
8. Agitate (tamp, rub gently, or distribute chemical evenly), then blot. Continue blotting until the stain no longer transfers to your cloth, or until the stain disappears.
9. Rinse with warm water or flush with a personal extractor (such as a carpet cleaning machine with water-only rinse setting).
10. Dry the spot with a hair dryer or fan.
11. Use a normal dry vacuum to clean up any leftover debris.

Note:

Always test first to prevent surface damage, read and follow safety and other label directions, and work in a well-ventilated area.

Product brand names are mentioned for informational not endorsement purposes.

Stain removal data provided by the labs at the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)