how do i remove shoe polish from carpet?

Solvents will penetrate to deep into the carpet and soften the carpet backing. Call a professional carpet/upholstery cleaner who can soften the stain and rinse/extract the solution from the carpet. Go to www.iicrc.org., to locate a certified firm and rep. Also, do not attempt cleaning this stain with laundry type products as they will quite possibly damage the carpet dyes, permanently.

Nail polish remover? The acetone removes most anything.