Buzz
You might believe that accidentally spilling nail polish on your couch or favorite shirt means the bright stain will stay forever. However, nail polish is actually one of the easiest stains to remove from fabric. Follow the steps below to learn how to eliminate nail polish from clothes and upholstery.
Steps
Removing Nail Polish Stains from Clothing
Place the stained fabric on several layers of paper towels with the stained side facing down, in contact with the paper. Use this method whether the nail polish is dry or still wet.
- This technique works for cotton, linen, silk, denim, and most other fabrics.
- Be cautious with fabrics containing acetate or triacetate, as nail polish remover can dissolve these materials.
Clean the stained fabric with acetone. Use a cotton ball or paper towel soaked in acetone (available at drugstores in the nail polish remover section) to clean the back of the fabric. This will lift the stain and transfer it to the paper towel underneath.
Wash the fabric and repeat. Place the stained clothing in a basin and rinse the stained area with water. Then, place the stained side face down on fresh paper towels and repeat the acetone treatment to transfer any remaining stain onto the paper towels.
- Continue washing and applying acetone until the paper towels no longer show any nail polish color, indicating the stain is fully removed.
- Inspect the stained area one last time. If you notice a faint trace of polish, dip a cotton ball in acetone and gently dab until the stain is completely gone.
Wash the clothing thoroughly. After treating the nail polish stain with the cleaning solution, wash the garment according to the care label instructions. The stain will disappear entirely, and you can wear the item again once it’s dry.
Removing Nail Polish Stains from Upholstery
Wipe the stain while it’s still wet. If you notice a nail polish stain on upholstery while it’s still wet, removing it becomes much easier. Use a paper towel or cloth to remove as much nail polish as possible.
- Avoid spreading the polish to other areas by wiping quickly and decisively to prevent smudging.
- Use an absorbent cloth or paper towel to blot as much nail polish as possible, preventing it from seeping deeper into the fabric fibers.
Apply acetone to the stained area. Use a cotton swab or a similar tool that allows precise application, dip it into acetone, and gently dab it onto the stain. Ensure you only target the nail polish mark.
- Test this method on less visible areas first. Acetone can react with certain fabrics, including those containing acetate or triacetate, and may worsen the stain if not used carefully.
- Avoid pouring acetone directly onto the stain, as it may spread uncontrollably. Instead, use a cotton swab or the corner of a paper towel for better control.
Use a clean cloth to blot the stain. Carefully blot the stained area, then use a clean section of the cloth to repeat the process. You can add more acetone and continue blotting until the nail polish stain disappears.
Rinse the stained fabric with warm water. Use a sponge to wash the affected area, removing any traces of acetone or hydrogen peroxide. Allow the upholstery to dry completely before use.
Using Alternative Nail Polish Removal Methods
Use hydrogen peroxide. Some fabrics do not react well with acetone but respond better to hydrogen peroxide when using the same method.
- Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stained area and blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone.
- Hydrogen peroxide acts as a bleaching agent, so test it on a hidden area before applying it to the stain.
Use hairspray. Spray a small amount of hairspray onto the bristles of an old toothbrush, then gently scrub the stain in a circular motion.
Use insect repellent. Some people claim that mosquito repellent sprays – the kind you apply to your skin and clothing to ward off mosquitoes and other insects – work effectively in removing nail polish stains. Spray a bit onto the bristles of an old toothbrush and gently scrub in circular motions to eliminate the stain.
Rinse and wash. Regardless of the method used, always rinse and wash the stained area to remove any traces of the cleaning agents applied.
Tips
- For valuable or expensive items, consider taking them to a professional cleaner before attempting any removal methods.
- Spray hairspray onto a cotton swab and dab it firmly onto the stain multiple times. Hairspray can help break down the nail polish molecules, making it easier to remove.
- If one method doesn’t work, try others until the stain is gone, as one of them is bound to be effective. If the stain persists, take the item to a professional cleaner.
