You've probably spilled a glob of nail polish on your clothes while you were applying it to your nails, causing large, colored stains. Don't worry, nail polish is one of the easiest materials to remove from clothes and other types of fabric.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Remove Nail Polish
Step 1. Face the polished cloth down and apply it to some paper towels
The stained part of the cloth should stick to the tissue. This method can be used on both dry and wet nail polish.
- This method is perfect for cotton, silk, linen, denim, and almost any type of fabric.
- Be careful with the process if the fabric contains triacetate or acetate. This type of fabric can melt when exposed to a nail polish remover product.
Step 2. Clean the affected area with acetone
Wet a cotton ball or tissue with acetone (available at drugstores, at the nail polish remover section) and apply it to the back of the stained cloth. The polish stain will transfer to the tissue.
Step 3. Rinse the cloth and repeat the process
Rinse the stained area of clothing in the sink, then place the area on top of several clean paper towels (stain side down). Repeat this stain removal process until all the stains have transferred to the tissue.
- Continue rinsing the cloth and using acetone again until no more of the stain transfers to the tissue when you apply the cloth to it. This indicates that the stain has been successfully removed.
- Double check the stained area to make sure there is no nail polish remaining. If there are still a few stains, moisten a cotton swab with acetone and gently dab it on the stain to remove it.
Step 4. Wash the clothes
Apply a stain remover to the area you just cleaned, then wash the clothes according to the directions on the label. The stain will disappear and the clothes are ready to use when they are dry.
Method 2 of 3: Remove Nail Polish on Upholstery
Step 1. Wipe and clean wet polish immediately
If the wet polish on the upholstery is treated right before it dries, you can remove it more easily. Wipe and clean as much wet polish as possible using a cloth or tissue.
- Do not rub it excessively which will make the stain spread further on the surface of the furniture upholstery. Instead, use a paper towel to wipe it down in short strokes so the nail polish doesn't spread further.
- Use a tissue or cloth that is highly absorbent so that there is little polish left on the upholstery.
Step 2. Remove the stain in the area using acetone
Use a cotton swab or other object that will allow you to apply the acetone precisely to the stained area. Only apply acetone to the stained area.
- You may have to test in a hidden area of upholstery. Acetone can react with certain types of fabric (such as those containing triacetate and acetate) and can make the stained area look bad if you're not careful.
- Do not pour acetone directly on the stained cloth, as it will be difficult to control the flow of the liquid. So, apply acetone using an object like the tip of a tissue or a cotton swab.
Step 3. Remove nail polish stains with a clean cloth
Gently pat the stained area with a cloth, then use a clean part of the cloth to pat it again. Reapply the acetone and continue patting the area until the stain is gone.
Step 4. Rinse the stained area using warm water
Wash the area with a sponge to remove any remaining acetone or hydrogen peroxide. When the upholstery has dried, you can use it again.
Method 3 of 3: Remove Nail Polish with Alternative Methods
Step 1. Use hydrogen peroxide
Some fabrics don't react well to acetone, so you can use hydrogen peroxide in the same way.
- Apply peroxide to the stained area, then press and pat dry with a clean cloth. Repeat this step until the stain is gone.
- Hydrogen peroxide can function as a bleaching agent. So you should test it first on a hidden part of the fabric before using it on the stained area.
Step 2. Try using hairspray
Spray hairspray onto an old toothbrush, and use it to brush and remove stains on the fabric in a circular motion.
Step 3. Use insect repellent spray
Some people believe that insect repellent (which is usually sprayed on the body or clothes to ward off mosquitoes and other insects) can be used to remove nail polish stains. Spray the product on an old toothbrush, then scrub and blot the stain gently in a circular motion.
Step 4. Rinse and wash the cloth
Whichever method you use, you should always rinse the stained area to remove any residue from the cleaning agent used to remove the nail polish stain.
Tips
- If the cloth is very valuable or expensive, take it to a professional cleaning service immediately before you do anything.
- Spray hairspray onto a cotton swab, then rub it on the stain several times with a slightly firm motion. Hairspray can remove stains by peeling off the nail polish molecules.
- Always do the test on a hidden area of the fabric before you work on the stained area of the fabric.
- Scrape off as much polish as possible with a nail file or emery board. Be careful not to scrape the fabric. This can reduce the size of the stain so you can remove it easily.
- If you've used one method and it doesn't work, try another method until the stain is gone. One of the methods in this article will most likely remove the stain. If the stain still doesn't go away, take the cloth to a professional cleaning service.
- Act quickly. New stains are easier to remove than old ones.
