Removing Fresh Nail Polish Stains

Nail polish stains that are still wet should be attacked immediately – don’t let them dry!

1. Using a clean and dry paper towel, gently blot the polish stain until it stops lifting. Don’t rub.
2. Gently dab the stain with a clean paper towel dipped in non-acetone nail polish remover, moving to a clean part of the towel as the stain lifts. Continue patiently dabbing the stain until it’s entirely gone or no longer lifts. Acetone-based nail polish removers, or hardware store acetone can also be used, but should first be tested for colorfastness on a hidden part of the fabric.
3. If the stain persists, skip down to the next section.

Removing Dried Nail Polish Stains

Nail Polish Removal from Cloth

Before using any of the methods outlined below, first test the process on a hidden or inconspicuous area to make sure they don’t damage or discolor the fabric you’re cleaning. Also, don’t put the stained clothing through the dryer until the stain has been removed! For leathers and suedes: This is something you can attempt yourself, but you stand a good chance of ruining/marking the material – if it’s expensive, consider bringing it to a professional cleaner. Leather is porous and there’s not many chemicals you can use on it so the DIY methods involve removing the top layer of the leather along with the stain. Be very careful.

1. Using a blunt edge (like that of a non-serrated butter knife or spoon), gently scrape up any excess from the surface.
2. Gently rub the stain with a gum eraser (a light, abrasive block).
3. If that fails, step it up and use an emery board.
4. If that fails, step it up to fine-grade sandpaper.

For vinyl: Unfortunately, nail polish usually ruins these materials. You can remove the bulk of the stain, but it will likely leave discoloration. (For other uses of nail polish, read 25 groovy ways to use nail polish)

1. Using a blunt edge (like that of a non-serrated butter knife or spoon), gently scrape up any excess from the surface .
2. Using a clean, paper towel dipped in acetate, dab the area until the stain starts lifting.
3. When the stain stops fading, rinse it well with water.

For most other materials: Method 1: Hair Spray

1. Using a blunt edge (like that of a non-serrated butter knife or spoon), gently scrape up any excess from the surface .
2. Saturate the dried nail polish with hair spray and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Gently scrub the stain with a soft bristled toothbrush until the bulk of the stain has been loosened/removed. Then blot as much up as you can.
4. Apply a spot-cleaner/stain stick to the remaining stain, following the directions on the bottle, and then launder normally.

Method 2: OxyClean

1. Using a blunt edge (like that of a non-serrated butter knife or spoon), gently scrape up any excess from the surface .
2. Make an OxyClean paste by adding just a tiny bit of water to a about a teaspoon or two of OxyClean powder.
3. Cover the stain with the paste, saturating it and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes.
4. Gently scrub the stain with a soft-bristled toothbrush until the stain has diminished.
5. Re-saturate the stain with more paste and allow it dry.
6. Launder the item normally.

Method 3: Acetone

1. Using a blunt edge (like that of a non-serrated butter knife or spoon), gently scrape up any excess from the surface .
2. Saturate the stain with an acetone solution (either acetone based nail polish remover or acetone from your local hardware store) and allow it to soak for a few minutes.
3. Gently dab the stained area with a clean, dry, white towel (paper towels are fine).
4. Continue dabbing until the stain no longer lifts, then hold the fabric underneath a faucet and flush cold water through the back side of the stain.
5. Repeate steps 2-4 until the stain is gone.

Nail Polish Removal from Carpet

Before using any of the methods outlined below, first test the process on a hidden or inconspicuous area to make sure they don’t damage or discolor your carpet. Method 1: Scissors If the stain is very small and confined to the tips of the carpet fibers, you may be able to cut away the stained portions. Don't try this on larger stains though - taking off too much WILL be noticeable. Method 2: OxyClean

1. Using a blunt edge (like that of a non-serrated butter knife or spoon), gently scrape up any excess from the surface .
2. Make an OxyClean paste by adding just a tiny bit of water to a about a teaspoon or two of OxyClean powder.
3. Cover the stain with the paste, saturating it and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes.
4. Gently scrub the stain with a scrub-brush until the stain has diminished.
5. If discoloration remains, re-saturate the stain with more paste, allow it dry, then vacuum up the remaining OxyClean powder. Repeat until the stain is either gone, nor no longer lightens.

Method 3: Acetone

1. Using a blunt edge (like that of a non-serrated butter knife or spoon), gently scrape up any excess from the surface .
2. Dab the surface of the stain with a clean, white towel soaked in an acetone solution (either acetone based nail polish remover or acetone from your local hardware store). Be very careful – if the acetone saturates the carpet it can dissolve the backing underneath the carpet! This will also dissolve any stain-guard treatments in the area in which it is used.
3. Just have patience and continue gently dabbing the area. Light and gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush may also be used. If you think the carpet is getting oversaturated, immediately stop and dab the area with a clean, dry towel to remove excess acetone.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 until the stain is gone.

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