How to Get Nail Polish Out of Clothes: Effective Steps and Tips

a group of bottles with spilled paint

Accidents happen, and one of the most frustrating ones can involve nail polish spills on your favorite clothes or fabrics. Whether you accidentally brush against a freshly painted nail or the cap of the nail polish bottle slips, those vibrant colors can quickly become a nightmare to remove from fabric. But fear not! With the right techniques and a little patience, you can successfully tackle this issue and rescue your garments from nail polish stains. 

In this guide, we will explore step-by-step methods to remove nail polish from various fabrics, including clothes, couches, and carpets. So let’s explore how to get nail polish out of clothes

a spilled nail polish with a brush

Act Quickly

The key to successful nail polish stain removal is acting quickly. The longer the nail polish sits on the fabric, the harder it becomes to remove. So, as soon as you notice a spill, blot the area gently with a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up as much of the polish as possible without spreading it further.

Test a Hidden Area

Before you start trying to remove the stain, take a little time to do a test in a spot that’s not easy to see on the fabric. This might be a corner or the inside seam. Why do this? Well, different fabrics can react in different ways to cleaning stuff, and you want to make sure you’re not going to make things worse.

So, grab a tiny bit of the cleaning stuff you plan to use – like nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol – and put it on the hidden spot. Then just watch for a little while to see what happens. If the fabric doesn’t change color or get weird, you’re probably safe to use that method on the stain.

Gather Your Supplies

To tackle a nail polish stain, you’ll need the following supplies:

  • Acetone-based nail polish remover
  • Cotton balls or cotton swabs
  • Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
  • Dishwashing detergent
  • Butter knife or spoon
  • Clean white cloth
  • Towels

Removing Wet Nail Polish Stains

a. Gently Scrape: Use a butter knife or spoon to gently scrape off any excess nail polish. Be careful not to rub or push the stain further into the fabric.

b. Blot with Nail Polish Remover: Dampen a clean white cloth with acetone-based nail polish remover and gently blot the stain from the outer edges toward the center. Avoid scrubbing, as it can damage the fabric.

c. Rinse and Launder: Rinse the stained area with cold water to remove any residual nail polish remover. Wash the garment according to the care instructions, using cold water.

How to Remove Dried Nail Polish from Clothes

Tips to remove dried nail polish from clothes

a. Soften the Polish: Moisten a cotton ball or swab with acetone-based nail polish remover and gently dab it onto the dried polish to soften it.

b. Gently Scrape: Use a butter knife or spoon to gently scrape off the softened nail polish. Be careful not to damage the fabric.

c. Blot with Rubbing Alcohol: Dampen a clean white cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the stained area to lift the remaining polish. Again, avoid rubbing vigorously.

d. Wash the Fabric: Wash the fabric as per the care instructions using cold water.

Removing Nail Polish from Couches and Carpets

If nail polish accidentally lands on your couch or carpet, here’s what you can do:

a. Blot the Excess: Gently blot the stain with paper towels or a clean cloth to remove as much nail polish as possible.

b. Test a Cleaning Solution: Before proceeding, test a small amount of acetone or rubbing alcohol in an inconspicuous area of the fabric to make sure it won’t cause any damage.

c. Blot with Nail Polish Remover: If the test is successful, dampen a clean white cloth with nail polish remover and gently blot the stain. Avoid saturating the fabric, as it can damage the padding or backing.

d. Blot with Rubbing Alcohol: If the stain persists, dampen a new clean white cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the area.

e. Rinse and Blot: Rinse the area with cold water to remove any cleaning solution residue, and then blot with a clean cloth to dry.

Seeking Professional Help

If you’re unsure about treating a nail polish stain on delicate fabrics or valuable garments, it’s always a good idea to seek assistance from professional laundry and dry cleaning services like Love2Laundry. We have the expertise and specialized cleaning agents to handle stubborn stains without damaging your clothes. Also, sometimes certain fabrics need special attention. 

They’re like VIPs in the fabric world. So, when it comes to those fancy silks, soft wools, or vintage treasures, we as professionals have seen it all. We know which cleaning agents to use, how to use them, and most importantly, how to get rid of stubborn stains like nail polish without causing any harm to your fabric.

Conclusion

Nail polish stains on clothes, couches, and carpets can be frustrating, but with the right supplies and techniques for knowing how to get nail polish stains out of clothes, you can successfully remove them without causing further damage. Remember to act quickly, test any cleaning solution on a hidden area, and be patient during the removal process. 

Whether the nail polish is wet or dried, you now have the knowledge to tackle the problem effectively. And if you’re ever in doubt or dealing with a delicate fabric, don’t hesitate to seek help from professional cleaning services. With these methods in your arsenal, you can confidently rescue your fabrics from the clutches of nail polish stains.

a person loading clothes into a washing machine

FAQ’S 

Can you get nail polish out of clothes?

Yes, nail polish can often be removed from clothes using acetone or nail polish remover.

What removes nail polish from clothes?

Nail polish can be removed from clothes by blotting the stain with acetone or using a mixture of rubbing alcohol and dish soap.

Does laundry detergent remove nail polish?

Laundry detergent alone might not effectively remove nail polish from clothes.

How do you get nail polish off without nail polish remover?

To remove nail polish without remover, try using rubbing alcohol or hairspray, then gently scrape the residue.

How do you remove dried nail polish?

To remove dried nail polish, try using a mixture of acetone and water, or gently scraping it off with a dull knife.