Step By Step Guide on How to Remove Nail Polish Stains

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Step By Step Guide on How to Remove Nail Polish Stains

Step By Step Guide on How to Remove Nail Polish Stains Tidyhere Infographic

Whether you get a fresh set every few weeks or touch up the same color once in a blue moon, we all spend at least a little time with nail polish. Unfortunately, with those interactions, we run the risk of a stray drop or spill in the worst places possible.

No matter how or where it happens, we’ve got a way to get those annoying nail polish stains out. Keep reading to find out how you can rescue your clothes, couch, and more from your favorite nail polish.

Is nail polish harmful to your health?

Step By Step Guide on How to Remove Nail Polish Stains Tidyhere Blog Image of a Womans Removing Nail Polish

As per information from the Harvard Health Blog, research has indicated that chemicals present in non-natural nail polish can potentially be absorbed by the body. However, the precise extent of this absorption and whether it poses any adverse health consequences remain uncertain. Opting for natural alternatives is generally a prudent choice if you wish to minimize exposure to chemicals on your body.

What You’ll Need to Remove Nail Polish Stains

Before you get to work treating and removing nail polish stains, you’ll need to make sure you have everything you need for a successful mission. To remove nail polish from most fabrics, you’ll need:

Step By Step Guide on How to Remove Nail Polish Stains Tidyhere Infographic

Tips & Tricks for Removing Nail Polish Stains

If you’re worried about how to make sure you get the best results, we get it. So here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind before and while you’re removing nail polish stains:

✨As alarming as it is to have bright orange nail polish on your favorite sweater, don’t get your tinsel in a tangle over it. Stressing out isn’t going to make the stain any easier to remove so stay calm, and let’s carry on.

✨Use tender blots to get the stain up instead of harsh rubs. You’re trying to get nail polish out of your clothes, not rub a knot out in your partner’s back. Rubbing embeds the stain deeper into the fabric fibers and makes it that much harder to remove.

✨Wait for the nail polish to dry before you try removing it, even if you catch the stain while the polish is still wet. Attempting to remove a wet stain could spread the polish, creating a bigger stain – and this is one instance where bigger isn’t better. If the nail polish is still wet, use an ice pack to chill the area. Icing the stain will dry and contain it before it gets the chance to spread.

Tips & Tricks for Removing Nail Polish Stains

We’ve got some proven methods to help you remove nail polish from just about anything. With a few simple products, a little patience, and a smattering of elbow grease, you can banish these stubborn stains for good.

Depending on the material, you can use non-acetone nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, or baking soda to clean up the mess. Below are the best approaches for removing nail polish from just about anything.

✨ Getting Nail Polish Out of Clothing

To get nail polish out of your clothes, begin by testing a small area of your garment with nail polish remover. If the remover is too strong, switch to hydrogen peroxide. Dip a microfiber cloth in the cleaner, then blot the nail polish until it’s gone. Got a really big stain? Use tweezers to gently pull excess dried polish from the fibers before going in with your remover.

✨ How to Get Nail Polish Out of Couches

Step By Step Guide on How to Remove Nail Polish Stains Tidyhere Blog Image of a Womans Applying Nail Polish

Cherry red nail polish on your white couch, eh? Don’t panic. Dip a clean cloth in a little hydrogen peroxide, and dab at the stain until it disappears. Use dish soap and lukewarm water to pull up any cherry-red leftovers.

✨ Getting Nail Polish Out of Fabric & Upholstery

Grab your dish soap and squirt a tablespoon of it into a bowl filled with lukewarm water. Dip your microfiber cloth into the solution and, bit by bit, blot the stain until it’s gone.
If the stain puts up a fight, pull out the big guns — baking soda. Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then blot it off with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.

✨ Getting Nail Polish Out of Carpet

Step By Step Guide on How to Remove Nail Polish Stains Tidyhere Blog Image of a Womans Feet With Nail Polish

Act quick if you’ve got nail polish on your carpet! These stains set quickly and can be permanent if left for too long. Dip a microfiber cloth in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol, and gently blot the spill until the nail polish has been absorbed. Use a little dish soap in lukewarm water to get rid of any lingering polish.

✨ Getting Nail Polish Out of Leather or Suede

Oh, no! Not the leather jacket! It’s okay — we know what to do. Reach for the rubbing alcohol, and pour a little on a microfiber cloth. Blot, blot, blot until the stain is safely removed and your leather goods are blemish-free. A Quick Note: Is your stained item made of acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic? Nail polish removers that contain acetone dissolve these materials, leaving gaping holes that can’t be repaired. Always opt for non-acetone nail polish to remove stains, and when in doubt, take it to a professional.

When to Ask for Professional Help?

Read the manufacturer’s label on your clothes or upholstery to see what the fabric content is. If the item in question is made of wool or silk, don’t even try to remove the stain yourself. There’s no at-home stain removal method that’s safe for these fabrics. Instead, take them to the dry cleaners, or let your favorite Boston Professional Home Cleaners handle it.