Have you stained the sofa or your favorite shirt with enamel? Do not worry, it is not an indelible stain! In fact, enamel is removed from fabrics quite easily compared to other types of substances. Read on to learn how to remove nail polish from clothes and upholstery.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Remove Nail Polish from Clothes
Step 1. Place the stained garment face down on some paper towels
The stain must be in contact with the paper. You can use this method with both fresh and dry stains.
- This method works effectively on cotton, linen, silk, denim and most fabrics.
- Proceed with caution if the garment in question contains acetate or triacetate, as nail polish remover dissolves fabrics containing these chemicals.
Step 2. Blot the stain with acetone
Use a cotton ball or acetone-soaked napkin (which you can buy at the pharmacy, perfumery or supermarket in the nail polish department) to dab the back of the fabric. This step is for transferring the glaze to the paper.
Step 3. Rinse and repeat
Take the garment to the sink and rinse the stained area, then lay the fabric inside out on other clean paper towels.
- Continue rinsing the fabric, applying more acetone until the paper turns the color of the nail polish, which means the stain has been removed.
- Check the stained area one last time. If you see traces of color, wet a cotton ball with acetone and wipe off any residue left.
Step 4. Wash the garment
Use a stain remover on the previously stained area, then wash the garment according to the directions on the label. At this point, the stain should be gone and you can wear the garment once it is dry.
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Remove the Nail Polish from the Upholstery
Step 1. Remove fresh nail polish immediately
It is much easier to get the polish off the upholstery before it dries completely. Use a paper towel or cloth to remove most of the nail polish.
- Do not smear the nail polish on the fabric, staining a larger area. Clean the stain using the wipe with small movements to keep it from spreading.
- The cloth or paper must be very absorbent to leave little polish on the upholstery and prevent it from soaking.
Step 2. Blot the area with acetone
Use a cotton ball or something similar to apply acetone to the stained area, avoiding treating the clean fabric.
- Take a test in a hidden corner. Acetone reacts with some types of fabrics, especially those containing acetate or triacetate, making the stain even more visible if you're not careful.
- Do not pour acetone directly onto the fabric, as it is difficult to control the liquid if you are not using an applicator such as cotton wool or paper.
Step 3. Use a clean cloth to wipe the stained area
Blot the stain gently, then continue blotting using a clean corner of the cloth. Apply more acetone and continue drying until all the stain has been removed.
Step 4. Rinse the area with water
Use a sponge to remove any traces of acetone or hydrogen peroxide. Let the fabric dry completely before using the item.
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: Alternative Methods
Step 1. Use hydrogen peroxide
Acetone damages some fabrics and, in this case, it is better to use hydrogen peroxide following the same procedure.
- Clean the stained area with peroxide, dabbing with a clean towel; repeat the process until the stain is gone.
- Hydrogen peroxide is a lightening substance, so test in a hidden corner before using it on a large area.
Step 2. Test the hairspray
Spray it on the bristles of an old toothbrush, then rub it into the fabric in circular motions to remove the stain.
Step 3. Use insect repellent spray
Products that you spray on your skin and clothing to keep mosquitoes and other insects away also work well for removing nail polish from fabric. Spray this product on an old toothbrush, then gently rub it into the fabric in circular motions to remove the stain.
Step 4. Rinse and wash the fabric
Regardless of the method used, remember to rinse the stained area to eliminate the residues of the substances used.
Advice
- If one method doesn't work, try the others until the stain is gone. At least one will work. If the stain is particularly stubborn, take the garment to the laundry.
- If you've stained something that is expensive or you care about, take it straight to the laundry.
- Spray some hairspray on a cotton swab and rub it on the stain several times. The hairspray will remove the polish as you scrub.
