← Stain and Surface GuideNail Polish Stain Removal Guide
Nail polish is one of the toughest household stains because it is designed to resist water and dry into a hard film, so acetone-based polish remover is usually the only thing that will fully dissolve it.
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Carpet
- Blot up any wet polish immediately with a clean cloth, taking care not to spread it.
- Dab the stain with a cotton ball soaked in non-oily acetone nail polish remover, working from the outer edge toward the center.
- Continue blotting with fresh sections of cloth until the polish stops transferring, then rinse with a cloth dampened in plain water.
- Let the area air dry fully, then vacuum once dry to restore the texture of the fibers.
Safety note: Test acetone remover on a hidden patch of carpet first, since it can dissolve certain synthetic fibers, especially acetate and triacetate carpet.
Clothing
- Place a clean cloth or paper towel underneath the stained area to catch the polish as it lifts.
- Dab the front of the stain with a cotton ball soaked in acetone nail polish remover, replacing the cloth underneath as it absorbs color.
- Once the polish has mostly lifted, rinse the area under cool water and apply a liquid laundry stain remover.
- Wash as usual in the warmest water the care label allows, then check the spot before drying.
Safety note: Never use acetone on acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic fabrics, since it will dissolve them, and always test on a hidden seam first.
Wood Furniture
- Blot up any wet polish immediately with a soft cloth, avoiding any rubbing motion.
- Avoid acetone remover on finished wood, since it can strip or cloud the finish, and instead dab gently with a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab.
- Wipe the area clean with a barely damp cloth, then dry immediately.
- Buff the spot with a furniture polish made for the finish once it is fully dry.
Safety note: Always test any solvent on a hidden section of the furniture first, since finishes vary widely in how they react to alcohol and acetone.