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University of Illinois Extension
Nail polish

Nail polish

Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove.

All stain removal methods should be applied prior to laundering washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove.

Washable Fabrics

Special notes about solution

Do not use nail polish remover on acetate, triacetate or modacrylic fabrics as they will dissolve. Send these materials to the dry cleaner and identify the stain.

Steps to Clean

Chemical solvents and supplies

  • Nail polish remover
  • Acetone
  1. On other fabrics, apply nail polish remover or acetone to back of stain over absorbent material.
  2. Rinse and launder.

Carpet

What you will need

  • Dull knife
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Detergent

Steps to Clean

  1. Remove as much of the foreign material as possible by blotting with a white paper towel or scraping with a dull knife.
  2. Apply rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth, white paper towel or cotton ball. If the spot extends deep into the pile use a blotting motion until the spot is removed or no color is transferred to the cloth. Do not allow the alcohol to penetrate into the backing as this will destroy the latex bond. If the spot is on the surface only, rub in one direction at a time. Never us a circular motion to remove spot as this may destroy the texture. Stop if spot is removed. If not, go to the next step.
  3. Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot. (To make the detergent solution mix 1/4 teaspoon of a hand dishwashing detergent which does not contain lanolin or bleach with 1 quart of water) Use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. If spot is being removed continue applying detergent and blotting with a white paper towel until spot is removed.
  4. Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle, blot to remove excess moisture.
  5. Spray lightly with water, do not blot this time; apply pad of paper towels and brick and allow to dry.
  6. If there is still some stain on the carpet and blotting is not removing it, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for on (1) hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water so no rinsing is necessary. Apply pad of paper towels and weight down with brick.

Or


Chemical solvents and supplies

  • Nail polish remover
  1. After removing excess, apply nail polish remover, drop by drop, to soften.
  2. Then blot or scrape away.
  3. Shampoo, let dry, then vacuum
  4. Pretest nail polish remover in an inconspicuous place. Do not use on acrylic fibers

Steps to Clean

Upholstery

What you will need

  • Acetone
  • Dry cleaning solvent
  • Hydrogen peroxide

Steps to Clean

  1. Carefully blot up excess polish.
  2. Using an eye dropper, apply a small amount of acetone to the stain.
  3. Blot immediately.
  4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until no more stain is removed.
  5. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a dry cleaning solvent.
  6. Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
  7. If the stain remains, apply hydrogen peroxide.  Use an eye dropper to apply the peroxide directly on the stain.
  8. Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the hydrogen peroxide.