How To Get Fingernail Polish Out Of Clothes

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Written by Grove Collaborative

Nail polish on your clothes? Here's how to get it out.

Last Updated: April 22, 2021

We've all been there — you were in a hurry to freshen up your manicure before going out and your nail polish bottle took a tumble. Or maybe your kid was practicing nail art on the sofa and had a "little" accident. No matter how or where it happened, we've got a way to get the nail polish out. Slay stains with success with this comprehensive nail polish removal guide.

Is nail polish bad for you?

We at Grove love a natural product (Check out these natural nail polishes!), but are natural nail polishes actually better for you?

According to the Harvard Health Blog, "Studies have shown that chemicals in [non-natural] nail polish can be absorbed into the body. But the exact amount of absorption, and whether it is enough to have negative health effects, are not well established." Natural is always a safe bet if you want to avoid any chemicals coming in contact with your body.

What is Grove Collaborative?

At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.

Looking for more cleaning how-tos and other sustainable swaps you can make at home? Grove has you covered with our buying and cleaning guides. And let us know how if you have any cleaning questions (or share your own tips using #grovehome) by following Grove Collaborative on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning products, shop Grove Collaborative's cleaning essentials or natural beauty products to start shopping healthier products for you and the environment.

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You've got nail polish in a place it shouldn't be, and you want it gone? We're here to help. Set yourself up for success with our hot tips on polish removal.

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How do I get nail polish to dry quicker?

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.

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. Before you start stain busting, make sure the nail polish is dry — and always spot-test cleaners on an inconspicuous area first.

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.

How to get nail polish out of clothes

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 carpet

Run, don't walk, 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.

How to get nail polish out of fabric and 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.

How to get nail polish out of couches

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.

How to get nail polish out of leather/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.

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 cleaner's, and let the professionals handle it.

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The Holey Trinity

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.

Shop more of Grove's natural nail polish products

Spills happen, but Grove Collaborative has you covered with Stain Busters. Each week, we'll tell you how to tackle a different tough stain around the home or on your clothes. Red wine, grass stains, ink ... no stubborn stain is a match for our grime-busting guides.

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