How to get nail polish out of clothes

Accidents happen and spilling nail polish on your favourite outfit can be quite distressing. But fear not, with the right techniques and a little patience, you can remove nail varnish stains and restore your clothes to their former glory. In this blog, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to get nail polish out of clothes. Whether you're dealing with nail varnish, nail glue or a stubborn stain on fabric, we've got you covered. From preparing the stained area to washing the clothes, we will walk you through each step. Soon you'll have the knowledge and confidence to tackle nail polish stains like a pro. So let's dive in and say goodbye to those pesky stains once and for all.

Prepare the stained area

Whether it’s a small drop of nail varnish or a big spill, to remove the stain, you need to prepare it first. Acting quickly is essential to prevent the stain from setting, so the moment it happens, get started by gathering a few basic supplies. You should have a clean cloth, cotton balls and nail polish remover close to hand. These will all come in handy during the stain removal process. Be patient and make sure you follow these simple instructions carefully. This gives the stain removal process the best chance of success and you will know how to get nail polish out of clothes quickly in the future, too.

Blot the stain

Blotting the stain is an important step in the nail polish removal process. After preparing the stained area, use your clean cloth to gently blot the stain – you can also use a paper towel for this part of the process. This will help to lift as much of the nail polish as possible before moving on to the next step. Remember to blot the stain gently, as rubbing or scrubbing can push the stain deeper into the fabric. By using a blotting motion, you can gradually remove the nail polish without spreading it further. Continue blotting until no more nail polish transfers onto the cloth or paper towel.

Apply nail polish remover

This step is important when asking how to get nail polish out of fabric. When you are choosing a nail polish remover, opt for one that contains acetone, as it is highly effective in dissolving the polish. Before applying the remover, make sure to read the label and check if it is safe to use on the fabric. You could test it in a hidden place of the garment as well.

To start, dampen a clean cloth or cotton ball with the remover. Gently dab the stained area, starting from the outer edges and working your way towards the centre. Be careful not to rub or scrub, as this can damage the fabric. Continue dabbing until the nail polish is no longer visible on the cloth or cotton ball.

Removing nail glue from clothes

If you've accidentally spilled nail glue on your clothes, don't panic. How to get nail glue out of clothes can be tricky, but with the right technique, you can safely remove them without causing any damage to the fabric. Simply wait for the glue to dry and then gently scrape off as much glue as you can before following the nail polish remover instructions above. This will dissolve the rest of the stain and you can continue on to the next step. By acting quickly and using the right method, you can effectively remove nail glue stains from your clothes.

Treating stubborn stains

Sometimes nail polish stains can be particularly stubborn and require additional treatment. This is not unusual, after all, nail polish is designed to stay on your nails for as long as possible! So, if you are noticing that you have an especially persistent stain, continue to the next step to get it gone. From using rubbing alcohol to trying out different stain removers, we will go through everything you can do. These methods can help break down the nail polish and lift it from the fabric fibres. The key is not to give up and follow all the steps carefully.

Use fabric-safe solvent

Fabric-safe solvent is a very effective method to remove nail varnish stains that are quite stubborn. It is also a common approach to use for more delicate fabrics such as silk or satin. Start by dampening a clean cloth with fabric-safe solvent. Then gently dab the stained area, working from the outer edges towards the centre. The fabric-safe solvent will help to dissolve and lift the nail polish stain. Continue dabbing until the stain is no longer visible. If you don’t have fabric-safe solvent handy, you can easily purchase some online or from a pharmacy.

Use stain removers

Another option for treating stubborn nail polish stains is to use a stain remover specifically designed for fabric. From a stain remover powder to a powerful stain remover spray, follow the instructions on the stain remover product and apply it to the stained area. Allow it to sit for the recommended amount of time, then gently blot or rub the stain with a clean cloth. Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove any residue.

Remember, always test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying it to the stain. This will help ensure that the product does not cause any damage or discoloration.

Wash the clothes

Once you have gone through all the above tips for your particular garment and stain, and successfully removed the nail polish, you can start the next step. Depending on the item that you have been treating, you may need to hand wash the garment or use your washing machine. Simply check the wash symbols on the care label on your clothes to be sure you are washing them correctly. Sometimes we forget to check the instructions or get into the habit of popping everything into the washing machine, but properly washing the stained garments will give you the best chance at effectively lifting any remaining stains.

Choose the right detergent

It's important to choose the right detergent for the fabric type to effectively remove stains. Some detergents are specifically formulated to tackle tough stains like nail polish. Read the label and follow the instructions for best results.

For fabrics that you can machine wash, check the care label to determine the appropriate water temperature and cycle setting. You should also check what temperature is required to hand wash delicate garments. Add the recommended amount of detergent to the washing machine and place the stained garment inside. For best results, add Vanish on top of the laundry detergent, Vanish Oxi Action Multipower Powder for Coloured clothes and Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder for your whites. Vanish products are designed to boost the wash even at low temperature and in short cycles. Once you have checked everything, you can start the wash cycle and allow the machine to complete the full cycle.

Dry your clothes

Now that your clothes are fully washed and clean, you can carefully inspect the stained area to ensure that the nail polish is completely removed. It’s important that you take your time here and use good lighting because if there are any residual stains, you will need to repeat the stain removal process before drying. Leaving a stained garment to dry can set the stain in, so avoid exposing the stained area to direct heat or sunlight until the stain is fully removed. Once you are satisfied, either air dry the garment or tumble dry it according to the care label instructions.

Prevention tips

By taking a few simple precautions, you can minimise the risk of accidents and keep your clothes stain-free.

Prepare your area before you paint

Find a designated area where you are less likely to be interrupted or distracted, such as a table or desk. This gives you the space to carefully apply nail polish without the risk of spills or accidents. Place an old towel or cloth over your lap or work surface to catch any drips or spills. You can also use a nail polish guard or a small piece of tape to create a barrier between your nails and the fabric. If you are wearing long sleeved tops or jumpers, consider removing these or rolling up your sleeves to prevent any mishaps.

Be cautious during and after application

When applying nail polish, take your time to avoid any accidental spills or smudges. Keep a steady hand and apply the polish slowly and carefully. If you do happen to make a mistake or spill some polish, act quickly to prevent it from setting and follow the steps outlined in this guide to remove the stain. Remember to ensure the caps of your nail polish are secure when you are finished – this will prevent any last-minute spills. You should also store your nail polish bottles upright in a cool, dry place to maintain their integrity and minimise the risk of accidents.

Conclusion

Removing nail polish stains from clothes is a manageable task if you follow the right steps. By acting quickly, using the appropriate techniques and being patient, you now know all the tips to successfully restore your clothes to their original condition. Remember to always read and follow the care instructions on your garments and test any cleaning or stain removing products on a small, inconspicuous area before applying them to the stain. From blotting the stain and using nail polish remover to washing and drying your clothes with care, you can confidently tackle nail polish stains and keep your wardrobe looking its best.