How to Get Nail Polish out of Clothes

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Nail polish can be a real pain to get off your clothes once a stain sets, but there are steps you can take to save your clothes. Though there are many products you can use to loosen and remove the stain, it's important that you act quickly, since the stain will grow more difficult to remove the longer it sits. Follow the suggestions in this article to get that stain out of your clothes!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Acetone, Rubbing Alcohol, or Hydrogen Peroxide

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1712019-v4-728px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Acetone is generally safe for application to cotton, silk, denim, and linen; check the tag on your clothing to make sure it’s made from one of those materials. If not, do not use the acetone method on that garment. Hydrogen peroxide is a form of color-safe bleach, so it will probably not damage your clothing; however, know that leaving it on your fabric for an inordinate amount of time without rinsing may result in color damage. [1]
    • Do not use acetone if your garment is made from materials including acetate or triacetate, as the material will be damaged by the application of acetone.
    • If you’re not sure about the composition of the garment, or if you just want to be extra safe, test the product you choose on a very small area that will not be highly visible.
    • For example, use the part of the collar that falls along the nape of the neck and can be covered with long hair, or use the bottom of the shirt if it’s a shirt that is tucked in.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1712019-v4-728px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can find any of these products in the cosmetics and/or health section of any grocery or convenient store. Look for nail polish removers that use acetone as their active ingredient if you can’t find pure acetone. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1712019-v4-728px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is to prevent the nail polish from getting onto another surface when it comes loose from the fabric; it will get onto the paper towels instead. The stained area of the garment should be touching the paper towels directly, as you will blot at it from the back of the stain. [3]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1712019-v4-728px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can soak more paper towel in the product if that’s all you have, but cotton balls are the best way to blot at your stain. This will loosen the nail polish from the fabric and gently transfer it to the layer of paper towels underneath it. [4]
    • Make sure to blot, not rub; rubbing can spread the stain and make it messier.You’re trying to press the nail polish loose and encourage it to bind to the paper towel to get rid of the excess polish.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-5.jpg\/aid1712019-v4-728px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Run warm water over the stained area in a sink or bathtub. You can rub gently at the stain with your finger, but again, avoid spreading the stain around.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-6.jpg\/aid1712019-v4-728px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If there’s still a little bit of nail polish left on the garment, put it face-down on a layer of fresh paper towels, and blot at the stain with the stain remover from behind again.
    • Repeat the process of blotting and rinsing until the stain is completely removed from your garment.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-7.jpg\/aid1712019-v4-728px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To make sure that all unwanted chemicals, including both the nail polish and the stain remover, are removed from your clothing, run it through the washing machine when you’re finished blotting and rinsing. [5]
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Bug Spray or Hair Spray

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-8.jpg\/aid1712019-v4-728px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To control how small the test area is, apply the spray to a Q-tip, and transfer it to a very small part of the fabric that will be hidden by your hair or other clothing when you wear the garment.
    • If the color doesn’t bleed off when you rub it, you can safely apply the spray to your stain.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-9.jpg\/aid1712019-v4-728px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use enough product to completely saturate the stained area of fabric — be generous! [6]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-10.jpg\/aid1712019-v4-728px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Either buy a cheap toothbrush or use an old one that needs to be replaced anyway to gently scrub at the stain to loosen it from the garment.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-11.jpg\/aid1712019-v4-728px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You don’t want to spread the stain around, but dab it to pick the nail polish up onto the cotton ball. When one cotton ball becomes covered with nail polish, replace it with a fresh one to prevent transferring the nail polish back onto your garment. [7]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-12.jpg\/aid1712019-v4-728px-Get-Nail-Polish-out-of-Clothes-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hold the stained part of your garment under running water in the sink or bathtub to rinse the fabric of both polish and bug or hair spray.
    • Repeat the process of spraying with bug/hair spray, scrubbing with toothbrush, and rinsing in warm water until the stain has been completely removed from your garment.
    • Run the garment through the laundry when you’ve finished.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can you use toothpaste to remove nail polish?
    Community Answer
    No, this will not work on fabric. Stick with acetone, nail polish remover, or rubbing alcohol.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 10
  • Question
    How do you get nail polish remover out of clothes?
    Community Answer
    Mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of liquid dish soap with 2 cups (475 mL) of warm water. Apply the solution to the stain with a sponge, then blot it with a clean towel. Keep sponging and blotting the stain until it's done, then rinse it with cold water and pat it dry.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Can acetone ruin clothes?
    Community Answer
    Yes, acetone can ruin certain fabrics. Check the care label on whatever it is that you're trying to clean. It it contains acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic, don't use acetone. Instead, opt for acetone-free nail polish remover.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Test the cleaning product on a small, hidden area of the garment to make sure it will not cause the dye to bleed or otherwise damage the fabric.
        Thanks
        Helpful 9 Not Helpful 4
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Fast & Easy Ways to Dry Your Manicure at Home
      How to
      Restore Thick Dried Out Nail Polish So It’s Like New
      How to
      Apply Magnetic Nail Polish
      How to
      Mix Nail Polish
      How to
      Remove Nail Polish Without Using Remover
      How to
      Open Stuck Nail Polish
      How to
      Use Both Regular and UV Gel Nail Polish Together: Add a Gel Topcoat or Make a "Gelly Sandwich"
      How to
      Remove Shellac Nail Polish
      What Each Nail Polish Color Means
      How to
      Thin Nail Polish
      How to
      Remove Nail Polish from Skin
      How to
      Make Clear Nail Polish at Home
      How to
      Get Shellac Off Without Acetone
      How to
      Dry Gel Nail Polish
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-nail-polish-clothing-furniture-t108464
      2. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-nail-polish-clothing-furniture-t108464
      3. ↑ https://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/how-to-remove-nail-polish-from-clothing/
      4. ↑ https://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/how-to-remove-nail-polish-from-clothing/
      5. ↑ https://www.maids.com/blog/how-to-get-fingernail-polish-out-of-carpet-and-fabric/
      6. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a683440/surprising-ways-to-use-hairspray/
      7. ↑ https://cleaning.tips.net/T004219_Removing_Nail_Polish.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      One way to get nail polish out of clothes is by using acetone on cotton, silk, denim, and linen, and rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on all other materials. Make sure the item is inside out, and place a layer of paper towels directly behind the stain. Then, soak a cotton ball in the product and blot the back of the stain so that it transfers onto the paper towels. Once the stain has disappeared from the clothes, run the stained area under warm water and place it in the washer to remove any leftover chemicals. If you want to learn how to use bug spray or hair spray to remove the stains, keep reading the article!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 197,444 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Pink Barbie

        May 17, 2021

        "I used those methods on my clothes and it did really well, thanks to the first method above which was so helpful. ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement