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18 Grandma’s Remedies to Remove a Varnish Stain

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Summary

How to clean dried nail polish without using solvent? How to remove dried nail polish stains from plastic? How to remove nail polish stains on wood? How to remove dry and wet nail polish stains from the floor? How to remove dried nail polish stains from metal? How to remove nail polish stains from clothes? How to remove nail polish stains from upholstery? FAQ

How to clean dried nail polish without using solvent?

Did you know? The remover usually used to remove polish from your nails also removes polish stains from surfaces. Indeed, this product contains acetone, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate which break down the liquid embedded in the materials. However, its composition can damage certain surfaces such as plastic or the paint of walls or other objects. Fortunately, there are other alternatives with natural and ecological ingredients like lemon juice or white vinegar. In turn, these products are not suitable for all surfaces. For example, white vinegar can damage natural stone or rubber while lemon can whiten some colored surfaces.
For more information on the products to use for each surface, do not hesitate to consult this summary table:

Stain remover Plastic Wood Carpet Tiles Metal Clothing Walls Solvent X X X X Friction alcohol X X X X X Soda bicarbonate X X Ammonia X X X White vinegar X X X Hydrogen peroxide X Lacquer X X X X Stainless steel wool X

Is nail polish still wet or dry?

As you will have understood, to get rid of varnish stains you have to know how to surround yourself with the right products. According to Patric Richardson, an expert in textile care, interviewed by the marthastewart.com website: rather than wiping or rubbing a stain of fresh varnish, under the effect of panic, dab the stain so as not to spread the product on the fabrics. If the stain has hardened on the fabric, scrape the surface with a knife, spoon or other similar instrument to remove residue from the product. By doing so, the varnish stain will be easier to remove. But it will be necessary to surround yourself with products suitable for carpets, clothing, upholstery, floors and other surfaces of the house.

How to remove dried nail polish stains from plastic?

Nail polish can leave leathery stains on plastic. In some cases, it is enough to scratch the surface touched by the product to give it a second youth. But to achieve this without damaging the material, it is better to opt for the right products:

  • Rubbing alcohol

    • Rubbing alcohol f

    Remove excess liquid varnish with a knife or scraper gently so as not to damage the surface of the plastic. Are you done? Follow the steps!

  • Dip the tip of a cotton swab or a piece of cotton wool in rubbing alcohol.
  • Rub the area affected by the varnish and then change the cotton swab. Repeat this operation until there is no trace.
  • Rinse the surface with clean water and voila!

    • Another alternative to rubbing alcohol: a hand sanitizer or mouthwash can be useful to remove varnish stains on plastic.

  • Adhesive tape

    • Are you looking for another solution to remove varnish from your plastic objects? Did you know that a simple piece of tape can do the trick?

  • Cut out a piece of tape.
  • Apply it to the stain and then peel it off the surface. This eliminates nail polish.

    • How to remove nail polish stains on wood?

    Nail polish can be aggressive towards wooden surfaces. If not taken care of properly, it can seep into the material and leave a permanent trace.

  • Rubbing alcohol

    • Just like plastic, wood can be safely cleaned with alcohol at friction. In the same way:

  • Scrape the surface of your furniture to remove the varnish with a plastic knife,
  • If the stain persists, dab the stain with a wet cloth and try again.
  • For best results, wipe the area with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.
  • Rinse the area with clean water and then dry with a dry microfiber cloth.

  • Lacquer

    • No varnish stain can withstand lacquer! Yes, this famous product that you use to fix your curly hair or hairstyle is effective against nail polish stains on wood. Of course It will be necessary to test the product beforehand on a discreet area of your object or wooden furniture.

  • Spray the product directly on the area stained by the nail polish.
  • Wait 30 seconds before wiping with a microfiber cloth.

    • Convenient, isn’t it?

  • Mineral spirit

    • Does mineral spirit speak to you? This paint thinner is also used to remove nail polish stains from wood.

  • Use a clean cloth soaked in this product and apply it to the stain.
  • Are you done? Take another damp cloth to rinse the cleaned area.

    • Preferably, perform this operation in a well-ventilated space.

    How to remove dry and wet nail polish stains from the floor?

    You forgot to close the bottle of your nail polish and now your cat spills it on the floor of your bedroom. But it doesn’t matter how it happened! The main thing is to react well, taking into account the characteristics of the soil.

    How to remove nail polish stains on a carpet?

    Cleaning a varnish stain on a carpet f

    Has your carpet accidentally received nail polish splashes? First of all, refer to the washing label since the method adopted must take into account the nature of the carpet and its color. Preferably, test your stain remover on an unobtrusive part of the carpet before cleaning the stain.

    • Nail polish remover for detaching a clear carpet

    A remover without acetone or dye will be your best ally to remove nail polish stains on light-colored carpets!  Of course, it will be necessary to apply the product beforehand on a corner that is not very visible.

  • Using a spoon or paper towel, blot the excess varnish without spreading.
  • Dab the stain with a cloth soaked in solvent. Repeat this operation if necessary.
  • Then rinse with a damp paper towel.
  • Let air dry and then vacuum to straighten the carpet fibers.

    • Another bonus tip: you can replace this product with rubbing alcohol and follow the same process to remove the dry nail polish from the carpet!

    • Hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to detach a white carpet

    Our grannies have often praised the merits of hydrogen peroxide. First, for its cleaning and whitening properties but also for its stain removering power! Use this product safely on your light-colored carpet. And whatever the nature of the fibers that compose it, it will be necessary to test the solution beforehand on a discreet part of the carpet.

  • Use a pipette to better target the affected part of the mat. You can also use a spray bottle to spray the solution on the surface stained by the nail polish.
  • Leave the solution on for at least ten minutes.
  • Dab the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel.
  • Using a damp sponge, rinse the trace that persists on the carpet.

    • And that’s it, your carpet has regained all its whiteness of yesteryear!

    • Hair spray to remove dried nail polish stains

    Spray the lacquer on the stain on the carpet f (1)

    Lacquer can be used on the carpet to remove dried stains, provided that this product has a high alcohol content.

    We explain the procedure to follow:

  • Take out a knife from your kitchen drawer to scrape off the stained part. If you have a long-pile carpet, use a sharp pair of scissors to cut off the ends of the strands affected by nail polish.
  • PassThen vacuum to remove the dried residues of the nail polish.
  • This is the time to apply a generous layer of lacquer to the carpet. But first, take care to wet the area with cold water.
  • Spray the hairspray by applying 10 to 15 strokes of pressure with your finger.
  • Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the lacquer to complete the cleaning.
  • Scrub with an old toothbrush or soft bristle brush impregnated with cold water.
  • Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse and absorb product residue.
  • Let it dry in the open air and contemplate the result!

    • White vinegar for colorful carpets

    It is an undeniable fact: white vinegar is able to remove all kinds of stains on fabrics and other surfaces in the house. It is also one of the most effective products against nail polish stains. Unlike previous solutions, this product is safer for your colorful living room rug.

  • Place a cloth soaked in white vinegar on the carpet.
  • Let the product rest for about ten minutes.
  • Then take a cloth to dab the trace of nail polish. Rub the affected area again with a toothbrush in circular motions.
  • All you have to do is rinse with a damp cloth and let it air dry. The result is impeccable!

    • How to clean nail polish stains on tiles or walls?

    Have you found a trace of varnish on the tile or wall? There are several methods to remove them. It’s fast and effortless!

    • Sugar or table salt to clean nail polish still wet on the floor

    Table salt f

    To quickly save your tiled floor, you already have two size ingredients that you can use in your kitchen cupboard.

  • All you have to do is generously cover the stain with salt or sugar varnish. Thus, the crystals of these two ingredients will quickly absorb the liquid substance.
  • Wait a few minutes before scrubbing, sweeping and cleaning the stained area.

    • Acetone for cleaning ceramic tiles

    Acetone is a product that can also be applied to ceramic tiles as long as it is not left on the coating for too long. Because, some tiles such as porcelain, marble, granite or other natural stones can be sensitive to acetone.
    Here’s how to use this method:

  • Rub the nail polish with a cotton pad soaked in solvent.
  • Then clean the floor as usual with a homemade cleaner and voila! For example, you can apply baking soda paste to tiles to complete the cleaning.

    • White Spirit or mineral turpentine to remove varnish stains on tiles and wooden flooring

    Although acetone or rubbing alcohol products are effective in removing varnish stains on wooden floors, White Spirit or mineral turpentine is a gentler solution. It is also ideal for removing varnish stains on smooth surfaces such as bathroom tiles. Only drawback: you will have to spend a few pennies to get the product at the supermarket.

  • Start by scraping off excess varnish using a scraper, razor blade or spatula.
  • Use a sponge to apply the product to the stained part of the tiles. If the varnish stain is already dry, the aforementioned utensils are sufficient to remove the varnish residue.
  • If you notice that there is still a slight trace of varnish on the floor, repeat the process until the varnish stain completely disappears.
  • Clean your floor as usual using your usual cleaning solution.

    • How to remove dried nail polish stains from metal?

    Metal is one of the easiest materials to clean. Unlike other surfaces, the latter can be cleaned with a simple solvent. Here’s how:

  • Using a plastic tool, remove the extra layer of nail polish.
  • Then use a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover to wipe the surface affected by the varnish.
  • If the trace persists on Metal, use stainless steel wool to rub the impacted area and voila!

    • How to remove nail polish stains from clothes?

    Has nail polish dried on the fibers of your fabric? And you don’t know how to remove that stubborn stain on your favorite shirt, sweater or t-shirt! Rest assured! There’s always a way to give your garment a second chance. Read the care label of the items carefully. Some delicate textile fibers such as acetate, triacetate, modacrylic, wool, silk and natural fibers require dry cleaning.

  • Acetone to remove nail polish stains on washable fabrics

    • https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/UQ8vTHWMMmWYQt2eXYtxX_RyD5o=/750×0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/remove-nail-polish-stains-clothes-carpet-upholstery-2147132_08-911a4a5d7ee74302b69b6df543dbbf1b.jpg
    Caption: Cotton swab soaked in solvent on a blue sweater. Source: The Spurce

    As you will have understood, the solvent is an effective product against varnish stains on fabrics. So before you start, turn the clothes over to test the product on a fold or seam.

  • Use an old credit card, knife or similar item to remove nail polish residue.
  • Before starting cleaning, place paper towels under the part of the fabric affected by the varnish. This will be useful for absorbing acetone later.
  • Dip a cotton swab or white cloth in acetone.
  • Dab the stained part of the fabric. Do not hesitate to change the cotton swab and towels as you go for better absorption of varnish.
  • Wash the fabric as usual to remove stubborn stains thoroughly.

    • Caution:

    Being a toxic product, acetone should be used with caution as it can irritate the skin. Ventilate your space before using it as a stain remover!

  • Rubbing alcohol to loosen delicate fabrics

    • The safest bet to eradicate varnish stains on clothes is dry cleaning. However, home cleaning is also an option to consider. The condition is to use suitable products such as rubbing alcohol.

  • Using a tissue, dab the excess nail polish so as not to spread it on another part of the fabric.
  • With a cotton swab soaked in alcohol, dab the stain still fresh. Repeat this step with each time a new cotton swab soaked in the product.
  • If there is no trace left on the fabric, let the product evaporate completely.

    • Small additional bonus: rubbing alcohol is also effective against varnish stains on upholstery and leather accessories.

    How to remove nail polish stains from upholstery?

    Have you just applied your nail polish? But you accidentally spilled the tube of varnish on the sofa made of suede, leather or other synthetic fabrics. Don’t panic! Here is the instructions to save your furniture.

  • Dishwashing liquid to remove small stains on fabrics

    • The first thing you should do to remove a nail polish stain that has dried on upholstery is to scrape off the excess product. This is also the most recommended method to remove varnish stains on leather upholstery. And to tackle small stains in depth, opt for cleaning with soapy water.

  • Pour a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid into a bowl filled with warm water.
  • Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring out slightly
  • Gently, dab the stain until it disappears completely.

  • Baking soda to remove varnish stains on suede fabrics

    • Cleaning a varnish stain on suede shoes f

    Not surprisingly, baking soda is part of the list of effective stain removers against nail polish stains on suede. To take advantage of its cleansing properties, the latter can be combined with rubbing alcohol for better efficiency. Follow these steps:

  • Make a paste of baking soda by mixing three tablespoons of this powder and a tablespoon of water in a bowl.
  • Apply the product to the v stainErnis.
  • Let the dough absorb the excess product for about fifteen minutes.
  • Using a toothbrush, gently rub the surface of the fabric.
  • If you notice persistent stains, do not hesitate to dab the stain with a cotton ball impregnated with rubbing alcohol.
  • The stain is gone? Let the fabric air dry and brush again with a suede brush.

    • 3. Cleansing milk on leather fabric

    Cleaning a leather sofa f

    Finding a polish stain on the leather sofa is a common situation, especially if you are used to applying your nail polish in front of your favorite series! How then to remove the varnish without damaging this delicate fabric? Follow the guide:

  • Dab the stained area of the sofa with a cloth impregnated with cleansing milk.
  • Repeat the operation until the nail polish disappears completely.
  • To clean a stubborn stain on leather, do not hesitate to use rubbing alcohol. To do this, dab the stain with a cotton ball soaked in this product.
  • Wipe the area again with a soft cloth soaked beforehand in soapy water (dishwashing liquid).
  • Complete the operation by passing a damp cloth over the surface in question again.
  • Finally, carefully dry the area of the sofa you have cleaned with a dry, clean cloth.

    • Good to know

    • If you don’t have nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol on hand, take your hand sanitizer. It contains a high concentration of alcohol.
    • Wash your clothes immediately after staining them to make sure the stain doesn’t get attached.
    • If you have a large or dark nail polish stain, bring your garment to the dry cleaner immediately. The solvents they use have the ability to remove nail polish stains.

    FAQ

    How to remove varnish on jeans?

    An acetone-free nail polish remover can be used to detach jeans. It is a less aggressive solution for the fibers of the fabric. But before using this product, test on a discreet part of the garment so as not to damage it. Using a paper towel, cotton ball or handkerchief, soaked in solvent, dab the area and wash your jeans as usual. You can also use a cotton pad soaked in ammonia followed by a little talcum powder and leave it on before rinsing.

    How to remove a dry varnish stain on a garment?

    Remove the dry nail polish stain with remover. Then, rinse the garment with soap and water. Of course, it will be necessary to test the product beforehand on the fabric.

    How to remove nail polish remover on a wooden table?

    Have you used solvent to remove a nail polish stain from the wooden table? This error can damage the surface over time. To remedy this:

    • Add to a cup filled with water, 3 drops of dishwashing liquid.
    • With a cotton swab impregnated with this cleaning solution, wipe the surface without rubbing.
    • All you have to do is rinse with clean water to save your wooden furniture!

    If the acetone has left a permanent mark on the wood, place a clean washcloth on the table. Run a hot iron over the square of the terry cloth for one minute in circular motions. Be sure to leave the tank of the device empty before use.

    How to remove nail polish on the wall without damaging the paint?

    Any solutions used to remove nail polish from the wall are likely to damage the paint. The trick is to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol with a cotton swab. Make sure not to spread the solution on nearby areas. And finally, clean the wall with a solution of water and dishwashing liquid to remove product residues.

    How to remove furniture varnish stains from other surfaces?

    Acrylic plastic surfaces, asphalt, cork, plexiglass, linoleum, polyurethane, vinyl siding and wall coverings can be cleaned with amyl acetate. This solvent is able to remove varnish stains on the various surfaces mentioned above. It is then enough to dab the area with a cloth soaked in this product and it is done.

    We have Revealed the main tricks to remove nail polish stains on floors, clothes, upholstery, windows and carpets. It’s your turn to apply them at home!

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    About Gudrun Howell