Nail polish is a great way to add a pop of color to your outfit, but accidents can happen. One tiny slip and that vibrant shade of red or pink could end up on your favorite clothing. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to get dried nail polish out of clothes and save your garments from permanent damage.
Identifying the Type of Nail Polish Stain
Before diving into stain removal, it’s important to determine the type of nail polish that has stained your clothes. There are two types – water-based and oil-based.
Water-based nail polish stains are easier to remove as they can be washed off with water. On the other hand, oil-based nail polish stains are more challenging and require specific solvents.
To identify the type of stain, check the label on the nail polish bottle. If it’s water-based, the label will mention “water-based” or “water-soluble.” If it’s oil-based, the label will specify “oil-based” or “solvent-based.”
If you’re uncertain about the type of stain, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of nail polish remover to an inconspicuous area of the fabric. If the stain dissolves, it’s an oil-based stain. If it remains, it’s a water-based stain.
Once you’ve determined the type of stain, you can move on to the pre-treatment stage.
Taking Necessary Pre-Treatment Steps
Before attempting to remove the nail polish stain, there are a few pre-treatment steps you should follow. These steps will help loosen the stain and make it easier to remove.
Firstly, remove any excess nail polish from the fabric using a spoon or a dull knife. Be careful not to spread the stain further.
Next, lay the fabric on a flat surface with the stained side facing up. Cover the stain with a paper towel or cloth and saturate it with nail polish remover. Give the remover a few minutes to dissolve the stain.
After letting the remover sit, use a clean cloth or cotton swab to blot the stain. Avoid rubbing it, as it may spread the stain. Keep blotting until the stain is no longer visible.
Lastly, rinse the fabric with warm water and wash it according to the care label instructions.
Effective Methods for Removing the Nail Polish Stain
There are several methods you can use to remove dried nail polish stains from clothes. Here are some of the most effective ones:
Method 1: Nail Polish Remover and Hairspray
This method involves using nail polish remover and hairspray together to eliminate the stain.
Materials needed:
Nail polish remover
Hairspray
Clean cloth
Instructions:
Place the fabric on a flat surface with the stained side facing up.
Apply a small amount of nail polish remover to the stain.
Spray the stain with hairspray and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Use a clean cloth to blot the stain until it disappears.
Rinse the fabric with warm water and wash it according to the care label.
Method 2: Rubbing Alcohol
This method utilizes rubbing alcohol as a stain remover.
Materials needed:
Rubbing alcohol
Clean cloth
Instructions:
Place the fabric on a flat surface with the stained side facing up.
Dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and blot the stain.
Continue blotting until the stain is no longer visible.
Rinse the fabric with warm water and wash it according to the care label.
By following these methods, you can effectively remove dried nail polish stains from your clothes. However, always remember to perform a patch test before attempting stain removal, and follow the care label instructions for your garments.
