Get Sparkling Nails without the Stains: Know How to Clean Nail Polish from Polyester
Nail polish adds a dash of color to your look. But accidental spills can leave you with an unsightly stain on your polyester garments. Don’t panic! Here are simple steps to get rid of nail polish stains on polyester.
Updated 28 Feb 2023
By Isabelle Trottier
Wet Method
- Wet the stained area with running tap water.
- Rub a liquid detergent gently on the area and rinse it off with cold water.
- Soak the garment in cold water for 10-15 minutes.
- Dab some rubbing alcohol onto stain with a soft cloth.
- Now, rinse off the alcohol and lightly scrub stain with a soft brush.
- If the stain still persists, add a tablespoon of ammonia to one cup of cold water and dab it onto the stained area.
- Rinse it off with water and let garment air dry.
Dry Method
- With a dull knife, scrape off as much of nail polish as possible.
- Rinse the fabric with cold water.
- Mix a few drops of dishwashing detergent with two cups of cool water.
- Dab the mixture onto stain and gently rub it in with a finger.
- In a bowl, mix together equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
- Dip a soft sponge into the solution and wring out excess liquid.
- Dab the area with the dampened sponge until the stain fades away.
- Rinse the garment with cold water and let it air dry.
Tips and Precautions
- Always check the care label on your garment before attempting to clean it.
- If stain is still visible after drying, repeat above steps until it disappears completely.
- Never use hot water or a hair dryer on a stain, as these will only further set the stain and make it even more difficult to remove.
- For stubborn stains, use a commercial stain remover such as OxiClean or Zout.
- Always wash your garment after cleaning to remove any traces of chemical residue.