Where should I start when removing a nail polish stain?

First assess the fabric and then begin blotting the stain with a cloth. Then saturate the stain with a combination of salt, warm water and white vinegar, followed by washing and inspecting the garment for any remaining stain.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Nail polish > Shirt

How to Easily Remove Nail Polish Stains from Your Shirt

Q: What if none of these techniques worked?

If there are still remnants of the stain, try using hydrogen peroxide. Put a few drops of the peroxide directly on the fabric, and gently rub in a circular motion. Rinse the area with warm water and then launder the garment as normal.

It can be stressful when nail polish accidently spills onto your shirt. Fortunately, with the right technique, it's possible to remove the stain with relative ease.

Updated 28 Feb 2023

By Blaž Stančič

Assess the Fabric

The type of fabric and level of damage will determine the best cleaning method. For example, if polish is still wet, the instructions below can be used right away. If stain has dried, you may need to pre-treat the garment. Cotton, nylon, and polyester are typically the easiest materials to clean, while viscose, silk, wool and other delicate items could require a gentle approach to avoid damage.

Blotting with a Cloth

Take a white cloth and soak up any excess polish that remains on the fabric. Blot at the stain; do not rub or scrub, as this could spread the stain further.

Saturate the Stain

A combination of salt, warm water and white vinegar can be effective for treating nail polish stains. Create a mixture of equal parts salt and vinegar, then add enough warm water to saturate the stain. Leave the mixture on the item for up to 30 minutes.

Wash the Garment

Once the polish has been soaked for at least 15 minutes, you can wash item in the washing machine. Many experts recommend adding a few tablespoons of white vinegar to the wash cycle to combat the color and odor of the stain. After the wash, inspect the garment for any remaining stain. If necessary, repeat the process.

Removing Residual Stain

If there are still remnants of stain, try using hydrogen peroxide. Put a few drops of the peroxide directly on the fabric, and gently rub in a circular motion. Rinse the area with warm water and then launder garment as normal.

Stain Prevention

To reduce the chances of getting nail polish on your shirt, tape the area around your nails with painter’s masking tape. This will protect fabric and provide an easy cleanup if the polish does leak.

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