How to Clean Nail Polish Stains from Watches Quickly and Easily
A freshly-painted manicure can brighten your look, but nail polish spills can be annoying. It’s even worse when the stain ends up on your watch. It can be difficult to remove nail polish stains from surfaces such as metal, leather, and even plastic watches. Here's how you can get rid of them.
Updated 28 Feb 2023
By Cyryl Wozniak
Removing Nail Polish From Metal Watch Bands
One of easiest ways to remove nail polish stains from metal watch bands is to pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a clean, soft cloth. Rub affected area gently until it starts to come off. You may need to dip the cloth in the rubbing alcohol several times during the process. Once all nail polish has been removed, rinse the watch band with warm water and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
Removing Nail Polish From Leather Watch Bands
Leather watch bands can be more difficult to clean than metal versions because they are more delicate and absorbent. To get rid of nail polish stains from a leather watch band, first, saturate a cotton pad or cloth with nail polish remover. Then, rub the stained area gently. Make sure you don't press too hard and to keep the liquid away from any seams.
Remember to only use remover that contains acetone, as it is most effective and safest option. Once the stain is gone, use a light leather conditioner to rehydrate leather and leave it looking like new.
Removing Nail Polish From Plastic Watch Bands
For plastic watch bands, you can use a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Mix a few drops of dish soap with a cup of water and soak a clean cloth in the solution. Rub the stained area gently and then rinse with clean water. You may need to repeat the process a few times to completely remove nail polish.
Once the stain is gone, dry the watch band with a clean, dry cloth. If there is still some residue left, you can use a little bit of rubbing alcohol to remove it.
Tips to Prevent Nail Polish Stains on Watches
- Wipe any excess nail polish off your watch with a cotton swab right away.
- If you're painting your nails at home, cover your watch with a piece of cloth or paper.
- Avoid using acetone-based removers on leather watch bands.
- Be extra careful when using dark colors, as they may leave behind stains more easily than lighter colors.
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