How to Get Nail Polish Out of Clothes (4 Methods)

It's a peaceful Saturday afternoon, and you're finally catching up on some much-needed laundry when suddenly, you spot it – a bright pink nail polish stain smack dab in the middle of your brand-new shirt. 

We've all been there, and we're here to help. 

In this article, we show you how to get nail polish out of clothes with four tried-and-true methods, no matter the fabric. So take a deep breath and bid adieu to that nail polish stain. 

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How to get nail polish out of clothes

To get nail polish out of clothes, start by gently scraping off any excess polish. Then, grab either rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, dish soap, or a mix of baking soda and vinegar. Apply your chosen cleaner and gently scrub with a toothbrush. Finally, rinse with water and launder as usual. 

As always, remember to test an inconspicuous area of the fabric first.

Method 1: Baking soda and white vinegar 

A solution of baking soda and white vinegar is a natural and effective way to remove nail polish from clothes without damaging the fabric. This method is best suited for fabrics like cotton, polyester, and blends, but it's not recommended for delicate or silk fabrics because it can damage the fabric's texture and color. 

What you’ll need

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Soft-bristled brush
• Clean cloth
• Cold water

Steps to clean

Follow these steps to remove nail polish from your clothes with baking soda and vinegar.

Scrape off excess nail polish

If the nail polish stain is still wet, blot up as much of the nail polish as possible using a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing as it can spread the stain. However, if it’s already dried, use a knife’s dull edge or an old credit card to scrape off the top.

Prepare your cleaning solution

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in a bowl to create a paste. Baking soda and white vinegar work together to create a powerful natural cleaning solution. When mixed, they form a fizzing reaction that helps loosen and lift the nail polish stain from the fabric.

Apply the cleaning solution

Apply the paste to the stained area and gently rub it in with a soft-bristled brush. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes to allow it to work its magic and break down the nail polish.

Rinse and dry

Next, rinse the stained area with cold water to remove any remaining nail polish and paste residue. Be sure to use cold water as hot water can set the stain and make it harder to remove.

If the stain persists, repeat the steps above until the stain is removed. Once the stain is removed, wash the article of clothing as usual.

Method 2: Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a powerful solvent that can effectively break down and remove nail polish stains from different fabric types. It can be used for delicates like silk or wool, but it’s advisable to test an inconspicuous area of the cloth first.

What you’ll need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Spoon or dull knife
• Soft-bristled brush
• Clean cloth
• Cold water

Steps to clean

• Blot up wet nail polish, or scrape off excess dry polish with a spoon or dull knife. 
• Dampen a cotton ball or swab with rubbing alcohol.
• Blot the stained area with the cotton ball or swab, working from the outside in to avoid spreading the stain.
• Use a soft-bristled brush to gently work the rubbing alcohol into the stained area. 
• Let the rubbing alcohol sit for 5-10 minutes to allow it to break down the nail polish.
• Use a clean cloth to blot the stained area, working from the outside in.
• Rinse the stained area with cold water. 
• Repeat the steps above until the stain is removed.
• Once the stain is removed, wash the garment as usual. 

Method 3: Nail polish remover

Nail polish remover is an effective method for removing nail polish from clothes because it contains solvents, such as acetone or ethyl acetate, that can dissolve and break down the nail polish, making it easier to clean off. 

This method works well on sturdy fabrics like cotton, polyester, and denim. However, it may not be suitable for delicate fabrics like silk or fabrics as it can cause damage or discoloration.

What you’ll need

• Nail polish remover
• Cotton balls or clean white cloth
• A small bowl or container
• Mild laundry detergent
• Clean water
• A clean towel or paper towels

Steps to clean

• Place a clean towel or paper towel underneath the stain to prevent the nail polish remover from spreading to the other side of the garment.
• Pour a small amount of nail polish remover into the bowl. 
• Dip a cotton ball or clean white cloth into the remover, and gently dab it onto the stained area. 
• Be careful not to rub or scrub the stain, as this can cause it to spread or work deeper into the fabric.
• After applying the nail polish remover, gently blot the stain with a clean, dry cotton ball or cloth. 
• Repeat the steps until the stain is no longer visible.
• Rinse with clean water and launder the garment as usual. 

Method 4: Dish soap

Dish soap is specifically designed to break down grease and oil, which makes it a great solution for lifting nail polish from fabric. It's particularly suitable for sturdy fabrics like cotton and polyester, but it may not be the best choice for delicate materials.

What you’ll need

• Dish soap 
• An old toothbrush or a small scrubbing brush
• A clean, dry cloth or paper towel
• Lukewarm water
• A bowl or small container

Steps to clean

• Remove excess polish with a paper towel (if wet) or a spoon or dull knife (if dry).
• Fill a bowl or small container with lukewarm water and add a few drops of dish soap. 
• Dip the stained area of your clothing into the soapy water. 
• Grab your toothbrush or scrubbing brush and gently scrub the stained area in a circular motion. 
• Be patient – it might take a few minutes for the dish soap to work its magic and lift the nail polish from the fabric.
• Rinse the area with clean water. Repeat the steps above until the nail polish stain is gone. 
• After you've successfully removed the nail polish, launder the clothes as usual.

FAQ for removing nail polish from clothes and other fabrics

Answers to your frequently asked questions about removing nail polish from clothes and other fabrics. 

Can nail polish stains be removed from clothes?

Yes, nail polish stains can be removed from clothes with rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, dish soap, or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Whichever method you choose, first scrape off excess polish, then apply the cleaner and gently scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse with clean water and launder as usual.

Will vinegar remove nail polish from clothes?

Vinegar can help remove nail polish from clothes. Start by gently scraping off excess polish. Next, test for colorfastness on a small area. If it doesn’t change your fabric color, dab the vinegar on the stain with a clean cloth, then blot. Repeat until the stain fades. Finally, launder the garment as usual.

Does hairspray remove nail polish from clothes?

Yes, hairspray removes nail polish from clothes. To do this, spray a generous amount of hairspray on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently dab it with a clean cloth. Rinse with cold water and launder. Always test on an inconspicuous area first, as hairspray may damage some fabrics.

How do you get dried nail polish out of fabric

To remove dried nail polish from fabric:

1. Gently scrape excess polish with a dull knife.
2. Mix 1 tbsp rubbing alcohol & 1 tbsp white vinegar. 
3. Test fabric for colorfastness.
4. If the color remains unchanged, dampen a cloth with the mixture & blot the stain working from the outside in.
5. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

How to get just about anything out of clothes

Having trouble with other stains on your clothing? We put together a primer on how to get just about anything out of your clothes:

• Permanent marker
• Chewing gum
• Chocolate
• Sticker residue
• Slime
• Cat pee  

Act quickly to remove pesky nail polish stains from your clothes

Removing nail polish from clothing may seem daunting, but with the right methods and supplies, it is a manageable task. A pro tip is to act quickly when you notice it, and then use any of the cleaners we’ve explained in this article suitable for your fabric type.

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