HOW TO GET NAIL POLISH OUT OF CLOTHES
It starts with the best intention to give yourself a glamorous manicure, but nail polish mishaps can happen. The good news is there are quite a few options you can try to get nail polish out of clothes. Before attempting any stain-fighting options, refer to all garment labels to familiarize yourself with what can or can’t be used to treat your garment. Some fabrics require different treatment options. Read on to learn more.
DOES ACETONE RUIN CLOTHES?
Yes, acetone—found in many nail polish removers—and other alcohol-based products are known to damage clothes, so it’s best to avoid using them to remove nail polish from fabrics. Instead, opt for a non-acetone polish remover or take your garment to a professional dry cleaner. Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, oil-based soap and water are also often helpful for removing nail polish. Be sure to check your garment’s care label and test an invisible corner with any of these treatments before you tackle the stain. Fabrics that have been treated with nail polish remover or any other flammable substances should not be placed in the washing machine or dryer.
DOES ACETONE STAIN CLOTHING?
Yes, acetone can permanently stain and damage clothing so you should never use it on any type of fabric. Always opt for a non-acetone solution to help maintain the quality of your fabric.
HOW TO REMOVE NAIL POLISH FROM CLOTHES
Stains can be stressful, but remember to not panic—scrubbing a stain too aggressively can cause it to set and make it harder to remove. This helpful step-by-step guide is simple and will get you back to your manicure in no time.
SUPPLIES
Dull knife or credit card
Oil-based soap
Cotton swabs
TOOLS
Washer such as these Maytag® washers
Dryer such as these Maytag® dryers
Warm water
STEP 1: REMOVE EXCESS
Gently scrape off excess nail polish with something non-porous like a dull butter knife or credit card. This helps avoid pushing nail polish into the garments and setting the stain.
STEP 2: SOAP AND WATER
Using an oil-based and non-flammable soap, work it gently into the stain with cotton swabs. Replace swabs as they become saturated with color. Rinse with the hottest water allowed for your garment.
STEP 3: AIR DRY
Air dry your garment to monitor the stain. If the stain persists, repeat the steps until it is removed. To help prevent the stain from setting and making it harder to remove, avoid putting your stained garment in the dryer.
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HOW TO GET NAIL GLUE OUT OF CLOTHES
Soak your item in soapy, cold water for 30 minutes. When this time has elapsed, remove the garment and gently scrub the glue with a soft toothbrush. Wash as usual with laundry detergent. Try to act quickly before the glue has a chance to dry and harden.
Water soluble glues can often be removed by rinsing them under cool water and then following your garment’s care instructions for washing. Waterproof glue will need the help of a professional dry cleaner to help prevent damaging your clothes.
HOW TO GET NAIL POLISH OUT OF JEANS
Start by carefully scraping excess polish with a dull knife or credit card and then rinse the stain under cold water. Soak a microfiber cloth in a non-acetone nail polish remover and place a paper towel or cloth under the stain. Working from the outside in, dab the stain to transfer the nail polish to the towel underneath. If the stain remains, treat it with dish soap, using a cotton swab to work it from the outside in. Hand wash the jeans in the hottest water your care label allows with your preferred detergent and air dry.
Always test your treatment method on an invisible corner of your denim before taking this approach and check your care label for any specific instructions before you begin.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHERS AND DRYERS
Find your partner in stain fighting with a dynamic washer and dryer duo. Maytag brand has powerful options from front load washing machines to top load washing machines, with features that help combat different kinds of messes. You can choose from features on select models like a built-in water faucet—which allows you to rinse, spot treat or soak clothes right in the washer or the Extra Power button, which helps boost stain-fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation. Already have a Maytag® washing machine? Find a matching top load or front load dryer to complete your set.
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