How to Get Nail Polish Off a Shirt

Have you gotten nail polish on your a shirt? Nail polish can leave nasty stains that are hard to remove. However, with these instructions, you can consistently get nail polish off your shirt. But before you start, consider that you may be better off leaving it on. All chemicals capable of removing nail polish can damage clothing, especially if you use too much. If the nail polish stain is small, does not stand out, or is placed in a location where it will not be visible when you wear your shirt, you may be better off just leaving it rather than risking further damage. If your stain renders your shirt unwearable, continue.

Step 1 - Getting Ready

Start immediately. The less time the nail polish has to dry, the easier it will be to remove, and the more you will be able to get out.

Pick a room with a lot of windows, or work outside. Open all of the windows. Nail polish remover can create a lot of fumes that you do not want to breathe, so work in a well ventilated area.

First, you need to figure out what specific kind of nail polish remover to use. For most fabrics, acetone is fine. However, for fabrics containing acetate or triacetate, acetone will cause a lot of damage. If your shirt contains acetate or triacetate, use amyl acetate instead. Once you have picked a nail polish remover, try a tiny amount on an inconspicuous place on your shirt. If it does not discolor the fabric, continue.

Next, set up your work area. Lay down a layer of paper towels on a flat surface. This should be in an area that you don't mind getting dirty. Your layer of paper towels doesn't need to be very wide, but it should be thick enough to absorb excess nail polish remover. Finally, place your shirt flat on top of the layer of paper towels. Arrange it so the stain is face down. You will want to be able to apply nail polish remover to the back of the stain.

Step 2 - Applying

Get the tip of a paper towel wet with your nail polish remover of choice. Dab it onto the back of the stain. It should soak all the way through. If it doesn't, you aren't using enough nail polish remover. Get a new paper towel, then get it more wet and try again. After a few dabs, no matter what, you should discard your paper towel and get a new one to avoid spreading the stain around. If you do it right, you should end up with a paper towel full of nail polish, and a clean shirt.

Step 3 - Finishing

Don't leave nail polish remover in your shirt. It will give off fumes, may damage your shirt, and can even be flammable. As soon as you can, wash your shirt in the warmest water that is safe for the fabric. You can then dry it normally.

Discard your paper towels and wipe up any nail polish remover or nail polish that has seeped through, if any.