Settling into bed after a fresh manicure only to accidentally smear polish on your comforter is so aggravating! Nail polish stains can be stubborn to remove from delicate fabrics. But with the right techniques, you can rescue your bedding and erase any evidence of the polish mishap.
I will show you simple methods using common household ingredients to remove nail lacquer from comforters. With a little patience, the proper products, and care, you can effectively eliminate polish stains without ruining the fabric.
Why Nail Polish Stains Comforters?
Before diving into removal methods, let’s look at why nail polish creates such a stubborn stain:
- The pigments are highly concentrated for vivid color, making them very staining.
- Ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate help the stain set deeply.
- The polymers bond tenaciously to fabrics as they cure and dry.
- Friction from rubbing the stain before drying pushes it further into fibers.
So polish contains tenacious dyes and ingredients meant to create a highly staining, permanent finish on surfaces – exactly what you don’t want on clothing or bedding!
Test First in An Inconspicuous Area
Before trying to remove polish from the entire comforter, first test any solution in an inconspicuous area like an inner corner.
- Check for any discoloration or damage to the fabric.
- Start gently and increase concentration if needed.
Proceed with the method only once you’ve confirmed it’s safe for the specific fabric. Never apply directly to the entire stain until tested.
How To Get Nail Polish Out Of Bed Comforter?
Getting nail polish out of a comforter can be tricky, but it’s possible with the right techniques. Follow these steps for the best results:
Step 1: Blot Wet Stains
If the nail polish spill is still wet, blot it immediately with a dry cloth or paper towels. Dab gently to absorb as much of the wet polish as possible without spreading the stain.
Step 2: Use a Non-Acetone Polish Remover
For fabric comforters, avoid harsh acetone-based removers which could damage fibers. Instead, apply a small amount of non-acetone nail polish remover to a clean white cloth. Dab the stained area to dissolve and lift out the polish.
Change cloths frequently so you’re always using a clean removal cloth. Work slowly and gently to avoid damaging or rubbing the fabric.
Step 3: Break Up Dried Polish
If the stain has dried, gently scrape off any thick globs of polish using your fingernail or a dull knife. This helps the remover penetrate deeper.
Next, apply non-acetone remover and firmly dab the stain, allowing time for the chemicals to break down the dried polish. Repeated applications may be needed.
Step 4: Rub With Baking Soda
For more cleaning power against set-in stains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub this into the stain using a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Let sit briefly, then wipe away.
The mild abrasive baking soda can help lift out lingering traces of polish. Rinse with water afterwards.
Step 5: Launder Comforter
After spot cleaning, run the comforter through a complete wash cycle before using it again. Use the warmest water recommended for the fabric. This rinses away all remover residues or cleaning chemicals.
Check closely after laundering – repeat stain removal if any hint of the polish remains. With patience, it’s possible to get even dried nail polish out of comforters.
Other Ways To Get Nail Polish Out Of Bed Comforter
Method #1: Hairspray
A common product that works surprisingly well for nail polish stains is hairspray. The alcohol solvents help break down the polish bonds.
What You’ll Need:
- Hairspray, non-aerosol
- Clean cloths
- Stain remover brush
Step-by-Step:
- Lay the comforter flat with the stained area facing up.
- Spray hairspray liberally over the stained portion.
- Let sit for 2-3 minutes allowing hairspray to penetrate stain.
- Use stain brush in circular motions to gently work in hairspray.
- Once polish starts cracking, blot lifted portions with a clean rag.
- Rinse with cool water and repeat if stain remains.
The hairspray dissolves the nail polish binders allowing the color to be removed. For heavy stains, let the spray sit longer before scrubbing.
Method #2: Rubbing Alcohol
Another effective polish remover you likely have at home is rubbing alcohol. The ethanol solvent dissolves nail lacquer.
What You’ll Need:
- Isopropyl rubbing alcohol, 90%
- Clean white cloths or paper towels
- Rinse bucket, basin or bathtub
Step-by-Step:
- Lay down comforter and place absorbent cloths or towels under and over stain.
- Dampen a cloth with the alcohol and gently blot the stain avoiding vigorous rubbing.
- Check cloth for transferred color and re-dampen cloth as needed.
- Once polish is removed, rinse by dabbing with cool water to eliminate alcohol residue.
- Air dry the spot fully. Check for remaining hints of stain and re-treat if needed.
The key is to gently dab – rubbing can further push the polish into the fabric. Take your time to lift all traces of color.
Method #3: Dish Soap
For very delicate fabrics, try a mild dish soap solution. The detergent helps dissolve the stain.
What You’ll Need:
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Soft bristle brush
- Rinse bucket or sink
Step-by-Step:
- Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
- Dip brush into solution and gently spot-treat the stain.
- Once polish starts to break up, blot lifted color with a rag.
- Rinse with clear water by dabbing area to remove all soap.
- Air dry then check for remaining discoloration. Repeat if needed.
Take care not to over-saturate the fabric. Lightly work in the solution and lift color immediately to avoid spreading the stain.
Method #4: White Vinegar
For washable fabrics, vinegar’s acidic properties help eat through nail polish.
What You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- Clean sponge or rag
- Rinse basin
Step-by-Step:
- Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar.
- Dip sponge in solution and gently dab onto stain.
- Once polish starts breaking down, lightly blot lifted color with clean rag.
- When stain is removed, rinse with plain water to eliminate vinegar smell.
- Allow to fully air dry. Check for any remaining discoloration and spot clean again if needed.
The acetic acid in vinegar reacts with the polish, while the water prevents over-saturation. Thorough rinsing prevents vinegar odor lingering.
Method #5: Commercial Carpet Cleaner
For tough stains, liquid carpet stain removers are formulated to break down all kinds of stubborn spots.
What You’ll Need:
- Carpet cleaner product
- Clean cloths
- Rinse bucket
Step-by-Step:
- Read product label and spot test first on an inconspicuous area of fabric.
- Apply a small amount directly onto the stained area.
- Let sit 1-2 minutes to penetrate stain then gently blot.
- Once transfer stops, rinse with cool clean water to remove residue.
- Air dry fully then check for any remaining discoloration.
Look for a pet-safe enzyme cleaner for the most effective polish remover. The enzymes help dissolve and lift the stain.
Method #6: Oxidizing Bleach (Only for White Fabrics)
For white or bleach-safe comforters, an oxidizing bleach like hydrogen peroxide can remove dried polish stains. Peroxide dissolves pigment particles.
What You’ll Need:
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Clean sponge or rag
- Rinse basin
Step-by-Step:
- Put on gloves and eye protection – peroxide can irritate skin and eyes.
- Dampen sponge with peroxide and gently dab onto the discolored area.
- Lightly blot lifted color as the peroxide reacts.
- Once stain fades, rinse thoroughly with cool clean water.
Be extremely careful to avoid colored fabrics, only using peroxide on bleach-safe white or pale fabrics. Spot test first to confirm safety.
Tips for Nail Polish Removal Success
Follow these tips to safely rescue your stained comforter:
- Act quickly before polish fully dries and sets. But don’t rub wet stains!
- Always spot test removers first on inconspicuous areas of fabric.
- Lift and blot lifted color – avoid aggressive scrubbing to limit spreading.
- Rinse and dry fully after treatment to remove cleaning residue.
- Work carefully on delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or satin.
- For heavy staining, re-treat with a higher concentration solution.
- If needed, call a professional rug/upholstery cleaning company for expert stain removal.
With the right methods and care, even severe nail polish comforter stains can be conquered!
How to Prevent Future Nail Polish Stains?
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to nail lacquer stains:
- Paint nails over a table rather than fabric surfaces. Place a towel under hands.
- Opt for no-chip gel manicures which don’t dent or smear as easily.
- Be extra cautious around fabrics right after painting nails. Wait until thoroughly dry.
- Keep nail polish far away from light-colored upholstery or bedding.
- If you do spill, don’t rub it! Blot gently and treat stain ASAP.
Staying mindful will help avoid another dreaded polish-on-comforter situation in the future!
FAQs About Removing Nail Polish From Comforters
What is the best way to get dried nail polish out of a comforter or bedding?
For dried stains, hairspray or isopropyl alcohol work best to dissolve the polish binders so the pigment can be lifted. Gently dab and blot rather than scrubbing.
How do you get nail polish out of comforters or sheets without ruining them?
Always spot test removers first. Use gentle dabbing motions rather than rubbing to avoid damage. And rinse fully after treatment to eliminate any chemical residues.
What home remedies can remove nail polish from a down comforter?
Vinegar, hairspray, dish soap, and carpet cleaner are gentler homemade options. Take care not to oversaturate the down. Blot gently and allow to fully air dry.
Does hydrogen peroxide remove nail polish stains from comforters or fabric?
Yes, peroxide can lift polish stains from bleach-safe white fabrics by oxidizing and dissolving pigment particles. Avoid colored materials. Rinse thoroughly after treatment.
What should you avoid when trying to get nail polish out of bedding?
Avoid using nail polish remover or acetone which can damage fabrics. Don’t scrub wet stains. And prevent over-wetting which sets and spreads the stain.
Wrap Up
Dealing with nail polish stains on your comforter can be frustrating. Hopefully these removal techniques and tips will help you rescue your bedding after spills and accidents.
Want to discover more handy laundry and cleaning advice? Visit the Villa Nails blog to read everyday stain solutions and cleaning tricks.
