Nail polish is notoriously difficult to get off of couches, chairs, and other textile surfaces. Wondering how to remove nail polish from furniture? Here are five tips:
Nail polish is a varnish consisting of three layers: a topcoat, an undercoat, and a top coat. The first two coats protect the surface from moisture and wear. Your polishes may also have special ingredients that make them harder to remove or resist dissolving in acetone (an active ingredient in paint strippers).
There are five ways to remove nail polish from fabric: with soap and water, acetone, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Soak the area for a few minutes with lukewarm soapy water followed by rinsing with clean water. If the stain is still there after several washes, use bubbly mild acetone or lacquer thinner. If the stain is too severe, remove the entire layer of polish using one of the other four methods described above.

Nail polish can be difficult to remove, especially when it gets on fabric. But don’t worry — there are a few ways to get nail polish out of your couch.
First, you’ll need to identify the type of fabric your couch is made of. Nail polish can be removed from most fabrics, but some require special care.
What you will need
To remove nail polish from a couch, you will need the following items:
- A dull knife or spoon
- Dish soap
- A bowl
- A clean cloth or sponge
- Carpet or upholstery cleaner (optional)
You may also need a vacuum cleaner to remove any dried nail polish that has flaked off the couch.
Steps to follow
To remove nail polish from a couch, you can follow these steps:
- Scrape off any excess nail polish with a dull knife or spoon. Be careful not to spread the nail polish or damage the couch fabric.
- Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
- Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently blot the nail polish stain.
- Rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the soap.
- If the nail polish stain is still visible, you can try using a carpet or upholstery cleaner specifically designed for removing stains. Follow the instructions on the cleaner and test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the couch before applying it to the stain.
- If the stain persists, you may need to seek the help of a professional cleaner.
Remember to always be gentle when cleaning a stain and to never scrub or rub the fabric too hard, as this can cause the stain to spread or damage the fabric.
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to prevent nail polish from getting on your couch:
- Use a nail polish protector or a silicone mat when painting your nails. These products will catch any nail polish that drips or spills, keeping it off your furniture.
- Keep nail polish remover, cotton balls, and a clean cloth nearby when painting your nails. If you do happen to spill some nail polish, you can quickly clean it up before it has a chance to stain your furniture.
- Avoid painting your nails on the couch or over a carpeted surface. Instead, use a hard, easy-to-clean surface like a table or desk.
- Consider using nail polish that is less prone to spilling or dripping. Some brands are formulated to be more resistant to chipping and cracking, which can help prevent spills and stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions about removing nail polish from a couch:
Can I use rubbing alcohol to remove nail polish from a couch?
Yes, rubbing alcohol can be effective at removing nail polish from a couch. However, it is important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the couch first to make sure it does not damage the fabric or cause the color to fade.
Can I use hairspray to remove nail polish from a couch?
Hairspray can be a useful tool for removing nail polish from a couch because it contains alcohol, which can dissolve the polish. However, it is important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the couch first to make sure it does not damage the fabric or cause the color to fade.
Can I use a nail polish remover to remove nail polish from a couch?
Nail polish remover can be effective at removing nail polish from a couch, but it is important to use it with caution. Some types of nail polish remover contain acetone, which can be harsh and may damage certain types of couch fabric. It is important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the couch first to make sure it does not damage the fabric or cause the color to fade.
What should I do if the nail polish stain is still visible after trying to remove it?
If the nail polish stain is still visible after trying to remove it, you may need to seek the help of a professional cleaner. A professional cleaner will have access to specialized tools and products that may be more effective at removing the stain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few different ways that you can remove nail polish from your couch. You can use a petroleum-based product, such as nail polish remover, or you can try a home remedy, such as using vinegar or lemon juice. Whichever method you choose, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first and blot the area dry afterward to prevent any further staining.
Additional Information
Nail polish spills are inevitable, especially if you’re a fan of changing your polish frequently. If you’ve ever accidentally gotten nail polish on your clothing, carpeting, or upholstery, you know that it can be difficult to remove. While it’s certainly not impossible to get rid of, it will take some work on your part. But with a little bit of patience and the right supplies, you can definitely get the job done.