How to Clean Nail Polish Spills From Hardwood, Tile or Porcelain
When it comes to hardwood, especially, don’t use nail polish remover to treat the spill — it can cause more damage than the polish itself and then you’ll be stuck with a refinishing project. But for hardwood, and tile, and porcelain, a Magic Eraser will remove the nail polish. Just be sure to spot test on an inconspicuous area to ensure that the Eraser won’t cause any damage to the finish.
WD-40 is another product that will remove nail polish; to use, spray a small amount on the stain and wipe it up with a clean rag. Remaining residue from the WD-40 can be washed up with warm, soapy water. That Motsenbocker’s product I mentioned for getting nail polish stains off of fabric can also be used on most hard surfaces, so that’s one more option for you.
READ MORE: How to Clean Sunscreen Stains Off Your Clothes
How to Clean Nail Polish Spills Natural Stone
Natural stone, like granite, marble or slate, should never be cleaned with anything acidic, as it can cause pitting. However, rubbing alcohol, which is basic, is safe to use on natural stone and will take nail polish spills and splatters right up.
How to Clean Nail Polish Spills From Everywhere Else
A few odds and ends for you: Got nail polish in your hair? Try a rubbing a little oil (olive, canola, coconut, whatever you have around!) or hair conditioner through the strands — the varnish should slide right off.
Be careful where you set the cap to your nail polish remover — I learned this the hard way a few years ago, when I put the cap on my painted wood coffee table, rim-side down, and the remover ate right through the paint. Which makes sense, if you think about it! It’s paint remover.
Speaking of things to beware of! As tempting as it may be, don’t polish your fingernails in bed. I can’t tell you the number of emails I’ve gotten over the years about ruined duvet covers.
One more thing: Are your fingernails stained yellow because of too much exposure to nail polish? Try soaking them in denture tablets to brighten them back up.
READ MORE: How to Clean Powder Blush, Bronzer & Eyeshadow Spills
