Remove Stains From Fingernail Polish, Lacquer

Apparel/Fabrics

  1. Non-oily fingernail polish remover may be used except on acetate, triacetate or modacrylic fabrics. Then sponge or soak stain in cool water. Apply detergent to stain. Launder.
  2. Place stain face down on paper towel. Sponge back of stain with acetone or amyl acetate (may be purchased at drug store), rotating paper tQwel as stain is absorbed. Repeat sponging until stain disappears. Launder. If stain remains, sponge with alcohol mixed with a few drops of ammonia. Launder.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always read your care label before trying any stain removal method. Do not use any products or procedures prohibited by the care label.
  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
  • When using caustic or commercial cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

Carpet

Blended Fibers

Apply a combination solvent (such as Magic, Shout, Spray ‘n Wash) to a cleaning cloth. Place cloth over stain and apply pressure without rubbing. Blot towards the middle of the stain, rotating to new and clean areas of the cloth wet with the solvent. When all stain is removed, sponge with clear water. Blot thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Rub hand across pile of carpet (against the nap). This will set the pile. Allow to dry.

NOTE: A combination solvent is a mixture of an oil solvent, glycerin, soap and/or water. It’s a conservative treatment yet does not generate toxic fumes. However, you must follow this application with a rinsing of water.

CAUTIONS:

  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.

Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Wool

  1. When anything is spilled on carpet surface, removal results are best when stain is treated immediately, before it dries. Remove excess by blotting or scraping with the dull edge of a table knife, credit card, or spatula.
  2. Apply amyl acetate (can be purchased at drug store) to the stai n and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with amyl acetate. Keep moist and let stand for about 15 minutes, blotting occasionally. Scrape to help loosen the stain. Carefully apply a commercial spot remover’ and allow to dry thoroughly.

Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, GOOF OFF, M-l Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc. These products can be found at hardware stores, discount department stores, and grocery stores.

NOTE: Acetone (such as a non-oily fingernail polish remover) can be used instead of amyl acetate. However, fingernail polish remover is not pure acetone and the other ingredients included in these products can make the stain worse. Use at your own risk.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • Do not use lacquer thinner or acetone on acetate or triacetate carpets and fabrics. They will turn to froth immediately.
  • Do not allow amyl acetate to come in contact with plastics or furniture finishes.

Hard Surface Floors

Brick, Concrete, Stone/Masonry

Remove the excess immediately. With a cloth dipped in acetone (fingernail polish remover), dab at the remaining stain until no more is picked up. Wash the area with a soft-bristled brush, using a solution of detergent (not soap) and water. Rinse with clear water and allow to dry.

Marble

  1. Wipe up the excess immediately. Wipe the area with a cloth dampened with acetone (fingernail polish remover). Rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
  2. If any stain remains, make a paste of water, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and a mild powdered detergent. Apply the paste to the stain and cover with a damp cloth to retard evaporation. When the stain has been bleached out, rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry.

CAUTIONS:

  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Resilient, Wood (Polyurethane)

Lacquer can quickly damage or ruin these surfaces. Act immediately. Scrape gently, using a dull tabl” knife, spoon or spatula to remove any excess. Do not spread the liquid. Sponge lightly with synthetic turpentine or mineral spirits.

CAUTION:

While nail polish remover or amyl acetate will remove polish, both may affect vinyl. Use them only if necessary and at your own risk.

Tile

  1. Wipe up excess lacquer as soon as possible. Wash with a cloth dipped in a solution of Washing (sal) Soda, water and a few drops of ammonia. Rinse well and dry.
  2. Hardened nail polish can sometimes be carefully scraped up with a razor blade.

CAUTIONS:

  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate venti lation.

Wood (Painted, Oiled, Stained, Varnished, Waxed)

Rub stain with a cloth dampened in a concentrated detergent solution. Rub gently with fine grade (#0000) steel wool. Wipe with a cloth dipped in a naptha or mineral spirits. Rub gentle in the direction of the gains with fine grade (#0000 ) steel wool. Rub gently in the direction of the grain. Polish or wax as usual.

CAUTIONS:

  • Do not apply nail polish remover to the stain.
  • Do not use water solutions or cleaners which have to be rinsed off with water. Only use a solvent or solvent based cleaning wax.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate venti lation.

Furniture

Aluminum, Cast/wrought Iron, Steel

Wipe up excess lacquer immediately. To remove any discoloration, wash with a steel wool soap pad. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.

Bamboo, Cane

  1. Treat immediately or this could become a permanent stain. Remove the excess lacquer and wipe the stained area with a cloth dipped in mild pure soapsuds to which a little ammonia has been added.
  2. If any stain remains, try dipping the edge of a clean cloth into acetone (fingernail polish remover) and gently dab at the stain. Be careful not to force any staining material into the surface.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • Do not use lacquer thinner or acetone on acetate or triacetate carpets and fabrics. They will turn to froth immediately.

Wood

  1. Soften the nail polish by rubbing with a cloth saturated in mineral spirits or naphtha. Do not apply nail polish remover to the stain. Acetone will quickly damage the finish.
  2. If the finish is hard, apply paste wax with a fine grade (#0000) steel wool and rub gently in the direction of the wood grain. On furniture with an oil finish, apply a small amount of furniture oil. Polish with a dry clean cloth.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.

Upholstered Furniture

Blended Fibers, Fiberglass, Natural Fibers (Silk), Synthetic Fibers (Acetate, Rayon, Triacetate, Modacryllcs), Wool

Scrape to remove excess. Apply a Dry Spotter (made by combining 1 part coconut oil or mineral oil to 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent) to the stain and cover with an absorbent pad moistened with the Dry Spotter solution. Let it remain as long as any stain is being removed. Keep the pad and stain moist. Sponge lightly with a dry-cleaning solvent. Allow to dry.

* Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thi nner, GOOF OFF, M-l Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • When using solvent-based cleaners on carpet or upholstery, be careful not to overwet the carpet or the fabric. Solvents can destroy the carpet backing and foam padding used in upholstery.

Leather, Suede, Vinyl

  1. Carefully scrape to remove excess. Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to crt a great volume of suds. Apply only the foam with a sponge to the stain. Dry with a clean cloth.
  2. If the polish has hardened, try gently rubbing an art-gum eraser across it.
  3. Apply amyl acetate to an absorbent pad. Blot stain lightly with pad, changing as stain is being removed. NOTE: Non-oily fingernail polish remover can be used. Apply to absorbent pad and blot spot gently.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • Nail polish and polish remover will damage vinyls permanently if left on the surface. Remove quickly.
  • Do not use lacquer thinner or acetone on acetate or triacetate carpets and fabrics. They will turn to froth immediately.

Natural Fibers (Cotton, Linen), Synthetic Fibers (Acrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester)

Scrape to remove excess. Sponge the stain with amyl acetate (available from drug. stores). Then blot with an absorbent pad. When no more stain is being removed, change pad and sponge with clear water to remove chemical residue. Allow to dry thoroughly.

NOTE: Non-oily fingernail polish remover (acetone) can be used. Apply to an absorbent cloth and apply to the fabric, blotting gently.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • Do not use lacquer thinner or acetone on acetate or triacetate carpets and fabrics. They will turn to froth immediately.

Walls And Ceilings

Dry Wawgypsum Board (Painted), Plaster (Painted)

Wipe away the excess, being careful not to spread the lacquer. Wipe the stain with a cloth dipped in 1 pint warm water mixed with 1 tablespoon Borax. Rinse with clear water and dry thoroughly.

Paper (Leather, Suede)

  1. Carefully scrape to remove excess. Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds. Apply only the foam with a sponge. Dry with a clean cloth.
  2. If the lacquer has hardened, gently rub stain with an emery board or a piece of very fine sandpaper. Because a very thin layer of the hide will also be removed, work slowly and lightly.

Paper (Plastic Coated, Vinyl- Fabric Backed, Paper Backed, Solid)

Lacquer can quickly damage or ruin these surfaces. Act immediately. Scrape gently using a dull table knife, spoon or spatula to remove any excess lacquer. Do not spread the liquid. Sponge lightly with synthetic turpentine or mineral spirits.

CAUTIONS:

  • While nail polish remover or amyl acetate will remove polish, both may affect vinyl. Use them only if necessary and at your own risk.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of chi Idren.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate venti lation.

Metals

Aluminum, Cast/wrought Iron, Stainless Steel, Tin

Wipe up excess immediately. To remove any discoloration, wash with a steel wool soap pad. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.

Other/interior:

Acrylic Plastic, Plexiglas

Lacquer can quickly damage or ruin these surfaces. Act immediately. Scrape gently using a dull table knife, spoon or spatula to remove any excess. Do not spread the liquid. Sponge lightly with synthetic turpentine or mineral spirits.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

Alabaster

  1. Wipe up the excess immediately. Wipe the area with a cloth dampened with acetone (fingernail polish remover). Rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
  2. If a stain remains, make a paste of water, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and a mild powdered detergent. Apply the paste to the stain and cover with a damp cloth to retard evaporation. When the stain has been bleached out, rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.

Ceramic Glass, Enamel, Glass

  1. Wipe up excess as soon as possible. Wash with a cloth dipped in a solution of Washing (sal) Soda, water and a few drops of ammonia. Rinse well and dry.
  2. Hardened nail polish can sometimes be carefully scraped up with a razor blade on all surfaces except enamel.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous a”rea first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.

Grout

  1. Wipe up as much excess as possible. Dip a wet toothbrush into baking soda or powdered cleanser and scrub gently. Rinse well with clear water and wipe dry.
  2. Apply a commercial grout and tile cleaner and scrub gently. Rinse well with clear water and wipe dry.

CAUTION:

When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions,’be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.