How to Remove Nail Polish from Leather

HOME/How to Remove Nail Polish from Leather

While it looks great on nails, nail polish when unintentionally spilled on your prized leather couch or sofa can eventually lead to a mess. Once it hardens, the matter could get worse. Removing off the stubborn stains may seem taxing, but all you need is take few simple measures to recover the aesthetic look of the leather.

Immediate Removal of Nail Polish from Leather

  • Soak the nail polish drops with a clean, dry cotton ball. (Use paper towel or cotton cloth for larger spills)
  • Scrape the hardened stains with a spatula or dull knife carefully without poking the leather.

Getting Dried Nail Polish Stains off Leather Furniture

Before using a stain removal product on your precious leather, conduct a spot test on a least visible surface to check for any color changes.

With Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover

  • Blot the affected area with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover (acetone-free).
  • Repeat the step using new cotton swabs at regular intervals till the stains disappear.

Note: Acetone-based nail polish remover may be more effective than a non-acetone one and give faster results. However, it may increase the chances of ruining the leather.

With Rubbing Alcohol

  • Dab the nail polish-stained spot with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. Go on repeating the method until the stains come off.

With White Vinegar and Olive Oil

  • Combine 1 part of white vinegar with 2 parts of olive oil.
  • Apply the mixture to the nail polish stain with a cleaning brush and gently rub till it begins flaking.
  • Clean the surface with a paper towel and allow it to dry.

Treating the Leather After Stain Removal

Irrespective of whether the leather has undergone fading or not, it should be conditioned properly while any residue of the cleaning products should be removed.

Soap and Water

  • Wash the area with a soap bar and water using a clean cloth.
  • Pat dry the surface with a paper towel and then leave it for drying.

White Vinegar and Linseed Oil

  • Apply a mixture of 1 part of white vinegar with 2 parts of linseed oil on the treated surface in a circular motion and allow it to dry.

Note: If you are unable to prepare the mixture, then use a good leather conditioner.

In some cases where the leather has faded a bit after undergoing cleaning, use of a leather polish might help in reviving the previous look. However, it would be advisable to contact a leather cleaning expert if you do not get the expected results.