How to Clean Fingernail Polish Off of a Tile Floor

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Spilled fingernail polish can create a sticky mess on a tile floor, but the polish is usually easy to remove if you clean it up quickly. If the polish is allowed to sit on the floor, it may stain tiles over time and become difficult or impossible to remove. This permanent staining is more likely to occur when the tile floor consists of natural stone such as granite or marble rather than ceramic tile. Avoid the need to replace stained tiles by cleaning up spills immediately.

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Step 1

Apply a small amount of acetone to a clean cloth, and gently rub the fingernail polish in a circular motion until it disappears. If you do not have acetone, use a fingernail polish remover containing acetone.

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Step 2

Pour water over the tile floor to remove the acetone from the tiles. Acetone can damage tile over time, so it is important to rinse away any remaining traces of the chemical.

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Step 3

Mop up any excess water, and allow the floor to dry.

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Step 4

Treat stubborn spots by mixing a small amount of laundry detergent with water to form a thick paste. Scrub the fingernail polish stain with the paste, and then cover it with a damp rag. Allow it to sit for up to two days before rinsing the paste away with clean water.

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Step 5

Scrub persistent nail polish stains on white tile floors or grout lines with denture cleaner applied to an old tooth brush. The cleaner should help bleach the area and fade the polish stains.

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