Removers for artificial nails and nail polish come in two types: acetone and non-acetone. Salon-quality nail removers may also contain other ingredients, such moisturizing and strengthening agents for fingernails. Acetone is an organic compound that evaporates quickly, leaving a light stain on some fabrics that can be eliminated by a regular stain remover and laundering. However, the other additives in the remover can leave a residue when the stain dries, requiring additional steps to remove it.
Removing Acetone Stain
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Step 1
Check the label of the garment for laundering recommendations. Note the instructions to wash the garment in the right water temperature, to prevent shrinking or fading.
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Step 2
Apply a stain remover to the stain, and let it sit for a few minutes before laundering. You may need to wash the garment by hand to remove the stain completely. If you choose to use a washing machine, set it to a prewash cycle that soaks the clothes to release the stains.
Step 3
Check the stain after the laundry cycle is complete. If the stain has been removed, dry the garment as directed on the care label. Do not dry clothes if the stain is still there. Hot air sets stains, making them difficult -- if not impossible -- to remove. If necessary, air dry the garment, and then try other stain removal methods.
Removing Greasy Residue
Step 1
Mix 1 tbsp. of liquid dish soap with 2 cups of water. Use clear dish soap that will not stain light-colored fabrics. Dish soaps contain powerful grease-fighting agents that break down the oily stains that the moisturizing ingredients in nail polish removers may leave behind on fabrics.
Step 2
Soak a white cloth in the dish soap and water solution. Do not use a colored cloth, as it may bleed on the garment. Gently blot the stain. Repeat until the stain disappears.
Step 3
Take a clean white cloth, wet with cold water and blot the stain area to remove the solution. Dry the garment according to the label directions.
Removing Stains on Dry-Clean-Only Garments
Step 1
Check the dry cleaning kit for a stain removing pen or gel. These contain mild stain removing ingredients that do not require heavy laundering and don't leave a residue on clothing during the dry cleaning cycle. Apply the stain remover as directed.
Step 2
Apply dry cleaning solution to a white cloth, if your kit does not have a special stain remover. The solution is milder than a stain remover but works well for light stains.
Step 3
Blot the stain with the cloth soaked in the solution, and repeat until the stain disappears. Do not apply water to the stain. The dry cleaning solution is formulated to clean garments without water.
Step 4
Place the garment into a dry cleaning bag, place the dry cleaning cloth inside and close the bag. Place the bag in the dryer, and set the time and temperature as directed on the dry cleaning kit.