How to Get Nail Glue Out of Clothes: A Complete Guide
Nail glue saves your nails from major disaster, but when it accidentally glues your favorite jeans and you want to know how to get it off without damaging your clothes - this is the right place. This guide to taking nail glue out of clothes provides a step by step guide for all most fabric types and assures a stain free and clean, as well as quality clothes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Nail Glue from Clothes
Materials You'll Need:
Acetone or nail polish remover
Cotton swabs or cotton balls
Butter knife or spoon
Soft cloth or towel
Warm water
Mild detergent
White vinegar (optional)
Laundry stain remover (optional)
Step 1: Let the Glue Dry
Wait for the nail glue to dry completely, before attempting to remove. Wet glue tends to spread out and embed itself deeper into the fabric when you try to remove it.
Step 2: Gently Scrape Off Excess Glue
When the glue has dried, wipe the back side of the fabric with a clean, dry cloth. With a butter knife or a large spoon, lightly scrape off as much glue as possible. Press too hard and you risk damaging the fabric.
Step 3: Test the Fabric
First, always test a small, inconspicuous area with the acetone or nail polish remover to make sure it doesn't catch or stain the fabric.
Step 4: Apply Acetone or Nail Polish Remover
Dip a cotton swab or cotton ball in some nail polish remover or acetone, and blot the stain from the outside in, to push the glue away from the affected area so it doesn't spread.
Step 5: Blot with a Clean Cloth
Wipe the area following application of the acetone with a clean soft cloth or towel and watch as the glue dissolves into it. Dab until the stain appears to lift.
Step 6: Wash the Fabric
When the nail glue stain has been completely removed, be sure to rinse the area with warm water to remove any traces of acetone. Apply a little bit of clear, mild detergent to the area, rub it in gently, then wash clothes according to care label directions.
Step 7: Inspect and Repeat if Necessary
Let the area dry, and check to make sure the stain has vanished. If bits of glue are still present, repeat the above steps, but before drying the fabric.
Tips for Different Fabric Types
Cotton and Linen
Method: Cotton and linen are generally durable fabrics, so acetone can be used safely.
Tip: Rinse the fabric thoroughly after using acetone to prevent any potential discolouration.
Silk and Wool
Method: Pre-wet the verses carefully as these fabrics are delicate. Acetone is the most effective cleaning solution for Indian textiles; best to use it diluted (i.e., use 1 part acetone to 3 parts of water). Apply it sparingly.
Tip: Consider consulting a professional cleaner for tough stains on delicate fabrics.
Polyester and Synthetics
How-to: Polyester and other synthetic fibres usually can withstand acetone, but do a patch test first.
If you're dodging the lab coat, remember to apply a laundry stain remover after the acetone to remove all traces of glue.
Denim
Method: Denim is sturdy, so you can use acetone directly on the stain.
Note: Sometimes the glitter-acetone recipe needs to be used more than once to remove persistent glue stains.
Common Questions About Nail Glue Stain Removal
Can I Use Acetone on Any Fabric?
Acetone is exactly what it needs to uproot the nail glue, but it's prickly on some fabrics. Therefore, do a patch test in an unnoticeable area first. On delicate fabrics such as silk and wool, rather use a dilute acetone solution or get expert help.
What If the Stain Doesn't Come Out After the First Attempt?
Don't panic if the stain does not disappear - it is not unusual for nail glue to need repeated treatment. Repeat the treatment steps, especially the acetone, until the stain is gone.
Can I Use Alternatives to Acetone?
Yes, there are other options if you don't have acetone available - white vinegar or rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol will work, though they're not as effective. Be sure to always test any areas you apply these solutions on, just in case.
Will the Fabric Colour Be Affected?
Acetone or other solvents might bleach the fabric, and that's why the colour patch test is so important before you treat the stain. If you're worried about colourfastness, take your clothes to a dry cleaner.
Final Thoughts
During your coiffure last week, you began to touch your hair and felt some sticky stain from the nail glue. Or maybe a housekeeper shoe polisher accidentally dropped some on your favourite suit. Nail glue stains don't have to mean ruined clothes. With step-by-step instructions below and tips on how to remove nail glue stains from fabric, you'll be able to take care of your favourite clothes before they're too old for you. Just be sure to stick with these instructions for your garments' sake.
