A varnish stain can happen quickly. Whether it is nail polish or wood polish, the problem is the same and the method of removing it is also the same. If the varnish can very quickly soak into fabrics or cling to surfaces, it is possible to remove it, and this, more easily than it seems! Here are our tips for removing varnish using simple means and on different types of substrates.
How to clean a varnish stain on a fabric?
If you’ve stained your clothes or any other fabric with polish, here are the products and methods to use to remove it. It should be noted that we do not recommend that you use solvent directly on your fabrics, as this systematically discolors textiles.
acetone
Acetone is one of the main components of nail polish remover, which is used to remove nail polish. It is therefore a product entirely intended to remove the varnish on the fabrics. On the other hand, it can discolor the most fragile, so it is best to do a first test on an invisible part to avoid unpleasant surprises.
If the test result is positive, scrape off as much of the polish as possible on the surface of the fabric using your fingernails, a spatula or the tip of a knife. Be careful not to damage the textile and only operate with delicate movements.
Lay a sheet of paper towel on a table or non-fragile flat surface. Lay the varnish-stained fabric on the paper, the stain facing the paper towel. Soak a piece of cotton or a cotton swab in acetone and dab the fabric on the back to transfer the varnish stain to the paper towel. Do not hesitate to renew the operation several times to make sure you eliminate everything. Finish with a clean water rinse and machine wash.
hydrogen peroxide
For more fragile fabrics that do not support acetone and are white in color, hydrogen peroxide is an effective solution! Be careful though, because it discolors the fabrics, so only operate on a white textile, without acetate and without triacetate. Do a test on a non-visible part beforehand.
Simply soak a clean cloth in hydrogen peroxide and tap the surface of the stain gently. The varnish should gradually come off. Finally, rinse your fabric in lukewarm water and machine wash it.
Ether
Another solution for removing varnish stains: ether. Here too, the principle is very simple. After performing a test on a non-visible part, soak a clean cloth in ether and gently dab the stain. Rinse the fabric, then put it in the washing machine.
How to clean a varnish stain on wood?
If the varnish has formed a stain on the wood, you can remove it using acetone or 70° alcohol. First of all, remove the excess varnish on the surface by scraping with your fingernails or a spatula. Then pass a shot of fine grit sandpaper to remove the remaining surface. Soak a clean cloth in acetone or 70° alcohol and dab the stain to remove all the deeply impregnated varnish.
How to clean a varnish stain on a carpet?
It is possible to remove varnish from a carpet using the same tricks as for fabrics, i.e. acetone, ether or hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, there is a greater risk of discoloring the carpet or forming a halo on the surface, because these textiles are more fragile. Always do a preliminary test in an inconspicuous place and put your carpet in the washing machine immediately after stain removal.
On the other hand, if your carpet is too fragile or not machine washable, we recommend that you turn to the services of a professional. Ask at a dry cleaners.
How to clean a varnish stain on leather?
Leather is a very delicate surface and often difficult to clean. However, it is possible to remove varnish stains. Just soak a cotton ball in cleansing milk and add one or two drops of acetone. Dab the surface of the leather very quickly and gently, as acetone can discolor it. Act very quickly so as not to allow time for the acetone to act. As soon as the varnish stain is gone, immediately apply a clean cotton ball soaked in moisturizing milk to protect the leather and replenish it.
How to clean a stain of varnish on imitation leather?
Faux leather is much less fragile than leather. When stained with varnish, you can dab the surface with a cloth soaked in white spirit or turpentine. However, it should be noted that it is rare to completely remove a varnish stain from imitation leather. After removing as much as possible, rinse the surface with a clean cloth dampened with clean water.
How to clean a varnish stain on suede?
In the family of fragile textiles, suede occupies one of the first places! However, it is possible to remove the varnish that stains it. To do this, you have three solutions, from the softest to the most aggressive.
- With your fingernails or a spatula, scrape off as much varnish as possible on the surface then use a suede eraser to remove the remaining varnish.
- If this is not enough, soak a clean cloth in 70° alcohol and dab the surface of the stain.
- If the effect is still not enough, do the same with white spirit. Rinse well immediately with clear water or with a damp glove. Finish by depositing a layer of talc on the surface which you will leave on for about an hour. Then eliminate it by dusting it. It will prevent any residual humidity.
How to clean a varnish stain on marble?
Run a small stroke of fine-grained sandpaper on the surface of the stain with great delicacy. Then mix hot water and a spoon of soda crystals and rub the stain with a sponge soaked in the mixture. Finish by rinsing with clean water.
How to clean a varnish stain on linoleum?
Start by removing as much varnish as possible by scraping with your fingernails or a spatula. Soak a sponge in hot water then put some baking soda on the surface. Rub gently then rinse with a clean sponge dampened with lukewarm water.
How to clean a varnish stain on tiles?
With a spatula, scrape off the excess varnish on the surface of the tiles. Then soak a clean cloth in white spirit and rub the stain. Finish by rinsing with a sponge and soapy water.