Last Updated on October 12, 2023
You are about to get your nail paint done, and accidentally, you painted your hardwood floor? Relax! You might initially panic and think you have ruined your floor, but this is false. You can clean the nail paint from the wooden floor, followed by preventive measures.
You can remove nail paint from the wooden or laminate floors. Firstly, you need to identify the type of your floors’ wood. Some woods are more grained. When nail paint falls, it might catch more color than others.
Do not worry; this article will sort your problem out. Following these easy steps, you can get the nail polish off the hardwood or laminate floor.
Fortunately, we have enlisted the best tips and tricks to remove nail paint from the wooden floor, and it will not leave any stain as well. Here is how to get nail polish off hardwood floors.
Looking for more floor care tips? Learn how to deep clean ceramic tile floors in our comprehensive guide.
How to Get Nail Polish Off Hardwood Floors? – Step-By-Step Guide
Wood is a porous and grained flooring material. It might absorb the color of your nail paint. The best way to solve the problem is to clean the mess instantly. Do not let the nail paint settle down by ignoring and letting the nail paint on the floor.
Clean the nail paint when it’s wet. Make cotton swabs and slightly dab them. Let the cotton absorb as much as it can. Make sure you are not exerting too much pressure while dabbing the floor. It can get stickier and worsen the situation. If you try to remove it aggressively, it can damage the finish of your wooden or laminate floor.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove nail polish from hardwood floors:
Step 1: Act Quickly
Nail polish spills can be challenging to remove once they dry, so it’s crucial to act fast. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to clean. Grab your supplies and get started immediately.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather the following items:
- Acetone-based nail polish remover
- Clean, white cloth or paper towels
- Soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth
- Mild wood floor cleaner
- A bucket of warm water
- Soft bristle brush
- Protective gloves
Step 3: Ventilation and Safety
Ensure proper ventilation to disperse fumes from the nail polish remover. Wear protective gloves to safeguard your skin from the acetone.
Step 4: Test in an Inconspicuous Area
Before applying any nail polish remover to the stained area, testing a small, hidden part of your hardwood floor is essential. This test will confirm that the acetone doesn’t damage the finish or the wood itself.
Step 5: Apply Acetone-based Nail Polish Remover
Dampen a clean cloth or paper towel with the acetone-based nail polish remover. Gently blot the affected area. Do not scrub vigorously; this can damage the finish.
Step 6: Blot. Don’t Rub
Use a blotting motion to lift the nail polish from the hardwood floor. Continue blotting until you see the polish transferring onto the cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the polish.
Step 7: Repeat as Necessary
If the stain is stubborn, you may need to repeat steps 5 and 6 several times until the nail polish is completely removed. Be patient and persistent.
Step 8: Clean the Area
Once the nail polish is gone, mix a mild wood floor cleaner with warm water in a bucket. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge in the mixture and gently clean the affected area to remove any remaining residue from the nail polish remover.
Step 9: Rinse and Dry
Using a separate cloth or sponge, rinse the cleaned area with clean water to remove any leftover cleaner. Make sure the area is thoroughly dry. Water can damage hardwood floors if left standing.
Step 10: Apply Protective Finish
To restore the shine and protect the hardwood, consider applying a hardwood floor finish or wax according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 11: Prevent Future Spills
To prevent future nail polish spills, use a designated area with a protective surface, like a nail polish mat or towel. Always be careful when applying nail polish.
Are you looking for more floor care tips? Check out our guide on cleaning linoleum floors for expert advice on maintaining various flooring surfaces.
How Do You Remove Dried Nail Polish From The Wood Floor?
The hardwood or laminate flooring is sensitive. You need to work gently with any product you use.
White sugar
You can use white sugar to remove the wet nail paint initially.
- Spread a gentle amount of white sugar on the spilled nail paint.
- Sugar Coating should be sufficient enough to cover the whole surface of the paint.
- Let it sit for a while.
- You will notice nail paint is making congeal with the white sugar.
- Let it get hard. Now take the congeal off.
- Take a soft-bristled brush and brush it on the surface.
- Sugar will take off the nail paint alone. Most of the nail paint will be off.
Use alcohol
If white sugar has left any marks, your paint might have penetrated the wooden grains. For this, you can proceed with rubbing alcohol. You first need to do a patch test for this method. Apply a little amount to a non-visible area. You can go on with the methods If it does not cause any discolor or damage to the wood.
- Take some rubbing alcohol.
- Pour it on a soft cloth. Steel wool can work great for this purpose.
- Now rub the cloth gently on the surface where the nail paint is fell.
- Make sure you are scrubbing the soft cloth gently and that it is in the direction of the pores.
- Rubbing alcohol in the direction of the wood grain will prevent the finish of the surface.
- You can repeat this process a few times to get off all the stains from the hardwood floor.
Hair spray
If alcohol is not available or feasible to your flooring, hair spray is another suggestion that works.
- Take out a hair spray bottle. Spray it on the stain.
- Clean the area right away with a wet and soft cloth.
- Once you have finished this step, take some warm water in a bowl.
- Add a small amount of hand wash or soap and mix.
- Now soak the piece of cloth in it. Gently scrub the affected surface with a soapy cloth.
- Repeat this step until the stain is removed.
- Make sure that the hair spray has been cleaned. Otherwise, it may damage the finish of the wood.
Mineral spirit
Mineral spirits can also help you when it comes to spilled nail paint removal.
- You must take a soft cloth, pour the spirit on it, and gently rub it on the stain.
- Make sure you do this in the direction of the wooden grains.
- Mineral spirits are less strong compared to acetone and are on a much safer side.
- You can give it a test to avoid any problems.
- Apply a little in an inconspicuous corner, then go on with the hack.
Preventive Tips To Get Nail Polish Off Hardwood Floors
Here are prevention tips, along with acetone and non-acetone alternatives, for cleaning nail polish spills on hardwood floors:
Prevention Tips
- Designate a Nail-Polishing Area: Set up a specific area in your home for nail polishing, preferably away from hardwood floors. Use a designated table or a nail polishing mat to catch spills or drips.
- Use a Nail Polish Mat or Towel: Place a nail polish mat or a towel under your hands while polishing your nails. This provides a protective barrier in case of accidental spills.
- Be Cautious with Open Bottles: When using nail polish bottles, keep them securely closed when not in use. Accidents can happen when bottles are left open and can easily tip over.
- Work Slowly and Neatly: Take your time when applying nail polish to minimize the chances of spills. Apply the polish slowly and carefully to your nails, avoiding excessive drips.
- Keep Supplies Handy: Keep your nail polish remover and other supplies nearby while doing your nails. Being prepared can help you react quickly if a spill occurs.
Acetone Cleaning Alternative
If you prefer to use an acetone-based cleaner, here’s an alternative method:
- Ventilate the Area: Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and doors to disperse fumes.
- Wear Gloves: Protect your skin by wearing gloves when handling acetone-based nail polish remover.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Apply the acetone-based nail polish remover to a clean cloth or paper towel and gently blot the affected area. Follow the steps mentioned in the previous instructions.
Non-Acetone Cleaning Alternative
If you want to avoid acetone or have concerns about its use, here’s an alternative method:
- Use Rubbing Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide: Dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Gently blot the nail polish stain. Be patient and persistent, as this method may take a bit longer.
- Rinse and Dry: After removing the nail polish, rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.
- Clean and Protect: Clean the area with a mild wood floor cleaner and apply a protective finish or wax to restore the shine and protect the hardwood.
Learn how to remove sticky tile glue from the floor in our guide, and for more flooring maintenance tips, check out our article on how to get nail polish off hardwood floors.