How To Clean Nail Polish Off Tiles

I love to paint my nails. Over the years I’ve had all kinds of accidents with it.

I once dropped and shattered a whole bottle on my tiled floor. I also dropped an expensive bottle of perfume too once, but that’s another story!

The good news is, with the right materials and techniques, it’s possible to remove nail polish from tiles without causing any damage.

It’s important to note that the method you choose to remove the nail polish will depend on the type of tile floor you have and how long the polish has been on the surface.

In this post, I will share several options for cleaning nail polish off tiles for different types of tile. Including using acetone, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and lemon juice.

Whether you’re dealing with a fresh spill or a stubborn dried stain, you’ll find the information you need to clean up your tile surfaces in this article. So, let’s get started!

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How to clean nail polish stains off tiles with acetone

Acetone is usually the easiest way to remove nail polish from tile surfaces because it’s fast-acting and effective.

Acetone works well on ceramic and porcelain tiles.

However, it’s important to note that it can be harsh and damaging to some types of tile such as stone and limestone, so it’s best to perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area before using it on the entire stain.

See the section below on what to use for different types of tile.

The quicker you can deal with the polish spill, the easier it will be to remove.

If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn nail polish stain, you may need to use acetone along with other methods, such as mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol.

Acetone is flammable and harmful if ingested. Always use acetone in a well-ventilated area and avoid using it near open flames.

Things you will need

• Acetone or nail polish remover containing acetone
• Cotton balls
• Cotton swab
• Newspaper or paper towel
• Warm water
• Soft cloth
• Plastic scraper or utility knife

Here’s how to remove spilled wet nail polish or a dried nail polish stain from tiles using acetone:

Step 1 - Preparation

Lay down newspaper or paper towels to catch any drips and prevent the acetone from damaging other surfaces.

Step 2 - Scrape off as much as you can safely

If the nail polish has dried, gently scrape off as much as you can with a plastic scraper or utility knife.

Step 3 - Apply acetone

Soak a cotton ball in acetone and dab the polish stain in a circular motion.

Avoid saturating the area with too much acetone, as this can cause the tile to become discolored.

Dip a cotton swab in acetone to remove any polish spilled onto the grout.

Step 4 - Rinse the area

Rinse the area with clean water and use a clean cloth to blot it dry.

Step 5 - Repeat

If the nail polish stain is still present, repeat the process until it has been removed.

How to remove nail polish from tiles without acetone

If you are concerned about using acetone on your precious tiles, the good news is there are lots of other options to try.

I recommend you always start with the gentlest option and work your way up to stronger solutions when necessary.

Always test on an inconspicuous area first.

Soapy water, salt, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol rubs are safe for cleaning most types of tile.

For limestone, granite or marble tiles, avoid acid-based cleaners such as vinegar and lemon juice.

You may need to use a combination of these methods or repeat the process a couple of times.

1. Soapy water

• Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle and spray the affected area.
• Scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush in a circular motion.
• Rinse the area with warm water and blot it dry with a clean cloth.

2. Table salt

• Sprinkle table salt onto the stain.
• Scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush in a circular motion.
• Rinse the area with warm water and blot it dry with a clean cloth.

3. Hydrogen peroxide

• Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a spray bottle and spray the affected area.
• Let the solution sit for several minutes.
• Rub the stain with a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush in a circular motion.
• Rinse the area with warm water and blot it dry with a clean cloth.

4. White vinegar

• Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and spray the affected area.
• Let the solution sit for a few minutes.
• Rub the stain with a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush in a circular motion.
• Rinse the area with warm water and blot it dry with a clean cloth.

5. Lemon juice

• Squeeze lemon juice directly onto the stain and let it sit for several minutes.
• Rub the stain with a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush in a circular motion.
• Rinse the area with warm water and blot it dry with a clean cloth.

6. Rubbing alcohol

• Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and dab the stain.
• Rinse the area with warm water and blot it dry with a clean cloth.

7. Isopropyl alcohol

• Soak a cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol and dab the stain.
• Then rinse the area with warm water and blot it dry with a clean cloth.

How to clean nail polish from different types of tiles

Acetone is usually the best choice of cleaner for a porcelain or ceramic tile.

For other types of tile, choose your cleaning solution carefully to avoid permanent damage.

It’s always a good idea to spot test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface.

If you are still unsure, call in a professional cleaner.

Let’s go through the common types of tiles and how to clean them:

Ceramic and porcelain tiles

Acetone is a strong solvent that can effectively remove nail polish from ceramic and porcelain tiles.

Here’s how:

1. You’ll need a clean cloth, cotton ball, or paper towel, and a bottle of acetone.
2. Dampen the cloth or cotton ball with acetone.
3. Blot the affected area with the acetone-dampened cloth or cotton ball, using a circular motion.
4. Repeat the process until the nail polish stain is lifted.
5. Rinse the area with clean water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth.

Stone, marble, granite, and slate tiles

Stone, marble, granite, or slate tiles can be delicate and susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals.

Before trying any of these methods, it’s important to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area to make sure the cleaner won’t damage your stone tiles.

It’s also important to avoid using vinegar or lemon juice or acetone, as they can etch the surface.

Here are some methods for removing nail polish starting with the gentlest:

Warm water and a soft cloth

• Dip a soft cloth in warm water and blot the affected area.
• Repeat the process until the nail polish stain is lifted or try another option.
• Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

Hydrogen peroxide

• Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle and spray the affected area.
• Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the stain with a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush.
• Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

Mineral spirits

• Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits and gently blot the affected area.
• Repeat the process until the nail polish stain is lifted.
• Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

Rubbing alcohol

• Dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the affected area.
• Repeat the process until the nail polish stain is lifted
• Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

Limestone tiles

Nail polish can be particularly challenging to remove from limestone tiles because of its porous nature.

Here are some steps to help you clean nail polish from limestone tiles.

Blot the affected area

Blot the affected area with a clean cloth to remove any excess polish.

Apply dish soap

Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap.

Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently rub the affected area in a circular motion.

Try isopropyl alcohol

If the stain persists, you can try using a solution of warm water and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol.

Dip a cotton swab into the solution and gently scrub the affected area.

Another option is to use a commercial cleaning product designed for use on limestone tiles. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and test the product in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface.

For stubborn stains, you may need to try using a combination of the above methods or repeating the process a couple of times.

Avoid using acid-based cleaners such as vinegar or lemon juice, as they can damage the surface of the limestone tiles.

Travertine tiles

Travertine is a type of natural stone that is commonly used in flooring and countertops.

Although it is a durable material, it can be stained easily by nail polish.

It’s important to avoid using acid-based cleaners such vinegar or lemon juice on Travertine tiles. These acidic substances can etch the surface and cause damage.

If you do happen to spill some polish on your Travertine tiles, don’t panic! There are several methods you can use to remove it.

Here are some steps to follow:

Blot the stain immediately

The first step in removing nail polish from Travertine tiles is to blot the stain as soon as possible. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up as much of the polish as you can.

Use warm water and soap

Create a solution of warm water and a gentle soap, such as dish soap or a non-abrasive cleaner.

Dip a clean cloth into the solution and use it to gently scrub the affected area.

Work in a circular motion and be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can damage the surface of the Travertine.

Hydrogen peroxide

If the warm water and soap solution doesn’t completely remove the stain, try using hydrogen peroxide.

Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of water, then use a cotton ball or soft cloth to apply it to the affected area.

Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.

Mineral spirits

Another option is to use mineral spirits.

Dab a small amount of mineral spirits onto a clean cloth and gently rub it into the stain. Be sure to use a small amount, as too much can damage the surface of the Travertine.

If you have a particularly stubborn stain, you may need to repeat the process several times. If you’re unsure about which method to use, it’s always a good idea to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first.

Quarry tiles

Quarry tiles are a popular choice for flooring due to their durability and resistance to staining. However, accidental spills of nail polish can still happen, making it important to know how to clean them.

Here are some methods you can try:

Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover

Using a non-acetone nail polish remover is a great way to remove fresh nail polish from quarry tiles.

Simply apply the remover to a clean cloth or cotton ball and rub it over the affected area in a circular motion.

Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water afterwards to remove any residue.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another effective way to remove nail polish from quarry tiles.

Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water and use a soft cloth or cotton swab to apply the solution to the affected area.

Rub the stain in a circular motion and rinse with clean water afterwards.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is also a great solution for removing nail polish from quarry tiles.

Apply the alcohol to a clean cloth or cotton ball and rub it over the stain in a circular motion.

Rinse the area with clean water afterwards to remove any residue.

As with any cleaning method, it’s important to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the tiles. If the stain persists, consider calling a professional cleaner to safely and effectively remove the nail polish from your quarry tiles.