To effectively remove nail polish from sofa fabric, a careful and methodical approach is necessary to prevent damage to the upholstery. The single most important step is to first test your chosen cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the sofa, such as a hidden seam or the underside of a cushion. This will ensure the solvent does not cause discoloration or harm the fabric's integrity.
Before applying any solvent, address the spill itself. If the nail polish is still wet, gently blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel, working from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading it. Do not rub the stain. If the polish has already dried, use a dull-edged object, like a credit card, to gently scrape away as much of the excess as possible, and then vacuum up the resulting flakes.
The primary cleaning agent to use is a non-acetone nail polish remover. Acetone-based removers can permanently damage or dissolve certain fabrics, especially synthetics like acetate, making the non-acetone version a much safer choice. Apply a small amount of the non-acetone remover to a clean, white cloth, not directly onto the sofa. Gently blot the stain, allowing the cloth to absorb the polish. As the polish transfers, switch to a clean section of the cloth to continue blotting until the stain is lifted. If the remover is not effective, rubbing alcohol can be attempted using the same blotting method.
After the nail polish has been removed, you must clean the solvent residue from the fabric. Using a new cloth dampened with cool water and a drop of mild dish soap, blot the area to clean it. Next, blot with a cloth dampened only with plain water to rinse away the soap. Finally, press a dry towel onto the spot to absorb as much moisture as possible and then allow the area to air dry completely.
