How to Get Finger Nail Polish Off Leather Seats

You can remove nail polish from leather.

Fingernail polish creates an unpleasant stain on leather seats, especially if the color of the polish is very different from that of the leather. While acetone-based nail polish remover destroys the finish on leather seats, newer and less-toxic nail polish remover formulas are available that do not harm leather as long as you work quickly and do not allow the remover to seep into the leather. All you need to do is to wipe the stained surface with an applicator soaked in nontoxic nail polish remover, and blot the area dry as you remove the stain.

Things You'll Need

• Nontoxic nail polish remover
• Cotton swab or similar applicator
• Soft, dry cloth or paper towel
• Leather cleaner or saddle soap
• Leather conditioner

Instructions

1. Saturate a cotton swab or similar applicator with a nontoxic nail polish remover that does not contain any acetone or similar solvents whatsoever. Carefully check the label to make sure the brand you use does not contain alcohol, toluene, toluol or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), as all of these solvents can harm leather.

2. Apply the nail polish remover directly to the stain. Blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel after a moment or so in order to prevent the remover from seeping into the leather. Repeat the process until the stain is removed.

3. Remove any traces of the stain and the remover with a soft, moist cloth. Use leather cleaner or saddle soap if necessary and if recommended by the manufacturer of your seats. Apply a leather conditioner to the seat according to the directions on the package.

References

• Mrs. Clean; How To Clean Leather; 2003
• Esther's Nail Corner; Acetone vs Non-Acetone Polish Remover; February 2010