4 Unexpected Uses For Nail Polish Remover In Your Home

Nail polish remover does a lot more than its name lets on. Of course, if you enjoy giving yourself at-home manis and pedis, it’s useful enough on its own. But there are other reasons outside of your beauty regimen to keep a bottle of the stinky stuff on hand.

“Nail polish remover may seem like a unitasker, but this substance actually has a number of uses around your home,” says Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores. 

It might seem like magic, but it’s really just the acetone working hard to break down the nail polish or other stubborn substance you want to be removed. If you love a good household hack using ingredients you likely already have at home, keep reading.

Stripping Paint From Glass

Whether you had a mild oops while painting window trim or a big oops with an errant paint sprayer, you’ll be glad to know nail polish on a cotton pad or ball can save the day. Saunders tested it out on his own DIY painting project. “My windows looked good as new in seconds without me having to break out more ‘traditional’ paint removers,” he says.

Erasing Household Stains

Nail polish remover—in particular pure acetone—is a favorite multitasking stain removal agent for Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. Here’s some of the stuff she credits acetone for getting rid of: 

• Erase permanent marker: “Dipping acetone in a hand towel or cotton swab can really aid in helping remove permanent marker,” says Malarkey. “It can work on everything from fabric to skin.”
• Remove adhesive residue on clothes: If you left a size sticker on a new item of clothing and tossed it in the wash, you might find nail polish helpful. 
• Remove stains and scratches on non-wood flooring: Malarkey warns not to try this on wood flooring, but you can use acetone to remove scratches and scuffs from tile, vinyl, and laminate flooring. Saunders also notes that scratches on mirrors can also be removed with a dab of remover.
• Banish tea and coffee stains: Cups and mugs will look brand new when you dab some nail polish remover on stains, says Malarkey. Just be sure to wash it thoroughly before pouring yourself another cuppa.
• Clean up bathtub and sink stains: Dip a towel or cloth in some remover and wipe away stubborn stains, says Malarkey. Keep the area ventilated, especially if you plan to use other household cleaners to avoid any toxic fumes.
• Fix leather scratches and scuff marks: You’ll want to tread carefully here so as not to ruin your favorite leather designer accessories, but Malarkey says you can gently dab at scuffs with a pad or ball soaked in acetone to remove the scratches or scuffs.

Disinfecting Small Tools

The acetone in nail polish removers works as a mild disinfectant, says Stewart Parnacott. “In situations where a small instrument needs to be quickly disinfected, a small amount of nail polish remover can be used,” he explains. “However, it's essential to follow proper hospital protocols for instrument sterilization and ensure that the nail polish remover is suitable for the specific material of the instrument.”

Saunders notes that it’s especially good for disinfecting razors at home. If you want a quick way to clean up nail clippers and other metal items used during your at-home manis, keep that bottle handy.

While it may be a helpful at-home option, Parnacott warns that nail polish use as a disinfectant doesn't go beyond mild disinfectant needs.

“It is crucial to recognize that nail polish remover is not a medical-grade disinfectant and should not be used as a substitute for standard hospital-grade cleaning and disinfection practices,” Parnacott warns. “In healthcare settings, the safety and well-being of patients and staff are paramount, and all procedures involving chemicals should be carried out under the guidance of healthcare professionals and in compliance with hospital policies and guidelines.”

Removing Labels and Stickers

Some labels and stickers come off in one fell swoop. Others take elbow grease and determination. If you can’t get off the price tag on that super-cute vase you just bought, save your nails and grab the nail polish remover, says Parnacott.

“Hospitals often receive a variety of supplies and equipment, and some may come with adhesive labels or stickers that are challenging to remove entirely,” he explains. “In controlled circumstances, nail polish remover can be used to dissolve the sticky residue, making it easier to clean and sanitize the equipment properly.”

Parnacott adds that you should use caution whenever using nail polish remover to avoid damaging or discoloring the surface, so do a spot test before diving in fully.

When used carefully, nail polish remover’s usefulness certainly extends outside of the beauty realm. Be sure to do a spot check to avoid discoloration or damage—and pull on a pair of gloves if you don’t want to damage your current manicure.