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Alex asked: How do I remove red nail polish off of white, leather shoes? My wipe dropped a full bottle of red nail polish on white leather shoes. I tried washing with water, but nothing came off. How do I remove red nail polish without messing my shoes up? Thanks.
Red nail polish on a white leather piece will make anyone gasp and cause their stomach to sink. It seems hopeless, but fortunately, this stain can be removed. Here are some simple products that can be found in most homes that will take this stain and make it a distant memory.
You Will Need:
- Acetone nail polish remover
- Rubbing alcohol
- Soft cloths
- Leather conditioner
- White shoe polish
- Water
Steps to Remove the Nail Polish:
- There are two main products that can be used to remove nail polish stains from leather, nail polish remover and rubbing alcohol. Choose one and test a small, hidden area by dabbing it with the product and allow it to set for several minutes. Wipe away. If the test does not damage the leather, it should be safe to continue with the stained area.
- Moisten a soft cloth with the chosen removal product.
- Dab at the stained area (do not rub).
- Fold the cloth over so a clean portion is on top and repeat the dabbing. The stain should start transferring to the cloth.
- Apply more nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol as necessary.
- Continue until the stain is removed or no more will transfer to the cloth.
- Rinse by dabbing with a cloth moistened with plain water.
- Allow the area to dry completely.
- Apply a leather conditioner to keep the treated area from becoming dry and cracking.
- If a light pink stain remains, you can either try the other cleaning product or cover the area with white shoe polish.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Always be sure to test the products before using them on the main stain. Different types of leather will react differently and may cause irreversible damage on some shoes.
- If the stain cannot be removed or covered with polish, take it to a cleaner who is experienced with leather. They have additional chemicals available that can be used to remove the stains.
- For small stains, use a cotton swab or cotton ball to keep from spreading the stain.
- This removal method can be used on white leather shoes, furniture, purses, coats, etc.
- Treat stains promptly for the best results. The longer the color is allowed to set on the stain, the less likely it is to come out.
I had a pink dye from a flower arrangement on my white Nike’s. I tried everything. Nail polish remover was the only thing that worked. It took a while but better than buying new shoes. A little white shoe polish and as good as new. FYI: Stain was there for 2 days before attempting to remove.