The kit · solvent
Acetone (nail polish remover): what it removes and where never to use it
Pure acetone or acetone-based nail polish remover. Dissolves nail polish, super glue and some paints.
- pH
- not applicable to neat solvent
- Safe on
- 0 materials
- Never on
- 5 materials
- Used in
- 17 files
01 How to use it
Dab, never pour; blot onto a paper towel underneath. Use plain acetone where possible: scented removers add dyes and oils.
- Highly flammable; ventilate.
- It dissolves acetate and triacetate fabric (common in linings and evening wear) and many plastics.
How it works
Solvents dissolve what water cannot: inks, resins, waxes, adhesives, nail polish and some oils. Each solvent dissolves particular materials, which is also why each one can damage particular surfaces.
On a label
On an ingredient list, acetone shows up as acetone (non-acetone removers use ethyl acetate).
Acetone is ruled out on leather, suede, a wood table, a painted wall and plastic containers. Avoid routine home use on a couch, a microfiber couch, velvet, a car seat, a mattress and a quartz countertop. The table gives general restrictions; an unlisted restriction is not proof that a product is compatible.
02 What it works on
- Polymer
- Oil and fat
- Dye
- Pigment particles
Acetone is strongest against polymer, and useful on oil and fat. It is part of the method in 17 stain files, for stains such as nail polish and super glue.
03 Where it is safe
| Material | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Leather | Never | Acetone strips leather dye and finish instantly. |
| Suede and nubuck | Never | It dissolves suede dyes and hardens the nap. |
| Wood furniture and floors | Never | Acetone dissolves lacquer and many other finishes. |
| Painted walls | Never | It dissolves wall paint. |
| Plastic containers | Never | Acetone melts or clouds many plastics. |
| Fabric couch | Avoid | It can dissolve synthetic fibres and the latex backing of upholstery. |
| Microfiber couch | Avoid | It can dissolve synthetic fibres and the latex backing of upholstery. |
| Velvet upholstery | Avoid | It can dissolve synthetic fibres and the latex backing of upholstery. |
| Car seats | Avoid | It can dissolve synthetic fibres and the latex backing of upholstery. |
| Mattress | Avoid | It can dissolve synthetic ticking and foam. |
| Quartz countertop | Avoid | Quartz makers generally advise against solvents like acetone on the resin. |
| Clothes | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| White shirt | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Jeans | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Linen | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Sheets and bedding | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Towels | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Baby clothes | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Polyester | Test first | Most polyester and nylon tolerate it, but check the label for acetate, triacetate or modacrylic, which it dissolves. |
| Leggings and activewear | Test first | Most polyester and nylon tolerate it, but check the label for acetate, triacetate or modacrylic, which it dissolves. |
| Wool and cashmere | Test first | Wool and silk tolerate acetone, but dyes may not; test first. |
| Silk | Test first | Wool and silk tolerate acetone, but dyes may not; test first. |
| Rayon and viscose | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Carpet | Test first | Most polyester and nylon tolerate it, but check the label for acetate, triacetate or modacrylic, which it dissolves. |
| Wool rug | Test first | Use a tiny amount on synthetic carpet after testing; it can dissolve backing latex. |
| White sneakers | Test first | It can soften rubber trims; keep it on the canvas. |
| Marble | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Granite | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
| Tile grout | Test first | No material-specific permission is established by this general entry. Check the exact item and product labels and pretest; if compatibility is unknown, consult the manufacturer or a professional. |
04 How the files use it
Acetone appears in 17 stain files. The steps it is used in most:
- Acetone, blotted (10 files): Acetone can dissolve conventional nail-polish binders, but it can also remove dyes and dissolve some garment components.
- Acetone on a pad (4 files): Acetone dissolves the polymer without etching stone.
- Tiny dabs of acetone (3 files): Only a solvent dissolves nail polish; small doses keep it away from the backing.
05 Mixing
The combinations people ask about most, and what actually happens.
- Can you mix chlorine bleach and acetone? Toxic chloroform
- Can you mix hydrogen peroxide and acetone? Hazard unstable organic peroxides
- Can you mix rubbing alcohol and acetone? Caution a product-dependent combination
06 Files that use it
07 Myth files
- Does nail polish remover get nail polish off everything? Acetone dissolves nail polish, but it also dissolves acetate fabric, plastics, wood finishes and paint.
08 Questions
What stains does acetone remove?
It works best on polymer and oil and fat, which is why it appears in the files for nail polish and super glue.
How do you use acetone safely?
Dab, never pour; blot onto a paper towel underneath. Use plain acetone where possible: scented removers add dyes and oils. Highly flammable; ventilate.
What should you never mix with acetone?
chlorine bleach and hydrogen peroxide. Bleach and acetone undergo the haloform reaction, producing chloroform and other irritating by-products. Do not combine commercial cleaners unless their exact manufacturers explicitly permit the use.
Where should you never use acetone?
On leather, suede, a wood table, a painted wall and plastic containers. Acetone strips leather dye and finish instantly.