Nail polish can dissolve in acetone or other solvents, but those products can also damage acetate, triacetate, some dyes, and finishes. Before treating the stain, read the garment label, remove excess without spreading it, and test any solvent on a hidden area.
Identify the fabric before using acetone
Do not use acetone on acetate or triacetate garments and use extra caution with unknown finishes. If the label calls for professional cleaning or you cannot identify the fiber, take the garment to a cleaner and explain what caused the stain.
Lift dried polish without scraping the fabric aggressively
Once the polish is hard, lift what releases easily with a spoon or dull edge. Do not scrub sideways because that can spread pigment and push particles deeper into the fabric.
Work solvent from the back onto an absorbent layer
Place white paper or a clean cloth under the stain and apply a small amount of compatible solvent so polish transfers out of the garment. Replace the absorbent layer as it picks up color and ventilate well.
Rinse and wash before drying
When polish no longer transfers, rinse as the product directs and launder according to the care label. Inspect before using the dryer; heat on remaining stain or solvent residue is not a good final step.
Sources
- American Cleaning Institute — Fabric Care — Fabric-care guidance for stains, fibers, and methods compatible with garment labels.