Accidentally getting nail polish on grout can be a common problem, especially if you’re painting your nails in the bathroom or kitchen where tiles and grout are present. While the nail polish is a great way to add some color and personality to your nails, it can be a nightmare to remove when it gets on surfaces like grout.
You can use various methods to remove nail polish from grout, ranging from household products to professional cleaning solutions.
One way to remove it is by using acetone nail polish remover. Dampen a cloth or cotton balls with the acetone and gently rub the affected area of the grout until the nail polish is removed. However, be sure to rinse the grout with water and dry it afterward to remove any remaining acetone.
It is recommended to test a small, inconspicuous area of the grout before using acetone on a larger stain, as it can potentially damage or discolor certain types of grout.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Stains on Tile Grout
Using acetone nail polish remover is just one method out of several methods that can be used to remove nail polish from tile group. Other methods are the following:
1. Using OxiClean and baking soda mixture
The OxiClean and baking soda mixture is a natural and effective way to remove nail polish from grout. To remove nail polish from grout using a mixture of OxiClean and baking soda, you will need:
- OxiClean powder
- Baking soda
- Water
- A bowl or cup
- A clean cloth or sponge
After getting the materials needed, then follow these steps:
Step 1: In a bowl or cup, mix together equal parts OxiClean powder and baking soda.
Step 2: Add a small amount of water to the mixture and stir until it forms a paste.
Step 3: Apply the paste to the affected area of the grout, using a clean cloth or sponge to spread it evenly.
Step 4: Let the paste sit on the grout for at least 10-15 minutes to allow it to work its way into the stain.
Step 5: Scrub the grout with a toothbrush or scrub brush to loosen and remove the nail polish.
Step 6: Rinse the grout with water and dry it with a clean towel or cloth.
Pros
- The OxiClean and baking soda mixture is a natural and non-toxic way to remove nail polish from grout.
- It is effective at breaking down and lifting tough stains, including nail polish.
Cons
- It may take some elbow grease to scrub the grout thoroughly.
- It may not work as well on heavily stained or set-in nail polish.
2. Remove with Lemon juice and borax
Are you familiar with boosting laundry? If you are, or you are not, borax is one product that Is used. Though borax boosts laundry, it also removes stains like ink stains, nail polish, and so on.
Also, you know how acidic lemon juice is and how capable it is when it comes to removing stains. So, we’d be using both borax and lemon juice to remove the polish on your tile grout. Below are the things and instructions needed;
Materials needed
- 20 miles of borax
- Lemon juice.
- A small container or bowl.
- A towel.
- An old toothbrush or grout brush
Step 1: Put the borax in a small container and mix it with lemon juice.
Step 2: Apply the borax mixture to the nail polish on your grout.
Step 3: Let the borax mixture settle on the polish, so it can dissolve and be easy to scrub.
Step 4: Use any of the available brushes to scrub the polish on the tile grout.
Step 5: Then, clean and dry the grout after removing the nail polish.
Pros
- The lemon juice and borax mixture is a natural and non-toxic way to remove nail polish from grout.
- It is effective at breaking down and lifting tough stains, including nail polish.
- The lemon juice adds a pleasant scent to the cleaning mixture.
Cons
- It may take some elbow grease to scrub the grout thoroughly.
- It may not work as well on heavily stained or set-in nail polish.
- The lemon juice can potentially bleach or discolor certain types of grout, so it is important to test a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a larger stain.
3. Remove with Goof off or hydrogen peroxide
Goof off is a paint remover for porous material or hardwood floors. Expert tradesmen often use this remover to remove dried stains on hard floors.
If you can’t get Goof off, you can use hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is also a strong agent that can remove nail polish on grout. So, you can use any of the two products.
Materials needed
- Goof off
- Hydrogen peroxide
- A stiff grout brush.
Step 1: Dampen the cloth or sponge with hydrogen peroxide.
Step 2: Gently rub the affected area of the grout with the cloth or sponge, applying gentle pressure to loosen the nail polish.
Step 3: If the nail polish does not come off easily, you can try using a toothbrush to scrub the grout.
Step 4: Continue rubbing and scrubbing until the nail polish is completely removed.
Step 5: Rinse the grout with water to remove any remaining hydrogen peroxide.
Step 6: Dry the grout with a clean towel or cloth.
Pros
- Both products are effective at removing nail polish from grout.
- Goof Off is specifically formulated to remove tough stains, including nail polish.
- Hydrogen peroxide is a natural and non-toxic alternative to chemical cleaners.
Cons
- Goof Off may contain harsh chemicals that can be potentially harmful if ingested or inhaled. It is important to use it in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on the label.
- Hydrogen peroxide can potentially bleach or discolor certain types of grout, so it is important to test a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a larger stain.
- Both products may require some elbow grease to scrub the grout thoroughly. They may not work as well on heavily stained or set-in nail polish.
4. Use Clorox bleach pen
Another thing you can use to remove nail polish on your tile grout is a Clorox bleach pen. This works for the grout alone, not the tile surface.
Materials needed
- A Clorox bleach pen
- A clean cloth or sponge
Step 1: Squeeze a small amount of the bleach pen onto the affected area of the grout.
Step 2: Use the cloth or sponge to spread the bleach evenly over the stain.
Step 3: Let the bleach sit on the grout for at least 10-15 minutes to allow it to work its way into the stain.
Step 4: Scrub the grout with a toothbrush or scrub brush to loosen and remove the nail polish.
Step 5: Rinse the grout with water and dry it with a clean towel or cloth.
Pros
- The bleach pen is a quick and easy way to remove nail polish from grout.
- It is effective at killing bacteria and removing stains, including nail polish.
Cons
- The bleach in the pen can be harsh and potentially harmful if ingested or inhaled. It is important to use it in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on the label.
5. Use Zep grout cleaner
Tile grout also has a cleaner to remove stains and dirt that can make the grout appear unattractive. The zep grout cleaner works effectively and you’d be using it to remove the nail polish on your tile grout. The instructions you need for this method is as follows:
Materials needed
- Zep grout cleaner
- Stiff grout brush
Step 1: Carefully apply the zep grout cleaner on the tile grout. Do not apply it on the tile surface.
Step 2: Use the stiff grout brush to scrub the group cleaner on the tile grout.
Step 3: Then, use a clean cloth to clean and dry the grout.
Pros
- Grout cleaner is specifically formulated to remove stains from grout, including nail polish.
- It is easy to use and does not require mixing or preparing a cleaning solution.
Cons
- Grout cleaner may contain harsh chemicals that can be potentially harmful if ingested or inhaled. It is important to use it in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on the label.
- It may be more expensive than other methods of removing nail polish from grout.
- It may not work as well on heavily stained or set-in nail polish.
How Do I Maintain My Tile Grout?
To prevent any stain such as nail polish on your tile grout, you need to maintain it. Here are the ways to maintain your tile grout:
1. Wash the grout every week
Washing the grout every week is a simple but effective way to prevent stains from setting in. This means that as you clean your home, be sure to pay attention to the grout lines between your tiles and give them a good scrub to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. By cleaning the grout regularly, you can keep it looking fresh and prevent stains from forming.
2. Take out anything that can stain the grout
Taking out anything that can stain the grout is another important step in maintaining your tile grout. For example, if you are painting your nails or using nail polish, it is best to do so at a designated area away from the tiles and grout. This can prevent accidental spills or drips that could lead to stains.
For example, if you had to remove nail polish stain from your grout, it might be because you left the nail polish on the tile, or you were painting your nails on the tile. So, you should take out anything that can lead to staining on the tile grout.
3. Change the grout
If the grout is flaking or otherwise damaged, it may be necessary to change it. This can help improve the appearance of your tiles and prevent further damage. To change the grout, you will need to remove the old grout and replace it with new grout.
This process can be time-consuming and may require some specialized tools and materials, so it may be best to hire a professional if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
Conclusion
The mentioned methods for removing nail polish from grout, including using acetone nail polish remover, a mixture of OxiClean and baking soda, lemon juice and borax, Goof Off or hydrogen peroxide, a Clorox bleach pen, and grout cleaner.
Each method has its own pros and cons, and the most effective method will depend on the specific situation and type of grout you are working with. It is important to test a small, inconspicuous area of the grout before using any cleaning product, as some products can potentially damage or discolor certain types of grout.