In addition to cleaning nail polish that isn’t quite right, a nail polish remover is used for a number of different things around the house, such as cleaning the keyboard, shoes, floor laminate, and tiles, removing ink, and sanitizing razors.
It is possible to use nail polish remover to remove streaks and stains from glass without worrying about it being damaged. Make sure you use it sparingly in a well-ventilated area, and be careful while handling it. Also, never clean glass with tap water or ammonia or alcohol-based cleaners.
But when it comes to cleaning stains from glass teacups, paint from glass doors or windows, and sticker adhesives from glass, is a nail polish remover the right choice? Let’s see if you can use nail polish remover to clean glass and how you can safely do so.
Can You Use Nail Polish Remover to Clean Glass?
Yes, you can use nail polish remover to clean different glasses, ranging from tea cups and coffee mugs to shower doors and windows.
Instead of throwing away your favorite mug or cups because of the ugly tea or coffee stains, you can use a nail polish remover to make them as good as new. Remember that you’ll need to use at least one teaspoon of remover. Also, thoroughly clean the cup with soap and hot water before using it again.
Similarly, if you tried your hand at glass painting but made a mistake, there’s no need to panic. You can easily remove errant paint strokes with acetone (the primary ingredient in nail polish). But make sure you use it sparingly and use a rag to apply it on the paint.
You can also use nail polish remover to remove the pesky adhesive price tags on the bottom of newly purchased glass items that are just too stubborn to remove.
All you have to do is use a dry and clean paper towel or cloth, apply a little bit of nail polish remover to it, and use it to wipe the sticker away.
Does Nail Polish Remover Harm Glass?
It’s safe to use nail polish remover on glass; it won’t damage it as long as you take some precautions. You must use acetone on glass sparingly to prevent mishaps. Plus, it’d be better if you used industrial acetone on glass.
Always use the nail polish remover in a well-ventilated area. For example, just turning on your bathroom fan for it won’t be enough at all. To put into perspective how strong it is, think about ISO—acetone smells stronger than that because of its extremely low evaporation temperature.
Never use acetone in a poorly ventilated area for a long time since it can seriously affect your health. Once you’re done using the nail polish remover, rinse it a couple of times to remove all traces of it.
Also, acetone evaporates very quickly, which is why you must keep it tightly sealed. It might also feel icy on the skin, so be careful. It is also highly flammable, so take the necessary precautions before cleaning your glass.
What Should You Not Clean Glass With?
You now know that using nail polish remover on glass is safe. But that doesn’t mean you can go ahead and use other chemicals on it. Some things can damage your glass, and you must avoid using them on glass.
Ammonia-Based Cleaners
Don’t use ammonia-based cleaners or harsh chemicals to clean glass surfaces since they can damage its integrity. Similarly, you should avoid cleaners that include alcohol and ammonia since they can leave streaks and make the glass look dirty instead of cleaning it.
Plus, the residue from these streaks will attract more dust and dirt, because of which you’ll have to clean the glass more frequently.
Tap Water
Never clean the glass with tap water. This is because hard minerals in the water are abrasive and tend to leave smears and spots. If possible, use distilled water instead.
Paper Towels
Also, avoid using paper towels to clean glass surfaces like windows. This is because it’s not only a waste, but it’s pretty ineffective, too. Paper towels tend to scratch the glass and leave behind lint residue.