How to Remove Fingernail Polish From a Doll

How to Remove Fingernail Polish From a Doll
Written By
F.R.R. Mallory
F.R.R. Mallory
Published: Dec 27, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

You can usually remove the stain but the product will remove the face paint too. If the stains are on fingers or toes you are in luck, there are some good ways to remove these stains.

Things You Will Need

  • Doll
  • Soap and water
  • White cleaning pad
  • Cotton swabs
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Fingernail polish remover
  1. Wash the doll gently with soap and water and a soft wash cloth. This will lift lots of general dirt and some stains. Daub the doll dry. Moisten the edge of a white cleaning pad and rub it over the fingernail polish. Try to avoid any areas where the doll is painted.

  2. Press with slow even strokes to rub the polish loose. If the polish is unchanged after three or four rubs then dry the doll and try the next method.

  3. Soak the end of a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Press the swab against the polish moving away from any painted area of the doll. Allow the liquid to rest on the polish for a moment to start to dissolve the polish then push the polish to see if it lifts off onto the swab.

  4. Use a new swab each time and repeat this process if the alcohol is removing the polish.

  5. Clean the spot with acetone (fingernail polish remover). Again, use a cotton swab and allow the swab to rest on the spot for a moment before trying to move or lift the polish. Contain the acetone to just the small area of the mark and try not to remove any doll paint in the process. Finish by washing the clean doll in soap and water to remove any solvent residues.

The Drip Cap

  • Girls like to play with dolls and part of play involves imitating the behavior of adults.
  • Wash the doll gently with soap and water and a soft wash cloth.
  • Use a new swab each time and repeat this process if the alcohol is removing the polish.
  • Finish by washing the clean doll in soap and water to remove any solvent residues.

Photo Credits

Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

F.R.R. Mallory

F.R.R. Mallory has been published since 1996, writing books, short stories, articles and essays. She has worked as an architect, restored cars, designed clothing, renovated homes and makes crafts. She is a graduate of the University of…

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