Applying nail polish not only makes your nails attractive and neat, but it’s also a therapeutic act. However, nail polish contains acetone, which has a strong and irritating smell.
The smell lingers in the room and is associated with health risks when inhaling its fumes. To get rid of the nail polish smell, follow any of the methods below:
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1. Open the room’s windows
The first thing you have to do is open the windows to ventilate the room.
Natural air ventilation is a fast and effective method to eliminate the nail polish smell in the house, regardless of how overpowering and sharp it is.
The temperature is also reduced and less likely to affect the polluted air. You can also open the door or switch on a fan and let natural air do the rest of the work.
2. Use an air purifier and fresheners
Another solution to removing the acetone smell is using air purifiers, especially ones with carbon filters.
They are best for getting rid of chemical pollutants, like acetone fumes. That’s why they are used in nail and hair salons.
You can incorporate air fresheners or essential oils to counteract the strong nail polish odor.
Mix your favorite essential oil (lavender, citrus, or orange) with water in a spraying bottle and spritz it around the affected area.
3. Use baking soda to clean affected areas
Baking soda is a great deodorizer and household ingredient that’s readily available. Below are steps on how to use it:
- Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and rugs if you painted your nails on them.
- Let it settle on them for a few hours or overnight.
- Vacuum the carpet or rug thoroughly.
Alternatively, you can
- Place glass bowls filled with a baking soda solution on the affected areas to absorb the nail polish smell.
- Leave it overnight.
- Vacuum the carpet or couch thoroughly.
4. Use lemon or citrus peels
Citrus and lemon peels contain acidic properties that effectively remove the nail polish odor.
If the nail polish still smells after drying, here are the steps to follow to eradicate it using lemon and citrus peels:
- Place the peels on a glass bowl or vase, ensuring that you expose them to the air.
- Leave them to settle overnight or for a few days, and replace them when they get moldy.
Alternatively, you can use citrus, lemon, or orange oil to eliminate the nail polish smell by doing the following:
- Mix three drops of your preferred citric oil and water in an open glass bowl.
- Soak a cotton pad in the bowl overnight and near the nail polish to absorb the smell.
Mix the lemon or citrus oil with water in a spraying bottle and spritz it around the properly ventilated room.
5. Clean the air with coffee grounds
If you are smelling nail polish where there is none, you can use coffee grounds to get rid of the smell using the steps below:
- Add fresh coffee grounds or coffee beans to an open bowl.
- Let it rest overnight to eliminate the nail polish smell.
- You can shake the coffee grounds to fasten the process until it loses its smell.
The room will have pleasant and earthy smells and absorb the acetone fumes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These are the most commonly asked questions about nail polish odors.
Are nail polish smells harmful?
Nail polish contains solvents and chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
As a result, it has a strong smell that poses health risks if inhaled excessively or used in a poorly ventilated room.
Regular exposure to nail polish or inhaling too much acetone fumes may result in headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems over time.
How long does nail polish smell last?
The duration of the nail polish smell depends on the room’s ventilation, air temperature, and the type of nail polish used.
The nail polish odor may last a few hours or overnight for properly ventilated areas with free airflow.
If the room is poorly ventilated, it may take up to 24 hours to eliminate the smell.
You can get rid of the nail polish smell by opening windows and using a fan or an air purifier after painting your nails.
Why does nail polish smell after drying?
Toluene and acetone in nail polish are responsible for a smooth, shining finish and a strong smell.
The chemicals evaporate and produce a powerful smell when the nail polish dries.