Acetone is a versatile compound that can be used for much more than just nail polish removal. Its chemical properties make it a valuable tool in a variety of applications, from household cleaning to rejuvenation. Its ability to dissolve, clean, and evaporate quickly makes it a useful secret weapon in your household cleaning arsenal. Discover the surprising ways you can use acetone to keep your home looking its best.
Acetone is a naturally occurring clear liquid solvent. It has the ability to break down other substances, so it is a popular choice as a nail polish remover, paint thinner, and household cleaner. Look for 100% acetone or industrial-grade acetone to use for these projects found at both beauty supply and home improvement stores. Always test acetone on an inconspicuous area, especially on plastics, painted items, and fabrics, as it can damage certain delicate or highly porous materials.
Removing Adhesive Residue
Acetone is highly effective for removing the residue left behind when you peel off items like stickers, tape, and label glue. Acetone has strong dissolving properties that will remove any stickiness that remains. To use it, apply acetone to the area using a cotton ball or cloth and gently rub it until the surface is clean.
Cleaning Permanent Marker Stains and Crayon Marks
Inadvertently using a permanent marker instead of a dry eraser can ruin whiteboards. Revitalize a whiteboard or window, and even countertops with acetone. You can use acetone to remove permanent marker stains and crayon marks from non-porous materials like plastic, glass, and metal. Simply apply acetone to the effected area using a cloth or cotton ball and rub until the stain disappears.
Removing Scuff Marks
Stubborn scuff marks can appear on floors, walls, and furniture when a shoe sole, furniture leg, or other heavy object comes into contact with another hard surface. Scuffs do not usually penetrate a given surface, but they are unsightly. Acetone can be used to dissolve scuff marks on hard surfaces like tile and laminate floors, as well as the surface of shoes. Rub acetone gently on a surface to remove scuff marks, but test in an inconspicuous area first as acetone can damage delicate painted or varnished surfaces.
Degreasing Tools and Equipment
Acetone is a powerful solvent that dissolves residual grease, oil, and grime that makes tools and other equipment sticky. To restore your tools to their original state, use acetone and a rag to wipe your tools down. To prevent fume accumulation, make sure you are working in an area with adequate ventilation. Soak tools in an acetone solution to remove tougher grime. Make sure that tools with rubber or plastic components are not left in acetone for too long, as prolonged exposure can damage them.
Stripping Paint
Inadvertant drips or specks of paint are common after a painting project. Thankfully, acetone can be used to remove even dried paint stains. Apply acetone to a cotton ball or cloth and rub the affected area. For old, dried paint, place a cotton ball over it for a few minutes. This will loosen the dried paint, allowing you to remove it more easily. These steps may need to be repeated multiple times to completely remove certain paint stains.
Polishing Glass Surfaces
Glass surfaces quickly become occluded because of fingerprints, splashes, and dirt. Acetone is useful for polishing glass surfaces because it effectively removes streaks, grime, and smudges, leaving them spotless and shiny. Use acetone to polish windows, mirrors, glass tabletops, and microwave doors. Apply a small amount of acetone to a clean cloth and rub in a circular pattern. The acetone will quickly evaporate and leave a residue-free surface. Do not use acetone on coated glass without spot testing.
Cleaning Superglue Accidents
Accidents with superglue are common because of its super-sticking power. Acetone is extremely effective for dissolving the cyanoacrylate in superglue, which makes it break down more easily. To remove superglue, dab an acetone-soaked cottonball into the affected area. You may need to repeat this several times until the superglue begins to release. This method works especially well on hard surfaces such as glass, stone, metal, and plastic, but be cautious with delicate surfaces as it can cause damage.
Removing Stuck-On Gum
Whether gum is stuck on shoes, furniture, or carpet, acetone works well to remove it. Spray or soak the affected area with acetone and leave it to sit for several minutes. Pry off as much of the gum as you can. Apply more acetone to the area and work with a toothbrush or rag to clean the area. Test acetone in an inconspicuous area on delicate surfaces such as carpet before using to be sure it will not discolor.
Refreshing Porcelain Fixtures
Acetone can be used to clean porcelain bathroom fixtures like sinks and bathtubs that have been disfigured by stubborn stains, soap grime, and mineral deposits. Acetone’s solvent properties restore the surface without damage. To apply the acetone, use a cloth or sponge/scrubbing pad and gently work into the affected areas. For tougher stains, spray the acetone on and allow it to soak for several minutes before cleaning the surface.
Cleaning Tile Grout
Grout lines can quickly become discolored because of dirt, food stains, and mold. Acetone can break down these stains and restore the original color of the grout. Apply a small amount of acetone to an old toothbrush or cloth and rub onto the grout lines. For stubborn stains, allow the acetone to sit on the grout surface without working it. This method works best with white grout. When using acetone on colored grout, exercise caution to avoid discoloring the surface. Always test it before applying it to the entire area.
Preparing Surfaces for Painting
Grease and grime may need to be removed before paint can adhere to a given surface. Acetone cleans the surface of these contaminants. Simply rub the area you are going to paint with a cloth with acetone. This treatment works best on hard, unpainted surfaces such as metal, plastic, and glass. Use with caution on painted surfaces, as acetone may break down the old paint, causing it to flake into your new paint.
Cleaning Electronic Casings
Items like computer monitors, phone cases, and remote controls are magnets for fingerprints and other smudges. The solvent properties of acetone mean that it can break down these greasy smudges without leaving a trace. Use caution when applying acetone to anything with an electronic component. Carefully dab the item with a cloth with acetone, taking care not to saturate it. Apply this method to plastic or metal casings and refrain from using on sensitive components or coatings.
Removing Stubborn Coffee and Tea Stains
Acetone is effective for cleaning coffee and tea stains from non-porous items like mugs, countertops, and certain fabrics. Apply a small amount of acetone to a cloth or cottonball and rub into the surface until the stain is removed. Always test the acetone on the fabric in an unseen corner to be sure it does not discolor it.
Dissolving Ink Stains
You can use acetone to remove ink stains, especially on hard surfaces like countertops, glass, metal, and certain plastics. Wet a cloth or cottonball with acetone and rub into the ink stain. The ink will begin to dissolve and allow you to wipe it away. This may require more than one application of acetone.
Is Acetone Safe to Use in the House?
Acetone has been deemed generally safe for household use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it is always wise to use common-sense precautions, as you would with any other chemical.
- Ventilation: Make sure there is always good airflow in the area where you are using acetone because it emits strong fumes that can be harmful if ingested in large amounts.
- Flammability: Acetone is highly flammable, so keep it away from open flames, sparks, and heat sources.
- Skin Contact: Acetone is safe, but prolonged exposure can make your skin dry and irritated. Use gloves if you are working with acetone for an extended period.
- Surface Testing: Always test delicate surfaces in an out-of-the-way location to ensure that acetone does not damage or discolor them.
- Children and Pets: Store acetone in a safe place, away from children and pets, as it can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
