Can You Put Acetone in a Plastic Bottle?

Most companies use acetone products in small amounts to create items that can dissolve or break down other substances.

That’s why you find this solvent in products like varnish, paint, and nail polish.

The manufacturing industry uses acetone for several purposes, including grease removal, gum removal from textiles, automotive lacquers, and making plastics.

When used safely, after town can be an asset for homes and businesses. That means it is essential to know how to store it correctly.

Can You Put Acetone in a Plastic Bottle?

Acetone should not be placed in a plastic container unless it’s marked as a No. 5 product. There is a risk that it could break down the material and create a leak because of its corrosive nature. Some are rated as safe, including polyethylene, polypropylene, or fluoroplastics, but thin products can still experience migration.

Acetone functions as a colorless solvent.

A solvent is a substance that breaks down or dissolves other materials as its primary function. In the typical household, you might see acetone in products like paint remover or nail polish remover.

You can find acetone occurring naturally in the environment. It is located in plants, trees, and even volcanic gases.

Small amounts are even in the human body.

Some of the other names for acetone include dimethyl ketone, propanone, and beta-ketopropane.

Exposure to this solvent can irritate the skin, nose, or eyes, and consuming it can lead to a toxic event. That’s why it is crucial to treat this substance carefully, especially if you need to place the acetone in a container other than the one it came in from the store.

How to Store Acetone Appropriately

Acetone is considered a hidden household hazard for many families today. When exposed to the colorless liquid for a long time, people can experience dry, cracked skin. It can even lead to potential nervous system problems.

Even when you are using acetone to change the look of your nails, it’s important to follow some essential safety tips to ensure that you don’t have an adverse reaction to the product. Here are the best ideas to follow when using this substance.

• When using acetone, make sure that it is in a well-ventilated area. The fumes can become overwhelming relatively quickly.
• Always wear some sort of personal protective equipment when applying the solvent. Depending on the situation, that might mean you’ll need gloves, goggles, a gown, or a mask.
• If you need to use acetone on a specific surface, you’ll need to ensure that the material doesn’t soak up the liquid.

If you are a business that intends to use acetone products for any purpose, you’ll need to make sure that you have the proper licensing in place before starting operations.

Although this solvent is a common item, it does pose some serious risks. Outside of the potentially toxic effects that occur, acetone is highly flammable. Taking a few simple setups can ensure that you stay safe while protecting the surrounding environment.

Anything that contains acetone should have a tight-fitting lid that secures the liquid so that it cannot spill. It must be kept in a place without heat production, including away from stoves or electrical outlets. This solvent has enough flammability that a single spark can ignite it from a distance.

Anyone that uses large quantities of acetone must consult with their local fire department to determine how to store the solvent in a matter that accommodates the liquid. It might be necessary to contain the product in a fireproof container, which would disqualify almost anything made of plastic.

How to Dispose of Acetone Appropriately

Anything that contains acetone must be handled according to the amount being used by each consumer.

If someone uses this solvent for a small task, like removing the color from their nails, it can be disposed of in a metal container lined with a plastic garbage bag. Once it is contained, the materials can be placed in a second bag for disposal.

When you have a saturated rag or cotton ball that contains acetone, the excess liquid must be squeezed out of it and placed into a container that seals tightly. From there, you must double-bag it before putting the unwanted item in a regular garbage bag.

Businesses that use liquid acetone must take it to a hazardous waste treatment facility to dispose of it correctly. You’ll need to check with your local officials or the EPA to find the appropriate facility in your area.

Using Acetone as a Beauty Treatment

Out of all the things someone might consider putting on their face, acetone might be relatively low on that list. Despite that fact, in 2017, the Kardashian sisters revealed that their idea of a slush facial contained this solvent.

Several cosmetic surgeons have also used acetone for toning before applying specific facial peels.

When it’s applied in this manner, it strips the skin bare. That’s why it has become an essential ingredient for laser procedures because the energy goes directly to the target area instead of the water and oil on the cells.

Although acetone removes oil, dirt, and other buildup issues like a major exfoliant, it’s dangerous enough that the product should only be administered by a skilled skincare professional.

If you have dry skin, you should not use products that contain acetone. The average person can use this solvent for their nails alone.

Interesting Facts About Acetone

It’s important to get to know products before you start using them. That’s why a quick review of these interesting facts about acetone can help you get ready for the work that you’ll be doing shortly.

1. Acetone has the capability of stripping almost everything, even permanent marker pens.
2. It was the first antiseptic that Joseph Lister discovered.
3. When someone has the same smell that acetone provides on their breath, it’s a clear indication that they are experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis. That condition occurs for diabetics who aren’t getting enough insulin.
4. Some illicit drugs can become a solid when mixed with this solvent, allowing them to be molded into any shape.
5. It is the most common ingredient in nail polish removers, prepping the area for a new coat while stripping oil away from the nail bed. That makes it easier for the new product to adhere.

How Can I Buy Acetone for Personal Use?

When you want to use acetone products for your nails, the solvent comes in bottles or wipes for easy application.

For a product like the Super Nail 16-Ounce Pure Acetone Remover, there’s enough power in the product to remove nail wraps, polishes, and acrylics. It comes in a plastic container that won’t absorb some of the liquid during the shipping and handling process.

When you look at the bottom of a container that holds acetone for retail sales, you’ll see the recycling symbol on the bottom with a 5 inside of it. That designation indicates that it can withstand the solvent effect of the liquid.

Other plastics can melt if they were to hold acetone instead of their designated item.

No. 5 plastics are polypropylene. Some containers might say “PP” under the symbol to designate this fact.

Polypropylene was discovered in 1951 by the Phillips Petroleum Company. It’s one of the three most common plastics in use today, along with polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene.

The reason why polypropylene is the preferred plastic for holding acetone is because of its general properties.

• It delivers excellent chemical resistance features to hold alkalis, acids, and most solvents.
• The plastic has good resistance to moisture.
• There’s a higher melting point to it, providing additional heat resistance. That’s why Tupperware and other kitchen containers are made of No. 5 plastics. It can go in the microwave without worrying about it melting.
• It’s strong and lightweight, allowing it to be formed into almost any shape or size.
• The plastic acts as a good electrical insulator.

Can I Recycle Polypropylene Containers with Acetone?

Polypropylene plastic is considered a recyclable product. If you look at the typical recycling program, you’ll see this option listed as individual products because it’s easier for the average person to understand what is allowed.

Most curbside programs will pick up the rigid form of polypropylene, but they will not accept its flexible state. That’s why you don’t want any soft plastics, including bags and diapers, into the recycling bin.

Before placing a container that holds acetone into a recycling program, you’ll want to make sure the liquid is completely gone from the inside.

Some programs will not take acetone containers because there’s enough absorption that occurs that the polypropylene takes on the smell.

If polypropylene is not recycled, it can take up to 30 years to decompose. While it is breaking down, there is a risk that it could leach chemicals into the environment.

Best Nail Polish Options With and Without Acetone

Many nail polish manufacturers are moving away from having acetone in their products. That’s because frequent use can cause the skin around the nail beds to become cracked and painful.

If you want to try a non-acetone product, here are some of the best options available today.

• Cutex Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover
• Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover
• Ella+mila Soy Nail Polish Remover
• Beauty Secrets Non Acetone Nail Polisher Remover

When you prefer to use an acetone-based product, these items are proven winners.

• OPI Nail Polisher Remover
• Eternal 100% Pure Acetone
• Sally Hansen Kwik Off Nail Color Remover
• Diamond Wipes Acetone Nail Polish Remover Pads

If you have a history of dry skin, it is better to avoid acetone products because they can take moisture out of your epidermis.

For everyone else, an acetone-based product can help your nails stay colorful and produce more shine, there whether you apply the product at home or go to a local salon.

If you’re looking for other beauty methods that professionals can use acetone to create, you want to avoid DIY methodologies to stay safe.

I prefer to use the OPI Nail Polisher Remover because of how fast and effective it is to create the changes I want. Whether I’m correcting an error or it’s time to create a new look, it delivers a consistent result each time.

When I need to use a product that doesn’t contain acetone, I stock up on Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover because it is almost as effective.