Shoe polish stains can be annoying and difficult to remove from clothing. But don’t worry – with some household items and a bit of elbow grease, you can get those stubborn stains out.
What You’ll Need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Dish soap
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Old toothbrush
- Towels
Test First on an Inconspicuous Area
Before doing anything, always test your shoe polish stain removal method on an inconspicuous area of the garment first, like an inside seam. This way you can check if the cleaning solution will discolor or damage the fabric before putting it on a visible spot.
Act Quickly for Best Results
Fresh stains will be much easier to tackle, so start the removal process as soon as possible. The longer the stain sits, the more difficult it will be to get out.
Step 1: Remove Excess Polish
If the shoe polish spill just happened, use a dull knife or spoon to scrape off as much excess polish as possible. Try to avoid pushing it further into the fabric.
Step 2: Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Pour some rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain. Use an old toothbrush or cloth to gently scrub the stain for a few minutes. This will help break down the polish.
Step 3: Make a Baking Soda Paste
In a small bowl, mix together baking soda and just enough water to form a spreadable paste. Use the toothbrush to work the paste thoroughly into the fabric. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse with Vinegar
In a spray bottle, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Spray the paste-covered area, allowing it to bubble up for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Wash Normally
Rinse the area well with clean water. Apply a small amount of dish soap and wash by hand or in the washing machine. Air dry and check if any residue remains. Repeat steps as needed.
For Tougher Stains
If traces still remain after following these steps, soak the clothing item for several hours in a solution of oxygen-based bleach and cool water. Then re-wash. This can help lift out very set-in polish stains.
Preventing Future Stains
Be more careful when polishing shoes around clothing items! Place paper or scrap fabric underneath to protect garments. Store polish tins upright and securely sealed to prevent accidental spilling. Switching to a gel shoe polish or using polish applicator brushes can also reduce mess.
So those are the key steps on how to get pesky shoe polish out of clothes and other fabric items. Act quickly on fresh stains and use household supplies like alcohol, baking soda, and vinegar for best stain removal. You’ll have that spot or spill looking brand new.
References
[1] How to Get Shoe Polish Out of Clothing (Tide)
[2] Does Rubbing Alcohol Remove Stains? (The Spruce) [3] Baking Soda and Vinegar for Stain Removal (Family Handyman)
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.