How do I remove shoe polish stains from my accessories?

Start by blotting the stained area with a damp cloth or paper towel. Next, mix equal parts dish soap and white vinegar with some warm water and use a clean cloth to rub the area. Finally, launder the fabric as you normally would and dry it thoroughly.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Shoe polish > Accessories

5 Easy Steps to Get Rid of Shoe Polish Stains on Accessories

Are you trying to figure out how to get rid of those pesky shoe polish stains on your favorite accessories? Don't worry, it's easier than you think. Here are five simple steps to help you remove those stains for good.

Updated 24 Jun 2023

By Jacobim Mugabe

1. Start by Blotting the Stain

Start by blotting stained area with a damp cloth or paper towel. This will help to absorb any excess polish and keep stain from spreading further.

2. Apply a Cleaning Solution

Mix equal parts dish soap and white vinegar with some warm water. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and gently rub the stained area. As you rub, the dirt and shoe polish should start to come off.

3. Rinse it Off

Once dirt and polish have been loosened, rinse the fabric gently with clean water. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can soak the fabric in mixture for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

4. Launder as Usual

Now that stain has been removed, launder fabric as you normally would. Don’t forget the pre-treatment step — this is especially important when removing shoe polish stains from clothing.

5. Dry the Fabric

Once the fabric has been laundered and dried, examine the area carefully to ensure all traces of the stain have been removed. If any remains, repeat steps 1 to 4 until the stain is completely gone.

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