Shoe polish is a great way to give your favorite shoes a nice shine. But when it's accidentally spilled on your clothes, it can be one of the hardest materials to remove! Here are some tips and tricks to help get rid of shoe polish stains from an Aline dress.
Updated 25 Jun 2023
By Luke Smith
Before you begin, make sure you have the right supplies. You'll need rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, a dry cloth, baking soda, dish soap, and a toothbrush.
Before you start, test a small area of your dress with the rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Apply a few drops to an inconspicuous spot and wait a few minutes to see if the fabric is discolored or damaged in any way. If nothing happens after several minutes, the material should be safe to proceed.
For fresh shoe polish stains, start by blotting the area with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub it in, as this may spread the stain further. Next, dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wring it out so it’s just slightly damp. Gently dab the cloth over the fabric. This will help to break up the stain.
Next, mix two drops of dish soap with two tablespoons of baking soda. Apply the paste directly the shoe polish stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently brush the paste away with a toothbrush. Rinse affected area with cold water and repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.
For dried shoe polish stains, you'll want to use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Apply a few drops to the fabric and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wet a cloth with warm water and blot the stained area. Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can both be harsh on fabrics, so only apply a small amount and test the fabric beforehand.
You may need to repeat the process several times to fully remove the stain. If the stain still doesn't come out after several attempts, you may need to take your garment to a professional cleaner.
Shoe polish stains can be difficult to remove, but with the right supplies and techniques, you can get rid of them from your Aline dress quickly and easily. Just remember to always test an inconspicuous spot on your fabric first, and use small amounts of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to rinse the area with cold water and repeat until the stain is gone.
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