How to Remove Shoe Polish Stains from Cashmere with Ease
Cleaning shoe polish stains from cashmere can be tricky, but we have some useful tricks and tips that will help you get the job done quickly and effectively.
Updated 23 Jun 2023
By Peter Blackwood
Cashmere is a delicate fabric that needs to be handled with care, otherwise it can become irreparably damaged. Removing shoe polish stains from cashmere is no exception, so it’s important to act swiftly and use the correct methods to ensure the fabric isn’t further stained or damaged. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Gently Scrape Away Excess Shoe Polish
Before attempting any cleaning techniques on the stain, you should first scrape away any excess shoe polish with a butter knife. Work carefully and gently to avoid pushing the polish further into fabric.
2. Create a Soap Paste Predip
Mix a tablespoon of dish soap with a tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl. Add a few drops of cold water until the ingredients form a paste. Dip a clean cloth into the paste and rub it onto the shoe polish stain on the cashmere. Let the predip sit for about 10 minutes before moving on to the next step.
3. Wash the Stained Area
Run the stained area through a gentle cycle of your washing machine, using a mild detergent. Avoid adding any fabric softener during this step. Once the cycle has finished, remove garment and check the stain. If it’s still visible, repeat the predip and washing stages until it’s gone.
4. Air Dry the Cashmere
Gently stretch stained area of the cashmere and leave it to air-dry away from heat and sunlight. Once the cashmere has dried, inspect the area for any remaining traces of shoe polish. If necessary, repeat steps 1-3 until the stain has completely disappeared.
5. Spot Treat the Cashmere
If stained area is still slightly visible after washing and drying, use a spot cleaner specifically designed for cashmere. Follow the instructions on the bottle carefully and rinse the area with cold water once you’ve finished. Allow to air-dry as per usual.
Conclusion
Removing shoe polish stains from cashmere garments can take some work, but with a little persistence, you can get rid of the stain and restore the fabric to its original condition. Just remember to be gentile when scraping away the excess polish, predip the stained area with a soap paste solution and always air dry fabric afterwards.
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