How do I remove shoe polish stains from denim fabric?

Scrape off any excess shoe polish with a butter knife. Pretreat the stain with a detergent, enzymatic cleaner, or rubbing alcohol. Place your clothing in the washer with cold water and laundry detergent. Inspect the area for any remaining shoe polish stains and repeat steps if necessary.

Should I put clothing with shoe polish stains in the dryer?

No, DO NOT put clothing with shoe polish stains in the dryer, as the heat will set the stain, making it impossible to remove.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Shoe polish > Denim

Maintaining Clean Denim: How to Remove Shoe Polish Stains Easily

Shoe polish is a great way to give your shoes a touch of shine and protect them from wear. However, if you have ever mistakenly spilled shoe polish, you know that it can be a difficult mess to clean up.

Updated 23 Jun 2023

By Mateuzs Kowalski

Most of us don't think twice about polishing our shoes, and we tend to forget that the products we are using have the potential to make stains. If you accidentally get shoe polish on your beloved jeans or other denim-based clothing, you should not panic just yet! There are a few simple steps you can take to remove those pesky shoe polish stains from your clothes.

Step 1: Act Quickly

The first step is to act quickly, as any stain will be easier to remove the sooner it is addressed. If you catch the shoe polish while it is still wet, scrape off any excess polish with a butter knife. DO NOT rub or scrub stain, as this will make the stain worse.

Step 2: Pretreat the Stain

Next, pretreat the shoe polish stain with a detergent, enzymatic cleaner, or rubbing alcohol. Allow the mixture to sit on the stain for 15-20 minutes before washing.

Step 3: Place in the Wash

Once the pretreatment step is complete, place your clothing in the washer in cold water. Use the appropriate laundry detergent for the fabric type and add a half cup of baking soda to help lift the stain. Make sure to use a color-safe detergent if necessary.

Step 4: Inspect and Repeat

After you remove your clothing from wash, inspect the area for any remaining shoe polish stains. If the stain is still there, repeat steps 2-4 until the stain is gone. DO NOT put clothing with shoe polish stains in the dryer; the heat will set the stain, making it impossible to remove.

Conclusion

With these simple steps, you will be able to remove shoe polish stains from denim-based fabrics. Don’t forget to always read the care labels on clothing to determine best way to treat each item.

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