Polishing the Perfect Clean: How to Remove Shoe Polish Stains from H&M
If you've ever found yourself with a H&M item covered in shoe polish, fear not! This step-by-step guide will show you how to remove the shoe polish stains and restore your item back to its former glory.
Updated 23 Jun 2023
By Noemi Denker
Shoe polish is a common product used to condition leather shoes and make them look their best. However, it also has a habit of staining clothing items, especially those from H&M. And if you don't address the stain quickly, it can become even harder to remove.
Removing the Stain
- Start by getting as much shoe polish off the H&M item as possible. Do this by using an unused toothbrush to scrub at stain and gently rub away excess polish.
- After you’ve removed the visible polish, dab some stain remover on area. A mild laundry detergent or liquid dish soap should be enough for synthetic fabric, but if the item is made from something more delicate, you may need to use a specialist remover.
- Once the remover is applied, use a clean cloth to work it into the fabric and help break up the stain. Be gentle with the strokes and take breaks as needed so you don’t damage the material.
- Rinse the area with tepid water to remove any residual remover, then use a paper towel to blot area dry.
- Finish up by washing the fabric as normal, following the care instructions given on the H&M label. Don’t put the item in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is completely gone.
Using this method, you should be able to remove the shoe polish stain from your H&M item without damaging it. If it doesn’t work, you could always seek professional help such as a dry cleaner to finish the job.
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