What supplies do I need to clean shoe polish stains on thongs?

Paper towels, warm water, dish soap/laundry detergent, soft-bristled brush, white vinegar, and a hairdryer.

What should I do if the shoe polish stain persists?

Try using a blow dryer on the 'low' setting to heat up the stained area. This will help loosen up any remaining residue. This step should be used only if the thong is made of a heat-resistant material.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Shoe polish > Thong

Getting Rid of Shoe Polish Stains on Thongs the Easy Way

Accidents happen; sometimes you get shoe polish on your thong. Don't stress! We're here to show you an easy and effective way to get rid of shoe polish stains on thongs.

Updated 24 Jun 2023

By Noemi Denker

Removing shoe polish stains on thongs may seem daunting, but with some diligence and the right supplies it can be done quickly and effectively. Before diving into the steps, it is important to choose a cleaning option that is appropriate for fabric of the thong in question. Here are some tips for removing shoe polish stains on thongs.

Supplies Needed:

Paper towels
Warm water
Dish soap or laundry detergent
Soft-bristled brush
White vinegar
Hairdryer (optional)

Steps:

Start by blotting the area with a paper towel as soon as you notice the stain. Do not rub the stain; instead, press the paper towel gently and repeatedly against the stain until the majority of shoe polish has been absorbed.
Create a solution of warm water, dish soap or laundry detergent, and white vinegar. The amount of each ingredient should be equal parts, and the mixture should be enough to cover entire stain.
Using a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, lightly scrub the stained area with the solution. Be careful not to rub too vigorously so as not to damage the fabric.
Rinse the scrubbed area with warm water. Keep rinsing until all traces of solution have been removed.
Once the area has been rinsed, apply a small amount of laundry detergent to the area and leave it to soak overnight.
In the morning, rinse off the detergent and gently scrub stained area with a soft-bristled brush.
If the stain persists, use a blow dryer on the “low” setting to heat up the stained area. This will help loosen up any remaining residue. This step should be used only if the thong is made of a heat-resistant material. To test, place a drop of water on the fabric; if it beads, the material is heat-resistant and therefore okay to use with a blow dryer.

Tips:

For best results, repeat the above steps if necessary.
If the shoe polish stain has been sitting for a while, applying rubbing alcohol to the area may help to break it up. Never pour rubbing alcohol directly onto the fabric.
Machine washing the thong on a gentle cycle (in cold water) with a teaspoon of detergent and half a cup of vinegar should also help to remove the stain.

Summary

By following this guide and using right supplies, shoe polish stains on thongs can be removed quickly and easily. Be sure to take your time and be careful when scrubbing, as vigorous scrubbing may damage the fabric. If stain persists after multiple attempts, try using a blow dryer.

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