How to easily Remove Tar Stains from Oxford Shoes
Nothing ruins your favorite pair of Oxford shoes like tar stains. They can often be difficult to remove, but with the right cleaning techniques, you can get your Oxfords looking as good as new again! Follow our simple steps for cleaning tar stains from Oxford shoes.
Updated 23 Jun 2023
By Brane Lukman
Before You Begin
Make sure to check the care label of your shoes before attempting to clean them. Using the wrong methods could result in damaging the material or causing further staining. Many types of leather Oxfords should not be soaked nor should they be put in a washing machine. If you’re unsure about what kind of materials your shoes are made of, take them to a professional leather cleaner before attempting to clean them yourself.
Method 1: Cooking Oil and Salt
This method is useful for removing fresh tar stains. Start by covering the stain completely with a liberal amount of cooking oil, such as vegetable or olive oil. Allow it to sit on the stain for at least ten minutes. Then, scrub area with a damp cloth or a toothbrush, working in small circles. This should help break up the tar.
After you’ve scrubbed the area, sprinkle some salt onto the affected area and then brush away excess oil and tar. Finally, clean the area with a damp cloth to rinse it off. Once you’ve finished, polish the shoes with their usual polishing agent.
Method 2: White Vinegar and Baking Soda
If the tar stains have had time to set in, you may want to try this method. First, mix together a small amount of white vinegar and baking soda. The mixture should form a thick paste. Spread this paste over the stained area and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, use a damp cloth or toothbrush to scrub the paste into stain. Rinse the paste off with a damp cloth and let the shoes dry.
Once the shoes have dried, you can use your usual shoe polish to restore the shine and finish.
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