A website from UGA Cooperative Extension

Textiles

Remove Stains From Shoe Polish (White, Other)

Apparel/Fabrics

White

Sponge with a commercial cleaner.* Tamp or use a spoon. Flush with a commercial cleaner.* Repeat until no more stain is removed. Sponge with amyl acetate. Tamp or use spoon. Flush with a commercial cleaner.* Allow to dry. Sponge with water. Add a few drops of white vinegar. Tamp or use spoon. Flush with water. Repeat until no more stain is removed.

Other

Sponge with a commercial cleaner’or a pre-wash soil and stain remover. Let dry. Repeat if necessary. Rinse. Rub detergent into dampened stain. Launder. If stain remains, sponge with rubbing alcohol. Rinse. Launder. If stain remains, use chlorine bleach if safe for fabric.

*Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene, methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, Goof Off, M-1 Remover, Goo Gone, K2r. These products can be found at hardware stores, discount department stores, and grocery stores.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always read the care label before trying any stain removal method. Do not use any products or procedures prohibited by the care label.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
  • When using caustic or commercial cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

Carpet

Blended Fibers, Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Wood (Other)

  1. Quickly blot or scrape up the excess spill, using paper towels or an absorbent cloth. Dampen a clean, white cloth with a commercial solvent-based cleaner. * Read and follow directions printed on product. Apply the solvent-damp cloth on the spot and stand on the cloth for a moment or two to put the chemical into firm contact with the staining substance. This will help the vapors of the solvent to dissolve the stain. Remove the cloth.
  2. If any of the substance has transferred to it, place another portion of the cloth on the spot and again stand on it. Repeat until the spot is removed.

* Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, GOOF OFF, M-l Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • When using solvent-based cleaners on carpet or upholstery, be careful not to overwet the carpet or the fabric. Solvents can destroy the carpet backing and foam padding used in upholstery.
  • Do not use lacquer thinner or acetone on triacetate carpets or fabrics. They will turn to froth immediately.

Hard Surface Floors

Resilient

  1. Rub stain with a cloth dampened in a concentrated detergent/water solution. If stain is stubborn, use a mild scouring powder, water and a plastic mesh pad. Rub gently. Rinse well with clear water. Dry completely and re-coat with appropriate finish or wax, if necessary.
  2. A concentrated liquid commercial household cleaner rubbed into a stubborn spot, may remove it as well as scouring powders, without the danger of scratching. Rinse off well.

CAUTIONS:

  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • Be careful to rub gently to prevent scratching of the surface.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products!cans!containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Wood

On stained wooden floors, use a commercial solvent or a solvent-based cleaning wax to remove shoe polish stains.

CAUTIONS:

  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of chi Idren.

Furniture

Marble (White)

Wipe the surface with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Rinse well and wipe dry.

Marble (Other)

If a stain persists, mix a poultice from water, 6 percent hydrogen peroxide bleach and powdered detergent. Apply to the stain and let it remain until the oil has been drawn out and the stain is bleached out. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and and wipe dry.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products!cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Wood

Apply mineral spirits or naphtha to a clean cloth. Wipe the stain gently with the cloth, rotating it so that the clean surface continues to pick up the stain.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastnes.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
  • When using solvent-based cleaners on carpet or upholstery, be careful not to overwet the carpet or the fabric. Solvents can destroy the carpet backing and foam padding.


Upholstered Furniture

Blended Fibers, Fiberglass, Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Wool White

  1. Quickly blot up excess spill, using paper towels or a soft, white, absorbent cloth. Sponge with, warm water. Blot with a folded white absorbent cloth, rotating the cloth as it picks up the stain.
  2. If stain remains, spray a white cloth with a general purpose household cleaner (such as 409 or Fantastic). Blot with a light twisting motion. Repeat several times. Sponge with clear water. Blot with white absorbent pads. Sponge again with clear water and blot again to be sure all traces of the cleaner are removed.

CAUTIONS:

  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • Overwetting with water may cause the finish on the upholstery fabric to migate and thus leave a circle in the tested area.

OR

Apply a commercial solvent-based cleaner. * Read and follow directions printed on product. Test first for color fastness on seam. Blot the stain with the solvent-damp cloth, rotating the cloth as it picks up the stain (so excess polish will not be transferred back to the fabric). Follow with a mild solution of detergent and water.

* Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Oap Cleaner and Thinner, GOOF OFF, M-l Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
  • When using solvent-based cleaners on carpet or upholstery, be careful not to overwet the carpet or the fabric. Solvents can destroy the carpet backing and foam padding used in upholstery.

Leather

Shoe polish is a difficult, almost impossible stain to remove from leather. First apply a commercial leather cleaner. Rub it in with a soft cloth. Let it dry. If the stain remains, test in an inconspicuous place a commercial solvent-based cleaner. * Read and follow directions printed on product. If the surface isn’t damaged, gently apply the solvent to the stain. Allow the leather to air dry. Apply a leather conditioner to restore softness and luster.

* Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Oap Cleaner and Thinner, GOOF OFF, M-l Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc.

Walls And Ceilings

Paper (Regular, Untreated, Plastic Coated, Vinyl)

Stains from shoe polish might permanently dye the paper. Rub the area very gently with a damp cloth sprinkled with a little baking soda. Wipe the area with a cloth dampened with cool, clear water. Do not let the wet area spread or run. Overlap strokes to prevent streaking. Use a clean cloth to gently pat dry.

Wood, Paneling (Stained)

  1. Rub stain with a cloth dampened in a concentrated detergent/water solution. If stain is stubborn, use a mild scouring powder, water and a plastic mesh pad. Rub gently. Rinse well with clear water. Dry completely and re-coat with appropriate finish or wax, if necessary.
  2. A concentrated liquid commercial household cleaner rubbed into a stubborn spot may remove it, as well as scouring powders, without the danger of scratching. Rinse off well.
  3. On stained paneling, use a commercial solvent or a solvent-based cleaning wax to remove shoe polish stains.

CAUTIONS:

  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of chi Idren. When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate venti lation.

Other/interior

Alabaster

  1. Wipe the surface with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Rinse well and wipe dry.
  2. If a stain persists, mix a poultice from water, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide bleach and powdered detergent. Apply to the stain and let it remain until the oil has been drawn out and the stain is bleached out. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and wipe dry.

Kitchen/Bathroom Cabinets (Wood)

  1. Rub stain with a cloth dampened in a concentrated detergent/water solution. If stain is stubborn, use a mild scouring powder, water and a plastic mesh pad. Rub gently. Rinse well with clear water. Dry completely and re-coat with appropriate finish or wax, if necessary.
  2. A concentrated liquid commercial household cleaner rubbed into a stubborn spot, may remove it as well as scouring powders, without the danger of scratching. Rinse off well. 3. Use mineral spirits or naphtha or a paste wax to remove any remaining stains.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.
  • Overwetting with water may cause the finish on the upholstery fabric to migrate and thus leave a circle in the treated area.

Exterior Surfaces

Porches, Decks, Patios

Wood

Use a commercial solvent or a solvent-based cleaning wax to remove shoe polish stains.

CAUTIONS:

  • Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
  • Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Siding/walls

Aluminum, Asbestos, Masonite, Vinyl, Wood (Painted)

Make a solution of detergent and hot water and sponge the stained area. Rinse well. If the shoe polish is black or brown, you may need to use synthetic turpentine or mineral spirits to remove the stain.

Brick, Brick Veneer, Cement, Concrete, Stone, Stucco

  1. White shoe polish can be removed by sponging with a hot detergent and water solution. Avoid using soap. It will leave a scum that is difficult, if not impossible to remove. Rinse well.
  2. For black-brown shoe polish stains, mix 1 tablespoon of Spic-and-Span in 1 gallon warm water. Scrub with a stiff brush or use a 4/0 piece of steel wool. If stain remains, sponge with a solvent such as synthetic turpentine or mineral spirits. Scrub again with Spic-and-Span and water. Rinse well and allow to dry.

Wood (Stained)

  1. White polish can be removed by sponging with a warm sudsy water solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
  2. If the polish is black or brown, apply a solvent-based cleaning wax to remove the stain. Or, you can sponge the stain using a commercial solvent.

CAUTIONS:

  • Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
  • When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.