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Easy steps for how to remove shoe polish stains from clothes

The key for effective removal of tough stains like shoe polish comes down to timing. Dried shoe polish is created to give a good shine and color and is often waterproof, so in order to remove shoe polish stains effectively from your garment, clean it as fast as possible!

  • The first stage is to remove as much excess shoe polish as you can. Using a spoon or blunt knife, gently scrape off the polish but be careful not to spread it further around the garment. Using a dry cloth or paper towel is perhaps the best method when it comes to removing shoe polish.
  • The next steps is to pre-treat the stain. We believe the best course of action is to use a detergent that’s able to handle tough blemishes, like Persil® ProClean® Stain Fighter. Pour just a few drops directly onto the stain and gently work it in using the corners of the fabric or an old toothbrush, for example.
  • TIP: It’s worth keeping in mind the type of fabric. Check the care symbols on the item, as it might be too delicate to have detergent poured directly onto it. In this case, you may need a professional dry cleaner to remove shoe polish stains.
  • Place the item in the washing machine. Wash the garment as normal according to the care instructions, using liquid detergent or even trying Persil® Discs™ Stain Fighter Discs for convenient, pre-measured detergent.
  • Check after washing. This is the best time to see if the stain is gone, otherwise it’s much harder to remove once the garment has dried. If you still see some blemishes, follow the above steps and wash again.
 

So, the next time you try polishing your shoes, it might be best to wear an old shirt or an apron! These are stubborn stains, but with the right techniques and products, it’s possible to remove shoe polish stains and get on with the rest of your day. The most important advice we can give is to be quick and try removing the stain before it has a chance to set. Trust Persil® to get the job done!

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