Some stains, like coffee or tomato sauce, happen with enough frequency that we wrote articles about them. But what if you want to remove stains from carpet that seem a little less ordinary, such as shoe polish stains which can be quite tricky as it’s a liquid?
In this guide, we will guide you through our sure-fire way of battling shoe polish stains – whether they are dried up, coloured or in liquid form.
How To Get Shoe Polish Out of Your Carpet: Step By Step
All it takes is a little wet polish or even a fleck from the tin getting dragged over your floors to cause a migraine-inducing mess. To remove shoe polish from your carpet, follow these directions:
Step #1: Scrap up as much as possible with a blunt knife or spoon.
Begin by gently scraping off as much shoe polish from the carpet as possible using a blunt knife or spoon. This step prevents the stain from spreading further and makes the cleaning process easier.
Pro Tip: Work from the outside of the shoe polish stain towards the centre to avoid spreading it.
Step #2: Blot with a kitchen towel to absorb any excess liquid.
After scraping, use a clean kitchen towel to blot the stained area. Press down firmly but gently to absorb any remaining shoe polish liquid.
Step #3: Put a little white spirit on a cloth and dampen the area.
Dampen a cloth with a small amount of white spirit and gently dab the stained area. White spirit helps break down the shoe polish, making it easier to remove.
Step #4: Repeat until all residue is removed.
Continue applying white spirit with a cloth and blotting with a kitchen towel until no more residue comes off onto the towel.
Step #5: Apply the 1001 Carpet Stain Remover
Spray the 1001 Carpet Stain Remover directly onto the stained area. This specialized carpet cleaner is designed to tackle tough stains, including shoe polish, without damaging your carpet. Make sure to wait for a maximum of 5 minutes.
Warning: If the shoe polish stain has already dried, you may need to let the stain remover sit for a few more minutes.
Step #6: Massage the carpet stain remover into the stained area to get the shoe polish off
Massage the Carpet Stain Remover into the carpet using a dry cloth. Begin from the outside and work in circular motions towards the centre of the stain.
Step #7: Remove excess liquid with a dry cloth.
Use a dry cloth to blot the area and remove any excess liquid. This step helps to lift the remaining stain and cleaning solution from the carpet.
Step #8: Leave your carpet to dry, then vacuum.
Allow the treated area to air dry completely. Once dry, vacuum over the spot to restore the carpet’s texture and remove any remaining cleaning residue.
How to remove the black shoe polish stain from my carpet?
Black shoe polish contains strong dyes that can deeply stain carpet fibres. We recommend you follow the general stain removal steps that we have outlined above but pay extra attention to the dabbing and blotting process to avoid spreading the black dye.
How to remove liquid shoe polish stains from my carpet?
For liquid shoe polish, absorbing the liquid before it sets is the most important step.
You can follow the same process as outlined above but with more absorbent material (like a thicker towel or multiple layers of kitchen towels) when blotting the excess polish.
Leave Your Carpet Feeling Fresh With 1001’s Carpet Fresheners
After you have wiped off any liquid shoe polish stains clean, you can proceed to tackle the carpet smell.
To leave your carpet smelling fresh, we recommend adding the finishing touch of a Carpet Fresh, pick your favourite scent and refresh your carpet to both get rid of the smells and improve its longevity.
Shoe Stain FAQs
Can 1001’s carpet stain remover be used on all types of carpets to treat my shoe polish stains?
Yes, 1001’s carpet stain remover is safe for use on most types of carpets, including synthetic and natural fibres.
How soon should I treat shoe polish stains on my carpet with 1001’s stain remover?
Aim to treat the shoe polish stains ASAP to prevent them from setting into the carpet fibres. Using the 1001’s stain remover will help ensure effective stain removal and minimize the risk of permanent damage on your carpet.
Will 1001’s stain remover leave any residue on the carpet after use?
No, 1001’s carpet stain remover is formulated to leave behind a clean and residue-free surface after use. The carpet stain remover effectively lifts away stains without leaving any sticky or greasy residue on the carpet fibres.
How long does it take for the treated area to dry after using 1001’s stain remover?
The drying time for the treated area may vary depending on factors such as humidity and ventilation – usually around 5 minutes. It’s advisable to allow the area to air dry completely before vacuuming.
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