What to Do For a Scuff on Shoes Won't Take Polish

Ordinary toothpaste can remove light to moderate scuffing from some types of shoes.

The safest way to remove scuffs from your shoes is to bring them to a professional cleaner. Unfortunately, this isn’t always feasible. If you’re on a tight schedule, traveling or simply trying to economize, you typically face a choice between living with an unsightly scuff or experimenting with a home remedy. If you choose the latter option, you stand a good chance of success provided you use a method that's safe for your type of shoe.

Things You'll Need

• Non-gel toothpaste
• Soft cleaning cloths
• Lighter fluid
• Cotton balls
• Petroleum jelly or mineral oil
• Art-gum eraser
• Nail file or emery board
• Suede brush

Instructions

Light-Colored Leather or Vinyl Shoes

1. Apply a dab of non-gel toothpaste to a soft cleaning cloth.

2. Rub the scuff with the cloth for 10 to 20 seconds. Wipe the toothpaste away with a clean, damp cloth. If the stain is still visible, proceed to Step 3.

3. Apply a small amount of lighter fluid to a cotton ball.

4. Rub the scuff with the damp cotton ball for 10 to 20 seconds. If the scuff remains visible after this treatment, bring the shoe to a professional cleaner.

Patent Leather Shoes

1. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or mineral oil to a soft cleaning cloth.

2. Rub the scuff gently with the cloth for 10 to 20 seconds. If the scuff is no longer visible after this treatment, proceed to Step 3. Otherwise, bring the shoe to a professional cleaner.

3. Apply an even coating of oil or jelly to the rest of the shoe so that the treated area doesn't stand out. Shine the shoe with a fresh cleaning cloth. Oil and shine the other shoe so that they match.

Suede Shoes

1. Remove smaller scuffs by rubbing the affected area gently with an art-gum eraser.

2. Remove larger scuffs by rubbing the affected area very gently with a nail file or a fine emery board. If this treatment removes the scuff, proceed to Step 3. Otherwise, bring the shoe to a professional cleaner.

3. Brush the affected area very gently with a suede brush -- in one direction only -- to restore the nap. If the nap remains flat, hold the shoe over a steaming kettle for a few seconds and then carefully brush it again.

Tips & Warnings

• Always test cleaning products on an inconspicuous part of your shoe before applying them to the scuff.

• If you don’t have a suede brush, use a toothbrush or the hooked side of a piece of hook and loop fastener.

• Avoid harsh chemicals -- such as nail polish remover or bleach -- and violent scrubbing, as they may damage your shoes.

References

• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Household Solutions; Melodie Moore
• Good Housekeeping: How to Clean Patent-Leather Shoes
• Munro & Company, Inc.: Cleaning Instructions