How to Remove Black Shoe Polish From a Rug
Black shoe polish on your carpet? Don't despair. It can be removed. Several options are available and at least one of them will most certainly work. Clean the stain as soon as you find it. The longer the stain is on the rug, the more difficult it is to remove. Determine what type of carpet you have and what type of shoe polish is on it. Treat acrylic or wool rugs differently from nylon, and use different cleaning solutions for wax and liquid shoe polish. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sponge
- Absorbent towels or rags
- Dry Cleaning Solution
- Non-oil based paint remover
- White vinegar
- Neutral detergent
- Coconut or mineral oil
- Ammonia
Instructions
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How to Remove Black Shoe Polish from a Rug
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Remove liquid shoe polish from olefin, wool or acrylic rugs with either dry cleaning fluid or a non-oil based paint remover. Test your sponge or cleaning cloth to be sure it can withstand the cleaning fluid. Sponge the spot with the dry cleaning fluid or non-oil based paint remover, then with dry spotter (1 part coconut or mineral oil and 8 parts dry cleaning solvent). Keep the stain moist, and blot with an absorbent towel or rag. Repeat these steps until no more stain will come up. Allow it to dry completely. Sponge with water. Apply wet spotter and a few drops of ammonia. Flush with water and blot with absorbent cloth. Repeat these steps until the stain is gone.
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Clean liquid shoe polish from nylon carpet by mixing 1 tsp. of white vinegar, 1 tsp. of neutral detergent and 1000 ml of warm water. Sponge the solution in, and blot until no more stain will come up. Rinse with cold water, and blot with absorbent towel or rag. Lightly dab with dry cleaning fluid.
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Remove wax shoe polish from olefin, wool or acrylic rugs with a non-oil based paint remover. Dab the stain with paint remover, and rinse with a solution of 1 tsp. of white vinegar, 1 tsp. of neutral detergent and 1000 ml of warm water. Blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean dry absorbent towel. Remove wax shoe polish stains from nylon and polyester rugs with dry cleaning fluid alone.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to read product labels, and follow all safety precautions.
