How to Remove Scuff Marks From Shoes To Keep Them Looking New
There are many ways to remove scuff marks from shoes, including rubbing with toothpaste and scuff removal pads, but the best one is the SneakERASERS.
It’s been noticed that the best shoes are getting scratched on the outside. I want to give you some tips on how to remove scuffs and scuff marks so that your best shoes will remain as new and shiny as they were when you bought them.
Scuffs can be unsightly, so be sure to check that the surface you’re walking on has enough grip to keep the marks from leaving too much of a mark. The best way to avoid scuff marks is to wear the right kind of shoes for the activity. It may seem obvious, but the right type of shoe will prevent scuffing.
But don’t worry – you can return your shoes to their almost-new pristine state with everyday household items. Here are some hacks on how to remove scuff marks from your shoes so you can flaunt them confidently once again.
Those patent leather shoes are made of the same stuff like your favorite pair of sneakers. You can buff them up yourself.
7 Tips For How to Remove Scuff Marks From Leather Shoes
Before removing scuff marks from your shoes, always ensure that the shoe is clean and free of dirt and dust. This will allow the scuff marks to be removed effectively.
If your shoes have been treated with shoe polish, then follow the instructions on the box, which can be found on the label of your shoe. If not, follow this guide on cleaning shoes with shoe polish.
Want your shoes to look even shinier? This post will tell you how to make your shoes look even more polished. Before cleaning your shoes, always test out any cleaner or solvent on a less noticeable portion of your shoe.
As an example, consider the interior section. That way, you can ensure the scuff removal solution you’ve chosen is the right one for that particular pair of shoes.
1. Use Classic Go-to Cleaners
Apply laundry or dish detergent powder. Rub it between your fingers and rub it onto the surface of your shoes before they are placed in the washing machine. Use a soft brush to apply the powder to your shoes if the dust is very light or delicate.
You can use them to clean your shoes. And they’re less expensive than the alternatives. You’ll never need to use those bleach-soaked chemicals to clean them ever again.
Try to use gentle detergents without any bleaching ingredients. Test the mixture on the shoe parts; you don’t mind getting dirty first. Best for leathers and canvas materials; not recommended for: dry-clean only materials, fabrics that require special care, and suede shoes.
2. Use a Rubber Eraser
Scuff marks aren’t permanent, but they are tough to get rid of. With enough elbow grease, removing scuff marks from your shoes is easy. There is no need to spend hundreds on expensive shoe shine kits. Use a simple, reusable material like a rubber eraser.
There are several methods to remove a scuff mark from shoes, but using a white eraser to remove them works well. Apply the eraser to the scuff mark, and rub it back and forth gently in circles until the scuff mark is removed. Gently brush off the eraser debris.
You don’t want your erasers to turn pink; if you do, use a white eraser instead. Keep your brushes in good shape by washing them between jobs. Also, wear rubber-soled shoes when cleaning the erasers to help prevent damage to your brush.
3. Baking Soda Can Help
Borax Helps The power of borax in cleaning can’t be understated. This natural cleaning agent is safe for children, pets, plants, and homes and is available at most stores with a health and household supplies section.
Use it by mixing 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda with warm water, scrub the paste over the shoes, and wipe with a clean damp cloth before allowing it to air dry. Baking soda makes the white canvas look white again.
This is a great cleaner for canvas sneakers to return to their pristine condition, but it also works well on leather materials. However, always perform a test spot prior to use.
4. Try Nail Polish Remover
Removing nail polish from shoes can be very useful for removing stubborn stains on your shoes. However, many nail polish removers contain harsh ingredients and could damage the material of your shoe. Since nail polish removers contain harsher ingredients, you might want to avoid using them on your suede shoes.
Since the shoes are new, I think it’s best to start with the less noticeable portions and then move to the more visible ones. This should be true of any product you use on any valued item.
5. Apply Rubbing Alcohol
A small amount of rubbing alcohol applied to a shoe cloth or rag can help remove scuff marks from patent leather shoes. Use this method to keep shoes looking new!
Remember, alcohol should be used sparingly, and on a suede shoe, it’s important to use the correct amount of alcohol to avoid any damaging reactions. Use cotton or wool rags to soak your shoes before you soak them in alcohol.
If you’re using rubbing alcohol, you should use it sparingly, especially if you have small children. If you accidentally get some alcohol on your skin, make sure you immediately wash it off.
6. Give Toothpaste a Try
Toothpaste is not only an essential part of your daily oral hygiene routine, but it’s also effective in removing scuff marks from shoes, leather, and canvas. To remove scuff marks from canvas or leather, use non-gel toothpaste and apply in even strokes.
It is recommended to keep away from whitening toothpaste, gel toothpaste, or those that contain special ingredients. If you have a problem, contact the manufacturer directly.
How to Remove Scuff Marks from Patent Leather Shoes? Try these Tricks
There are many solutions to this problem. These tricks include using a shoe brush, adding polish to the bottom of shoes, and applying a paste or wax to shoes.
You may not think so at first, but these are some great household staples that you can use to bring back that glossy finish to your shoes. A rubber eraser and rubbing alcohol will both work well on patent leather shoes.
Scuff marks are a common problem with patent leather shoes. Here are some tips to help you get rid of those marks and get that glossy and shiny patent leather shoe you’ve always wanted.
7. Use Petroleum Jelly
Use Petroleum Jelly Oil on your patent leather shoes. Rub it in well, then wipe it off after a few minutes. You should see the discoloration wiped off as well.
Petroleum Jelly is the best moisturizer for both patent leather and leather shoes. It’s also great for softening leather shoes and preventing cracks. Plus, it can help make your shoes waterproof.
8. Nail Polish Remover
Use nail polish remover to remove stains from patent leather shoes. Just apply a small amount of it on a cotton ball and gently polish the shoes. Always test the product on less visible portions of the shoe before using it on the visible parts.
How to Remove Scuff Marks from Melissa Shoes
The Melissa Shoe is made of a unique patented material called Melfex®, but it’s impossible to remove scuff marks on these shoes. It’s definitely a bummer for the consumer. I’ve experienced this personally, and it sucks.
Yep, those are my Vivienne Westwood Melissa Shoes, featured above! Make sure you do it gently in any way you remove scuff marks from your Melissa shoes. That being said, the following cleaning tips will help you reduce the marks and keep them looking their best.
Rubbing too hard could harm the plastic materials of the shoes.
9. Polish Them with a Cloth
Polish them with a clean, microfiber cloth. Using a smooth, microfiber cloth can help your Melissa shoes stay pristine.
Rub the parts of the shoes with scuff marks gently and polish the rest to keep the glossy finish of the shoes intact.
This should lessen the discoloration caused by scuff marks and keep your shoes looking great.
10. Use a Face Wipe
Carry face wipes with you. If you often carry them with you, these wipes can help you with on-the-go damage control. They can be of great use when your hand slips and smudges your clothing or shoes.
You don’t have to use special shoe polish to clean your shoes; you can use regular face wipes. Just use them gently and wipe your shoes off with your hand until the discoloration starts to fade. Don’t use soap, lotions, or anything with fragrances, as it can damage the leather.
Make sure your wipes are without any exfoliants, as they may scratch the plastic surface of your Melissa shoes.
11. Try Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a natural antibacterial and disinfectant and can also help reduce visible marks on your Melissa shoes.
To eliminate the scuffs, simply rub a small amount of eucalyptus oil on the scuff marks, and the marks will begin to fade.
Make sure that you clean your shoes using only the right products. Clean them with a special shoe cleaning solution and use the proper tools to clean and protect your shoes. Do it all right, and the shine will not get ruined.
How to Get Marks Off White Canvas Shoes
Are your white shoes suffering from scuff marks? It’s easy to get marks off white canvas shoes. Rub a little baking soda into the offending areas, and the marks will practically disappear.
If you have a white paint marker or even some old-school White-Out, you can also use that to cover the mark. If you don’t have either of those things, a clean kitchen towel should work just fine.
Final Thoughts
My thoughts on removing scuff marks from shoes: Scuff marks on shoes can really make you look disheveled and less put together. These hacks will teach you how to remove scuff marks from shoes using everyday household items so you won’t have to stress about it anymore.
Show off your new pair of high-end leather shoes once again and make them look new with the tips in this article. Please share this info with your friends so they know how to remove scuff marks from their pair of high-end leather shoes!
Check out more shoe care posts from the blog! You can do anything with your shoes; I’m here to help you. However, it would help if you were careful not to damage your shoes when doing so.
For best results, take your loved footwear to a shoe professional specializing in cleaning shoes. This is especially recommended for your pricey Louboutins, designers, and other expensive shoes.
Michel's passion for shoes and flowers is evident in his acclaimed "Shoe Fleur" photography series, which features shoes transformed into stunning floral arrangements. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the International Center of Photography in New York City and the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris.
