How do you get scuff marks off your shoes?
This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff, based on our article: How to Remove Dark Scuffs From Shoes.
wikiHow forums are moderated for quality. Learn more about our moderation policy here.
Submit Answer
There are two types of marks that people consider scuffs. The first type is a mark of dirt that looks kind of like a stain. The second is an actual indentation in the shoe or a scratch on leather, for example. If you have a scratch on the leather, there's nothing you can do about it. It's like if you scratch a car, you might have some residual paint on the scratch that can be washed off, but the scratch mark still remains.
If it’s more of a dirt mark or stain, then it can likely come off with some acetone. If you have a bottle of nail polish remover and cotton swabs, fold the cotton swab and put a small amount of acetone on it so that it doesn’t leak from the swab, then rub it on the scuff marks, and it should remove the marks right off the shoe. The only exception when I wouldn’t use acetone is for certain bright-colored leathers, depending on how the paint is. If you use acetone in the wrong area, you can scuff the shoe.
View hidden comment
If it’s more of a dirt mark or stain, then it can likely come off with some acetone. If you have a bottle of nail polish remover and cotton swabs, fold the cotton swab and put a small amount of acetone on it so that it doesn’t leak from the swab, then rub it on the scuff marks, and it should remove the marks right off the shoe. The only exception when I wouldn’t use acetone is for certain bright-colored leathers, depending on how the paint is. If you use acetone in the wrong area, you can scuff the shoe.
To remove scuff marks from shoes, it depends on the shoe material and color. I have safely been able to remove scuff marks from white shoes with a magic eraser. Just be sure not to add too much pressure when using a magic eraser, since it is fine-grit sandpaper.
Baking soda is also a mild abrasive that removes scuffs from leather shoes. Make sure you always test a small spot before cleaning the shoes.
View hidden comment
Baking soda is also a mild abrasive that removes scuffs from leather shoes. Make sure you always test a small spot before cleaning the shoes.
If you have scuff marks on a beloved pair of shoes, don't worry. We'll show you several ways how to get scuff marks off shoes using household products.
View hidden comment
- Baking Soda: Make a paste of baking soda and water and use a toothbrush to scrub the scuff marks away.
- Toothpaste: Use toothpaste, a bit of water, and a toothbrush to scrub the scuff marks.
- Pencil Eraser: Gently rub a soft pencil eraser over the scuff marks until they come out.
- Petroleum Jelly: Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to a cloth and buff out the scuff marks.
- Nail Polish Remover: Apply nail polish remover to a cotton ball and rub the scuff marks.
What’s on your mind? Ask anything.
Get advice and feedback from experts and wikiHow readers just like you.
Ask a Question
