How to Remove Dark Scuffs From Shoes

Co-authored by Penny Simmons

Last Updated: March 7, 2022 References

It's frustrating when your shoes get scuffed. The more scuffed they get, the worse they look, and you may eventually think about throwing them away. However, there are many great ways to clean your shoes and keep them looking nice for a few more years. Some methods use household products, while others require special products made specifically for shoes. Once you’re done cleaning, take some protective measures to make sure that your shoes stay looking clean and new.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Household Items

1
Determine the material of your shoes. Before you do any kind of cleaning, you’ll have to make sure that the product you use is safe for the shoe’s material. Leather, suede, canvas or synthetic fabrics will all require different treatment, especially when you’re using harsher cleaners. You’ll be able to tell easily between soft suede, leather and canvas, but if you’re not sure, look at the shoe box, search online for similar shoes or ask an attendant at a shoe store what the shoe is made of.^{[1]
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2
Use toothpaste. To clean scuffs off of leather, patent leather, synthetic leather or rubber shoes, use toothpaste. Using a toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste, scrub the scuff marks. Apply a little water to help the toothpaste foam up, then continue scrubbing off the scuffs with circular movements. Rinse or wipe the toothpaste off, then dry the shoe.^{[2]
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3
Apply nail-polish remover. For real/synthetic/patent leather or rubber shoes, use a cotton ball and nail-polish remover. Make sure the nail-polish remover is non-acetone, as varieties with acetone can damage your shoes. Pour the polish remover into a small cup, then dip a cotton ball into it. Once the cotton ball is a bit damp, begin rubbing the remover over the scuff marks, rubbing until they’re gone. ^{[3]
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4
Use baking soda. For canvas or other fabric shoes, use baking soda. Grab a toothbrush and two bowls. Pour a little baking soda into one bowl and some water into the other. Dip the toothbrush into the water and then into the baking soda, then scrub the scuffs. If it doesn’t lather enough, re-wet the brush and pour some baking soda directly onto the scuff, then scrub. Rinse or wipe away the baking soda when you’re finished.^{[4]
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5
Try dish detergent. For canvas or other fabric shoes, use a bit of dish detergent. Using a wet toothbrush or rag, scrub a pea-sized drop of dish detergent across the scuffs. Keep scrubbing until you remove the scuffs, then rinse and wipe away any excess suds.^{[5]
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- This method works especially well for cleaning rubber.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Penny Simmons
  Shoe Care Specialist
  Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.}
6
Rub a pencil-eraser over the scuff. This method can work for any shoe, but can be especially handy for suede. Suede shoes can be very difficult to clean, but a pencil eraser will help get rid of dry scuffs. Gently rub a pencil eraser over the scuff, making sure not to damage the fabric. Keep rubbing gently until the dirt or scuff is lifted, then brush away any rubber waste.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Commercial Products

1
Look for shoe-scuff products. Shoe stores will often carry products specifically tailored to clean your shoes. They may work better than household items, as they are usually made for specific shoe fabrics. Make sure to use the correct one for your shoes, however, as using the wrong product could damage a different fabric.^{[7]
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- Buy suede-specific products for suede. Suede can be difficult to take care of, and it scuffs very easily. Look for suede-specific cleaner, which comes in a spray bottle. Use it according to the directions and scrub out the scuffs.
- Buy a shoe brush. There are many types of shoe brushes for different shoe types. Suede and leather brushes are made to brush and protect scuffs off of suede and leather shoes, and will help give you a great finish.
- Suede brushes typically have a red, blue, or black handle. One side of the brush has small, finger-like sections of rubber, while the other side has brass bristles.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Penny Simmons
  Shoe Care Specialist
  Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.}
2
Use shoe wipes. Many shoe stores carry shoe wipes, which come in handy packets for on-the-go cleaning and polishing. Some scuffs and marks are easier to clean off if you catch them early and often, so shoe wipes can be a convenient way to get rid of them quickly. Make sure to buy the correct type for the material of your shoe.
3
Buff with some shoe polish. For leather shoes, adding a little shoe polish in the correct color can help revitalize the leather and soften up any scuff marks. Using a soft rag, buff a little bit of shoe polish over the entire surface of the shoe. Pay close attention to the locations of the scuffs and give them a little extra polish.^{[9]
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- Always apply a paper-thin layer of polish on the surface of your shoes.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Penny Simmons
  Shoe Care Specialist
  Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.}
4
Use a Magic Eraser. Magic Erasers are used for getting scuffs and stains off of household items, but they can work for shoes as well. Wet the eraser, then rub it over the scuffed parts of any shoe: leather, suede, canvas, etc. Continue rubbing until the whole scuff is gone.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing More Scuffs

1
Use a protective spray. Now that your shoes are free of scuffs, there are steps to take to prevent any more. Buy some protective spray from a local shoe store or online shop. Make sure that it’s the correct type of spray for the material of your shoes. Spray it over the whole surface of the shoe, following the instructions. Sprays like this help prevent further scuffs and abrasions and help keep your shoes looking new and fresh.
2
Polish your leather shoes. If you used a method other than polish to remove your scuffs, you’ll want to add some shoe polish. Choose the correct color for your leather, then rub the polish on with a clean, lint-free cloth. Rub the polish on evenly across the whole surface.^{[12]
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3
Keep a pair of shoes handy for dirty jobs. Shoe scuffs are inevitable, but you can help protect nice shoes by only wearing them in clean, orderly environments. You’ll be less likely to scuff a pair of nice, leather shoes if you only wear them to work, not to a concert or sporting event. Keep a pair of older shoes handy and wear them when you know they might get dirty.

References

↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/29/remove-shoe-scuffs_n_1307605.html
↑ http://www.stain-removal-101.com/remove-scuff-marks-from-shoes-with-toothpaste.html
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWOtz_DQMME
↑ http://lifehacker.com/5820438/rehab-your-dirty-old-sneakers-with-baking-soda-and-laundry-detergent
↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-sneakers/
↑ Penny Simmons. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
↑ http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-leather-shoe-care-products/
↑ Penny Simmons. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
↑ https://www.lollipuff.com/blog/270/shoes-and-bags-how-to-fix-scuffs-on-leather

More References (3)

↑ Penny Simmons. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
↑ http://www.gq.com/story/clean-sneakers-at-home-shoes
↑ http://www.theshoesnobblog.com/polish-your-shoes-properly

Community Q&A

Question

How do you get scuffs off of patent leather boots?

Community Answer

Many of the household-item methods will work well for patent leather, like toothpaste, nail-polish remover or erasers.
Question

How do I remove scuff marks from black leather boots?

Community Answer

Black shoe polish works well for cleaning up leather boots, or you can use toothpaste, nail-polish or an eraser.
Question

I have beige shoes with huge black stains. Can I try to cover it with beige nail polish?

Community Answer

You could try, but it will be very noticeable and will probably do serious damage to your shoes. You're better off getting a new pair.

Warnings

Always use the correct product for the material of your shoe. Leather cleaner won’t work on suede and vice versa. The wrong products can damage or even ruin your shoes.

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