How to Get Scuffs Off Vinyl Shoes

How to Get Scuffs Off Vinyl Shoes
Written By
S.R. Becker
S.R. Becker
Published: Jul 28, 2013
Updated: Apr 7, 2020
1 minute read
Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Getty Images

Whether your vinyl shoes are red Mary Janes, white vintage go-go boots or something in between, they're susceptible to the dreaded black scuff marks. These marks occur when you bump against something while wearing the shoes, and no matter how hard you try to avoid them, they'll probably happen at some point -- that's just the nature of vinyl. Fortunately, you can whisk scuffs away at home, which means you don't have to take your shoes to a repair shop or relegate them to the back of the closet.

Step 1

Wipe your vinyl shoes with a clean, damp washcloth to remove any dust and dirt.

Step 2

Dampen one corner of a white melamine foam eraser with water. Squeeze the eraser over the sink to remove any excess water.

Step 3

Rub the eraser over the scuff marks one at a time. You might need to scrub slightly to remove them.

Step 4

Dip a cotton swab into a bottle of acetone nail polish remover if stubborn stains remain after using the foam eraser.

Step 5

Wipe the tip of the cotton swab lightly across the scuff mark to remove it. Do not scrub, as this can dull the shiny surface.

Photo Credits

Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Getty Images

S.R. Becker

S.R. Becker is a certified yoga teacher based in Queens, N.Y. She has a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and has worked as a writer and editor for more than 15 years. Becker often writes for "Yoga in Astoria," a newsletter about…

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