How to Remove Scuff Marks From Shoes: Cleaning Guide

Scuff marks happen to the best of us, no matter how carefully we try to avoid them. If your formerly spotless shoes have picked up a mystery mark while you were out and about, rest assured that you can fix the issue.

In this guide, we’ll explore how you can use a few household items or specialist products to restore your shoes to their original condition in no time, and with less hassle than you might think. Whether you're dealing with leather, suede, canvas, or synthetic materials, there’s a fix that works.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Why scuff marks are so frustrating
• What you’ll need to remove scuff marks from your shoes
• Methods for removing scuff marks
• How to prevent scuff marks in future

Why Scuff Marks Are So Frustrating

Investing time and effort into finding the right pair of shoes for your outfit makes it especially disheartening when they get scuffed. And when these superficial marks build up and begin to dull the finish of leather, make canvas look dirty, or rough up delicate suede, it can make your footwear look prematurely worn.

On the bright side, though: scuff marks usually affect only the surface layer of your shoe. This means they can most likely be removed or reduced, bringing your shoes back to their former glory.

Many of the scuff removal methods below require just a soft cloth and basic supplies, while others make use of affordable shoe care products designed specifically for leather, suede, or fabric shoes.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Depending on the method you choose and the material your shoes are made from, you’ll need some of the items from this list:

• A soft, clean cloth or sponge
• Mild soap or washing-up liquid
• A white rubber
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Olive oil or Vaseline
• Toothpaste (non-gel, non-whitening)
• Suede brush or suede eraser
• Leather conditioner or shoe polish
• Specialist shoe cleaner

Before we start, we recommend always testing any cleaning method on an inconspicuous area of your shoe first, just to check there’s no unwanted colour change or damage. If the method does cause damage in this small area, don’t use it for the rest of the shoe!

Methods for Removing Scuff Marks from Shoes

Regardless of the material, there's a method to tackle scuff marks and get your shoes back in top condition. The seven easy techniques below use household items or specialist shoe care products that are easily available. Take a look through the list and see which feels like the best fit before starting.

1. Use a Soft Cloth and Warm Soapy Water

We’ll start with the safest method for most materials. Often, this is all you’ll need to remove light marks and scuffs. Just dampen a cloth with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap or washing-up liquid. Gently rub the scuffed area using circular motions, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue and leave to air dry.

Best for: synthetic shoes, leather, canvas

2. Try a Rubber for Light Surface Marks

A clean white rubber eraser can do a great job at removing surface-level scuffs, especially on leather or rubber soles. Rub gently but firmly over the mark until it fades, taking care not to apply too much pressure to delicate materials.

Best for: leather, rubber soles, canvas

3. Use White Vinegar or Baking Soda Paste

White vinegar is a surprisingly versatile cleaning ingredient and can even be used to clean up your shoes! For tougher scuffs, dampen a cloth with vinegar and blot the area. Be careful to avoid saturating the material, as this can cause damage.

For a stronger effect, mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to the mark, then gently scrub with a cloth. Wipe away all leftover residue with a clean, damp cloth, then leave to air dry.

Best for: white leather, synthetic materials, canvas

4. Apply a Small Amount of Vaseline or Olive Oil

For smooth leather shoes, a small amount of Vaseline or olive oil can soften the appearance of scuffs. Apply a tiny amount with a soft cloth and rub it in using circular motions. Buff the area with a dry cloth to remove any excess and restore the material’s natural shine.

Best for: leather

5. Use a Shoe Cleaner or Leather Conditioner

Specialist shoe cleaners are designed to break down grime and marks without damaging the material, and we recommend using these for more ingrained or persistent scuffs. For leather, follow up with a leather conditioner to nourish and restore suppleness. Follow the product instructions to the letter and always patch test first to ensure no damage.

Best for: leather, patent leather, coated fabrics

6. Try Toothpaste for White Trainers

Non-gel white toothpaste can lift marks from white trainers or rubber soles. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (one that’s retired from teeth cleaning duty!) or cloth to apply a small amount directly to the scuff, then scrub gently, wipe clean with a damp cloth, and repeat if needed.

Best for: canvas, rubber soles, synthetic trainers

7. Use a Suede Brush or Eraser for Suede Shoes

Suede shoes require a gentler touch. Use a suede brush to lift the nap and gradually remove surface scuffs. For more stubborn marks, a suede eraser or specially designed cleaning block can help. Always brush in the same direction and avoid using water, which can stain.

For step-by-step tips, check out our suede cleaning guide for more detailed advice.

Best for: suede and nubuck

How to Prevent Scuff Marks in the Future

Say Goodbye to Scuffs

Scuffs are a nuisance, but there’s no reason they have to be permanent. With the right method for the material and a little patience and elbow grease, most scuffs and marks can be removed. The end result: shoes looking good as new, and a spring back in your step.

Take a look at bestsellers if you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes, or browse our shoe care products, including mid-sole and upper cleaners to get your shoes looking good as new.