Dry-Cleaning Solvent

• Liquid dry-cleaning solvent can be purchased separately or as part of a home dry-cleaning kit. To use the dry-cleaning solvent, apply a small amount to a sponge and gently blot the shoe polish stain. Once the stain has been removed, rinse the area with clean water or club soda. Make sure to blot up as much of the water or club soda as possible.
  
  

Dishwashing Detergent and Ammonia

• Mix 1 tbsp. mild liquid dishwashing detergent and 1 tbsp. ammonia with 2 cups of warm water. Apply this mixture to the shoe polish stain using a sponge. Again, be careful to blot so you don't spread the stain. Once the stain is lifted, rinse the area with clean water or club soda.
  
  

Spot Remover

• Use a spot remover that contains a grease-removing solvent such as trichlorethylene or petroleum naphtha. Spray directly on the shoe polish stain or apply the spot remover to a sponge and gently blot at the stain. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label. Rinse the stained area with clean water or club soda and blot carefully to dry.
  
  

White Vinegar

• Mix 1 tbsp. white vinegar with 1 cup of water. Spray the mixture directly on the shoe polish stain or apply the cleanser to a sponge and blot carefully at the stain. Once the stain has lifted, rinse the area with clean water or club soda and blot gently to lift out any excess moisture.
  
  

Citrus Solvent

• Use a citrus solvent directly on the shoe polish stain. Make sure that you follow the instructions on the label carefully. You can either spray the citrus solvent directly on the shoe polish stain or you can apply it to a sponge and blot carefully at the stain until it lifts. Rinse with clean water or club soda, and blot completely to remove the moisture.
  
  

Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol

• Apply standard household isopropyl rubbing alcohol either directly to the shoe polish stain or to a sponge and blot at the stain. You do not need to dilute the rubbing alcohol. Once the stain has lifted, rinse the area with clean water or with club soda and blot carefully to remove the excess.
  
  

Hydrogen Peroxide

• Mix 1 tbsp. hydrogen peroxide and 3 tbsp. warm water. You can apply this mixture directly to the shoe polish stain or you can apply it to a sponge and blot at the stain. Hydrogen peroxide can bleach certain dyes, so this is a method best suited to lighter-colored rugs. If you are in doubt, test the solution on an inconspicuous area first. Rinse thoroughly with clean water or club soda once the stain has lifted.