Mud, Oil, Ink & Grass

Most stains come out if you treat them for what they are. Mud wants to dry first, oil wants drawing out, ink and grass want the right solvent, in small amounts.

6 stepsAbout 24 minBeginner

Overview

How often

When it happens: set stains are harder.

What you'll need

  • Jason Markk Premium Shoe CleanerThe clean after the mud has dried and brushed off
  • Jason Markk Premium Suede Cleaning KitBrush for dried mud and the eraser for a light ink mark on suede
  • Jason Markk Standard BrushBrushing dried mud off canvas, leather and outsoles
  • Biokleen Bac-Out Stain RemoverGrass on canvas, knit or mesh, diluted

Picked for the material, not paid for. Test anything new on a hidden spot first.

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Mud: let it dry

    Leave mud to dry completely, then knock the pair together and brush it off. Wet mud smears into the upper; dry mud brushes away. Clean what's left as usual.

  2. Step 2: Oil and grease: draw it out

    Blot, don't rub. Cover the spot with cornstarch or baking soda and leave it for a few hours (overnight on suede), then brush it off. Repeat until no more comes up.

  3. Step 3: Ink on smooth leather

    A cotton bud barely damp with rubbing alcohol, dabbed on the mark, not rubbed. Not on nappa, patent, printed panels, oiled leather or Foamposite: alcohol strips their finish. Test a hidden spot first; stop if color comes up. On real leather, condition the spot once dry. Not cordovan, dress calf, metallic or exotic skins either: those take cream polish or a specialist.

    Only for Full-grain leather, Tumbled leather, Synthetic leather (PU-coated)
  4. Step 4: Ink on suede or nubuck

    A suede eraser can lift a light mark. A real ink stain on suede is a job for a pro: solvents leave a bigger ring.

    Only for Suede, Nubuck, Synthetic suede
  5. Step 5: Grass on canvas or knit

    A drop of enzyme laundry pre-treatment diluted in water on a soft brush, worked in gently, then wiped with a damp cloth. Not on wool or leather. Canvas, knit, mesh and denim only.

    Only for Canvas, Corduroy, Denim, Engineered mesh, Knit, Ripstop nylon, Ballistic nylon, Jacquard / woven textile
  6. Step 6: Dry slowly

    Stuff with plain white paper and dry at room temperature, away from heat and sun.

What to avoid

  • Rubbing a wet stain: it spreads and pushes it deeper
  • Water on fresh oil
  • Rubbing alcohol on suede or nubuck
  • Enzyme cleaners on wool or leather
  • Heat to dry anything

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