How to Get Scuff Marks Out of Dr. Martens Shoes

Patent Leather

• 1

  Wipe excess dirt off of the shoe using a wet cloth. Patent leather is coated with a polyurethane finish that repels water, so cleaning with water will not damage the leather.

• 2

  Rub the scuff mark using a microfiber cloth. Do not use a rough cloth because this can scratch the leather. Continue rubbing until the mark has been removed.

• 3

  Dab the scuff mark with rubbing alcohol or a patent leather cleaner using a cotton tip applicator if the scuff mark cannot be removed by rubbing. Wipe the rubbing alcohol or cleaner off of the surface of the shoe using a soft cloth.

Suede Leather

• 4

  Use an eraser to gently rub the scuff mark. Any type of eraser can be used, but make sure that it is clean so that you don’t transfer dirt to the suede.

• 5

  Gently buff suede with a leather cleaner made specifically for suede using a washcloth if the eraser did not remove the mark completely. Do not use regular leather cleaner, which may leave marks behind.

• 6

  Buff the suede back to shape using a toothbrush, wash cloth or a suede brush. If necessary, brush the entire shoe to ensure that all of the suede stands in the same direction.

Standard Leather

• 7

  Wipe the area clean using a damp cloth. Allow the shoe to dry completely.

• 8

  Rub a leather conditioner into the shoe using the corner of a soft cloth. Work the conditioner in completely and wipe clean.

• 9

  Work shoe polish into the leather of the entire shoe using a microfiber cloth in a circular motion and allow it to dry. Don’t be afraid to use some muscle when doing this, good leather needs heavy rubbing to work the polish into it. Use a shoe polish brush to buff the entire shoe after working in the polish.