One of the following agents should be used in removing stains from the black shoe polishes:

1. Soap and water for the pastes. If the stains are fresh, sponge or wash them thoroughly with an abundance of soap (p. 284).

2. Turpentine only for the pastes containing turpentine-this may be detected by the odor. Immerse the stained places and rub gently in turpentine.

3. Potassium permanganate or javelle water for stains from the black liquid dressing. First remove as much of the stain as possible by sponging or washing as in No. 1.

The common tan leather dressings consist either of a liquid cleaning solution or a box of polishing wax, or both. The cleaning solution sometimes contains a considerable amount of free oxalic acid, which may weaken a fabric seriously if allowed to remain long in contact with it. Sometimes also water-soluble dyes are present and these make a much more persistent stain on wool than on cotton. Use one of the following agents:

1. Soap and water, for stains upon cotton and linen (p. 284).

2. Alcohol. The stains on wool are removed more successfully by sponging (p. 284) with alcohol, than with soap and water.

The stains produced by the polishing waxes usually may be removed by one of the wax solvents (page 300).

For removing spots caused by white shoe pastes or liquids, use the following agent:

Water. First sponge the spot (p. 284), and when dry, brush thoroughly or rub in the direction of the weave with a piece of the same material.