Don’t Toss Them! Learn How to Remove Holi Colours from Shoes

Holi is a festival of colours, joy, and celebration. However, once the festivities are over, dealing with stubborn Holi stains can be frustrating—especially when they land on your favourite shoes. Unlike regular dirt stains, Holi colours often contain synthetic pigments that seep deep into the fabric, making them harder to remove. If not treated properly, these stains can become permanent, ruining the appearance of your shoes.

The key to effective stain removal is using the right technique and our powerful stain remover Vanish Oxi Action Liquid. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to remove Holi colours from shoes without causing damage.

Holi colours are designed to be vibrant and long-lasting, which makes them difficult to wash out. The reason behind their stubbornness lies in the composition of the powders and liquid dyes used during the festival.

• Synthetic Pigments: Many Holi colours are made with artificial dyes that penetrate fabric fibres quickly, making them harder to lift.
• Oil-based Dyes: Some colours contain oil-based ingredients that cling to surfaces and resist water.
• Fine Powder Particles: Dry Holi powders can easily settle into the smallest gaps in shoe fabric, requiring deep cleaning to remove them completely.
• Fabric Absorption: Shoes, especially those made of canvas or mesh, absorb colour faster than smoother materials, leading to deeper stains.

Understanding these factors helps in choosing the right stain-removal approach. The sooner you act, the better the chances of restoring your shoes to their original condition.

Want to know how to remove Holi colours shoes without causing damage? The first step in removing Holi stains is to act quickly. The longer the colour sits on the fabric, the more difficult it becomes to remove.

• Shake off Excess Powder: Before applying any liquid, remove as much dry colour as possible by gently tapping or brushing your shoes.
• Rinse with Cold Water: Hold your shoes under running cold water to wash away loose pigment. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the stain to set deeper into the fabric.
• Do Not Rub Aggressively: Scrubbing too hard can push the colour further into the material, making it even harder to remove.

If the stain remains after rinsing, move on to the next step for deeper cleaning.

For Holi colours that have already begun to set, pre-treatment is essential. This method helps loosen stubborn stains before washing.

1. Apply Vanish Oxi Action Liquid Directly to the Stain: Pour a small amount onto the affected area, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Gently Rub with a Soft Brush or Cloth: Work the liquid into the fabric using circular motions.
3. Let it Sit for 10 Minutes: This allows the stain-removal agents to break down the colour.
4. Avoid Drying: Ensure that the product does not dry on the fabric, as this may lead to residue buildup.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Wash off the stain remover with cold water before proceeding to soaking or machine washing.

If the stain is still visible, soaking the shoes will help lift the remaining colour.

For deeper stains that do not come off with pre-treatment, soaking your shoes in a stain-removal solution is the next step.

1. Prepare a Soaking Solution: Fill a bucket with 5 litres of water and add 2 caps of Vanish Oxi Action Liquid.

2. Submerge the Shoes:

• For White Shoes: Soak for up to 6 hours to remove deep-set stains.
• For Coloured Shoes: Soak for a maximum of 1 hour to prevent fading.

3. Rinse Thoroughly: Once soaked, remove the shoes from the solution and rinse with cold water to wash away any loosened pigment.

This step is particularly effective for older or heavier Holi stains that have dried into the fabric.

To restore your shoes to their original brightness, a final machine wash will help eliminate any remaining traces of colour.

1. Place Shoes in a Mesh Bag or Pillowcase: This prevents damage to both the shoes and the washing machine.

2. Add Vanish Oxi Action Liquid to the Wash:

• Use 50ml for general stain removal.
• Use 100ml for tougher stains and extra colour protection.

3. Wash on a Gentle Cycle with Cold Water: Avoid hot water, as it may cause fabric shrinkage or further staining.

4. Air-dry Properly: Once washed, allow your shoes to dry naturally in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can cause fading or harden any remaining stains.

By following this step, your shoes will not only be clean but also free from any detergent residue that might affect their texture.

Now that you know how to remove Holi colours shoes without causing damage, prevention is always better than cure. While it may be difficult to avoid Holi colours entirely, these simple steps can help minimise staining:

• Wear Dark Coloured Shoes: If possible, avoid wearing light-coloured or new shoes during Holi celebrations.
• Act Fast: The quicker you begin stain removal, the better the results.
• Use Gentle Cleaning Methods: Harsh scrubbing can damage fabric and make it harder to remove stains.

While cleaning your shoes, certain mistakes can make the stains worse or damage the fabric:

• Do Not Use Hot Water: This can cause stains to set deeper into the fabric.
• Do Not Mix Vanish Oxi Action Liquid With Bleach: This can lead to unwanted chemical reactions.
• Do Not Let the Product Dry on the Fabric: Always rinse thoroughly after treatment.
• Avoid Drying in Direct Sunlight Before Rinsing: This can lock in any remaining stain particles.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure safe and effective stain removal without compromising the quality of your shoes.

Holi stains may seem impossible to remove, but with the right approach, you can restore your shoes to their original condition. Acting quickly, using Vanish Oxi Action Liquid, and following the correct cleaning techniques will help lift stubborn Holi colours without damaging the fabric.

Whether it's a light dusting of colour or a deep-set stain, pre-treating, soaking, and machine washing will ensure the best results. Next time you step out for Holi, enjoy the festivities without worrying about stains—because now, you know how to remove Holi colours from shoes without causing damage.