White shoes are a nice and elegant accessory when they are new and clean, but they can get dirty easily if used frequently. To keep them in good condition, you will need to clean them often. You may want to do this manually if you want to preserve the material, but you can try various solutions, such as soapy water, baking soda, bleach, and toothpaste. Once cleaned, they will be as good as new!
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use Soap and Water
Step 1. Mix the dish soap into 240ml of warm water
Any liquid dish detergent will do. Just 5 ml is enough to form foam and leave the water still clear. Mix the two ingredients with a toothbrush to make them blend.
- You can use this mixture on all types of shoes, including white leather ones.
- If you don't want to use dish soap, you can replace it with 120ml of white vinegar.
Step 2. Clean the sole and rubber parts with the magic eraser
Dip it in the soapy water and squeeze it out. Run it back and forth along the leather, rubber, or plastic areas. Continue until all scratches and stains are removed.
You can find this product in the detergent aisle at the supermarket
Step 3. Use a stiff bristled toothbrush
Immerse it in water to soak the head well. Swipe it in small circular motions over the surface of the shoes, focusing on the stained areas. Apply light pressure so that the cleaning solution penetrates the fibers.
When you're done using your toothbrush, don't keep it in the bathroom, or you might get confused
Advise:
if the white laces are also stained, remove them and scrub them separately with the toothbrush.
Step 4. Blot with a cloth to remove excess water
Use a cloth or kitchen paper to soak up the soapy water and dirt. Avoid rubbing, otherwise you risk transferring dirt from one part of the shoe to the other.
You don't have to dry your shoes completely. Just wipe off the excess cleaning solution from the surface
Step 5. Let them air dry
After initially dabbing with a cloth, place your shoes in a well-ventilated area of the house so they can dry. Leave them at least 2-3 hours before using them again.
Clean them in the evening before going to sleep so that they have time to dry during the night
Method 2 of 4: Using Bleach
Step 1. Dilute 1 part bleach with 5 parts water
Choose a well-ventilated area of the house and combine water and bleach in a small container. Be careful not to overdo the bleach, otherwise it may yellow your shoes.
- Bleach effectively cleans white fabric shoes.
- Wear a pair of nitrile gloves when using this whitener to prevent skin irritation.
Step 2. Swipe the toothbrush in circular motions to dissolve stains
Dip it in the bleach solution and start scrubbing your shoes. Focus on the dirtiest spots and the most noticeable stains, applying light pressure. You should notice that the surface begins to gradually whiten.
Start with the fabric areas before moving on to harder surfaces, such as soles
Step 3. Absorb the solution with a damp cloth
Wet a soft microfiber cloth in hot water and wring it out so it doesn't drip. Press it lightly as you pass it over your shoes.
You can also remove the insoles and put the shoes under running water
Step 4. Let them dry in a well-ventilated area
Wait at least 5-6 hours before trying to wear them, but if you can, even overnight for them to have time to dry completely.
Use a fan to speed up drying times
Method 3 of 4: Using Sodium Bicarbonate
Step 1. Combine baking soda, vinegar and hot water to form a paste
Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of hot water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon (15 g) of baking soda in a bowl. Keep stirring until you get a consistent paste. The baking soda and vinegar will give rise to a small bubbly chemical reaction.
- Baking soda is an excellent ally in cleaning canvas, mesh and fabric shoes.
- If the dough is too runny, add a teaspoon (5 g) of baking soda.
Step 2. Apply the paste you have obtained with a toothbrush
Dip the head in the paste and rub it on your shoes. Apply light pressure so that the fabric absorbs the dough. Spread it on all exterior surfaces.
When you're done, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly to prevent the paste from getting stuck in the bristles
Step 3. Let the paste sit for 3-4 hours
Put the shoes in the sun so that the paste dries and hardens. Leave them out until you are sure you can scratch them off with a fingernail.
If you don't have the option of putting them outside, place them near a sunny window or in a well-ventilated room
Step 4. Beat the shoes against each other and use a dry toothbrush to remove hardened paste
Beat them in order to crush the dough and make it fall to the ground. If you see other pieces stuck, scrape them with a dry toothbrush until they are clean again.
If you can't do this cleaning on the outside, spread out a sheet of newspaper to collect the paste residue
Method 4 of 4: Use Toothpaste
Step 1. Moisten the shoes with a cloth
Wet the end of a towel or microfiber cloth and gently wipe your shoes. Just moisten them for the toothpaste to melt and take effect.
Try using this method on canvas, net, or trainers
Step 2. Apply some toothpaste to the toothbrush
Rub it directly on your shoes where there are obvious stains. Distribute it covering the entire area before continuing with small circular motions. Smear it thoroughly on the surface of your shoes before leaving it on for 10 minutes.
Make sure you're using a white toothpaste, not a gel. If it is colored, it may stain your shoes
Step 3. Wipe off dirt and toothpaste with a damp cloth
You can use the same damp cloth you used previously. Make sure you remove all traces of toothpaste to prevent it from leaving marks.
Step 4. Let the shoes air dry for 2-3 hours
Place them in front of a fan or in a well-ventilated room to dry completely. After that they should look a little clearer.
Leave them in the sun to speed up drying times
Advice
- Clean your shoes as soon as they get dirty. This way, the spots won't have time to set.
- Read the label under the tab to see if there are any special cleaning instructions.
- Avoid wearing white shoes in places where they are likely to get stained, such as restaurants, bars, or outdoor paths.
