Keeping white shoes clean isn't easy at all, especially if you wear them regularly to go outdoors. Leather ones can be even more difficult to clean because chemical cleaners like ammonia can ruin them and cannot be washed in the washing machine. Fortunately, there are methods that use natural or skin-friendly substances, such as vinegar, olive oil, or toothpaste. By using the proper techniques and working to protect and keep them clean, your shoes will stay like new for a long time.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Toothpaste
Step 1. Remove any mounds of dirt or dirt
Scrape off any mud or dirt that has stuck to your shoes without permeating the leather. Use a cotton rag or a brush with soft nylon bristles to clean the entire surface of the shoes. Already in this first phase you should be able to loosen and detach most of the earth and dust present on the outside of the footwear.
Step 2. Remove the strings
Soak them in a basin filled with hot water and a little laundry detergent or wash them directly in the washing machine. Taking them off will allow you to clean your shoes more easily.
Step 3. Moisten the outside of the shoes with a rag
It must be wet, but not soaked: it is better not to soak the leather of the shoes with water otherwise it could be damaged in the long run. Rub the damp cloth over the entire surface of the shoes to start removing dirt.
Step 4. Use toothpaste where the skin is stained or streaked
It is essential that it be white, in order not to risk dyeing the shoes; also avoid those in gels. Squeeze a small amount directly onto the parts that require thorough cleaning, then start rubbing it into the leather of your shoes with your fingers.
Step 5. Scrub the stains with a toothbrush
Use it to massage the toothpaste into the skin in small circular motions, the same as when brushing your teeth. Continue until the dirt dissolves. Proceed in the same way until you have eliminated all the stains.
Step 6. Remove the toothpaste with a soft rag
Make sure you get rid of even the smallest residue. If you have trouble removing the toothpaste, moisten the cloth with some warm water and try again.
Step 7. Dry your shoes
Once the toothpaste is removed, wipe a clean rag or microfiber cloth over the surface of the shoes. If there are any stains left, you can repeat the previous steps, otherwise just make sure the shoes are completely dry before storing them in the shoe cabinet.
Method 2 of 3: Using Vinegar and Olive Oil
Step 1. Mix vinegar and olive oil in a spray bottle
Pour 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of olive oil into a medium-sized spray bottle, then shake it vigorously to mix the two ingredients.
The two ingredients will tend to separate, so remember to shake the container further before each use
Step 2. Spray the cleaning mixture on the shoes
Being completely natural substances you can abound with the quantities. Apply it especially on stained areas or where the white is less vibrant.
Step 3. Let the oil and vinegar sit for 5 minutes
They must have time to penetrate the leather of the shoes to bring the dirt that has been trapped to the surface.
Step 4. Remove dirt and cleaning solution with a dry rag
Along with the oil and vinegar, soil and dirt should also come off. Use a soft cotton rag or microfiber cloth to avoid further scratching the leather. Continue until the oil and vinegar have been completely absorbed and the shoes are dry again.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Stains
Step 1. Purchase a shoe waterproofer
It is a product that contains substances with a proven repellent effect on water to protect shoes from rain and the damage it causes on the skin. There are different types, for example in wax, cream or spray. Read the instructions on the package and follow them precisely. Generally it should be applied twice over the entire surface of the shoes, taking care to wait for it to dry between applications.
- The waterproofer should only be applied to clean shoes.
- You can buy it online, in the most well-stocked supermarkets, in shoe stores or in sports shops.
- Check on the label that it is a product formulated to protect leather shoes and not suede ones.
Step 2. Clean your shoes as soon as they get dirty
Removing stains immediately is a simple and effective way to safeguard the beauty of white shoes. Use a damp rag or paper towel to wipe off streaks, marks, and dirt as soon as you notice them. Check your shoes every time you take them off after returning home and intervene immediately if necessary.
- The more diligent you are in cleaning your shoes immediately after they are dirty, the less effort it will take.
- For really stubborn stains, try cleaning them with a mild, colorless dish soap. Scrub it into the dirt with an old toothbrush.
Step 3. Keep your shoes indoors and out of direct sunlight
The sun's rays can cause the skin to yellow and damage. Store them in a cool, dark place when you're not using them to keep them looking good for a long time.
