Have you ever had trouble keeping your white shoes clean? I’ve been there, so trust me. There’s nothing worse than learning that your once-shiny white sneakers are now full of stains and dirt that won’t come out. But don’t worry, fellow shoe lovers. I’ve found a simple and effective solution: baking soda. This cooking staple can be used in many ways and is a miracle cleaner that can bring your white shoes back to life.
Let me tell you how I’ve always cleaned white shoes with baking soda. By taking a few simple steps, you can get rid of those annoying spots and bring back the shine of your shoes. I’ll show you how to use baking soda to clean your sneakers and make them look brand new, from getting rid of scuffs to getting rid of dirt. Get ready to walk out with confidence and rock your clean, white kicks.
How to Clean White Shoes with Baking Soda
Cleaning white shoes with baking soda is an easy, cheap way to bring back their shine and get rid of tough stains. Baking soda is a common home item that can be used for many things. It can be used to clean, which makes it a great choice for cleaning your white shoes. With just a few easy steps, you can get your shoes as white as they were when you bought them and make them look brand new. Use baking soda to clean white shoes by following the eight thorough steps in the full guide below.
Step 1: Get your stuff together
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have everything you need. You will need baking soda, a toothbrush with soft bristles or a clean cloth, warm water, mild liquid soap, a bowl, a towel or paper towels, and running water.
Step 2: Get the shoes ready
Take out your shoelaces and any replaceable shoe inserts or insoles. This step makes sure that every part of the shoe can be cleaned well. If the shoelaces are dirty, you can clean them individually or buy new ones.
Step 3: Make a paste with baking soda
Mix three parts baking soda with one part water in a small bowl to make a thick paste. Mix it well until it is smooth and doesn’t have any lumps. The baking soda paste will remove dirt and spots from the surface of your shoes by gently scrubbing them.
Step 4: Put the baking soda paste on the wound
Spread the baking soda paste all over your white shoes with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a clean cloth. Make sure to cover everything, like the toe box, the sides, and the bottom. Scrub the paste into the fabric or material gently in circles, giving special attention to any spots that are stained or discolored.
Step 5: Wait a while
After you put the baking soda paste on the shoes, let them sit for about 30 minutes. Giving the paste time to do its thing will give the baking soda time to break down the spots and soak up any bad smells.
Step 6: Wash your shoes
After letting the baking soda paste sit for a while, wash the shoes with warm water. Wipe away the paste and any leftover dirt with a clean cloth or towel. Make sure to get rid of all the baking soda so that it doesn’t stick to the shoes.
Step 7: Clean the shoelaces
While your shoes are drying, clean the shoelaces. Put a small amount of mild liquid soap and warm water in a bowl. Put the laces in the washing water and move them around with your hands gently. Soak them for a few minutes to get rid of any dirt or grime. Rinse the laces well in clean water, then hang them up to dry in the air.
Step 8: Let it dry and add the final touches
Put your clean white shoes in a place with good air circulation and let them dry fully. Don’t put them in full sunlight or use a hair dryer or other heat source, as this can damage the materials. Once the shoes are dry, put back the laces and any replaceable inserts or insoles. Now, your white shoes should be clean and ready to wear.
If you follow these steps, you can use baking soda to clean your white shoes well. This method is not only cheap, but it’s also gentle enough to keep your shoes’ materials from getting damaged. With some time and work, your white shoes will look as good as new again, and you’ll be ready to step out in style.
How to Use Baking Soda and Vinegar to Clean White Shoes
Vinegar is a natural cleaner that can help break up dirt and grime and get rid of bad smells. When mixed with baking soda, it makes a strong cleaner that can get your shoes as white as they were before. Follow these steps to use vinegar as part of the cleaning process:
Step 1: Make a solution of baking soda and vinegar
In a bowl, mix baking soda and white vinegar in equal amounts to make a paste-like substance. The mixture will pop and fizz, which is normal and shows that the cleaning process has begun.
Step 2: Put the cleaning solution on the dirt
Put the baking soda and vinegar solution on the surface of your white shoes with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a clean cloth. Pay attention to any spots that are stained or discolored and use a soft brush to work the paste into the cloth or material. Let the solution sit for a few minutes to get rid of spots that are hard to get rid of.
Step 3: Wash your shoes
After letting the solution work for a while, rinse the shoes with warm water. Wipe away the paste and any leftover dirt with a cloth or towel. Make sure that all of the mixture is gone so that dust doesn’t build up.
Step 4: Let it dry and add the final touches
Follow the rest of the steps from the previous guide and let your shoes dry completely in an area with good air circulation. Once the shoes are dry, put back the laces and any detachable insoles or inserts.
Adding vinegar to the cleaning process makes the baking soda work even better and helps you get even better results. When you mix these two natural ingredients together, they help get rid of tough spots, get rid of smells, and get your shoes back to their original white color.
Are There Any Alternative Ways to Clean White Shoes Besides Baking Soda and Vinegar?
Yes, there are other ways to clean white shoes besides baking soda and vinegar if you don’t have them on hand. Baking soda and vinegar is a famous and effective way to clean and whiten shoes, but you can also use other items from around the house. Here are some other options you can think about:
Toothpaste
White shoes can be cleaned with white toothpaste that isn’t a gel. Use an old toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste to scrub the shoes in a circle. Because toothpaste is slightly rough, it helps get rid of spots. After scrubbing, use a wet cloth to wipe off the toothpaste, then let the shoes dry.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural bleach that can be used to make white shoes look better. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto a cloth or sponge and rub it gently into the shoes. After a few minutes, rinse the juice off with water and let the shoes dry in the sun.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a strong way to get rid of stains, and you can use it on white shoes. Mix the hydrogen peroxide with the same amount of water, and then use a cloth or sponge to rub it on the stains. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with water and let the shoes dry.
Soap for washing dishes
White shoes can be cleaned of dirt and spots with mild dish soap. To make a washing solution, mix a small amount of dish soap with water. Put the solution on the shoes with a cloth or sponge and scrub them gently. Rinse them with water and let them dry in the air.
Baking Powder
You can use baking powder instead of baking soda if you don’t have any baking soda. Even though it’s not as good as baking soda, it can still absorb smells and make your white shoes smell better. Sprinkle a little baking powder on the shoes, let it sit for a while, and then brush it off or wipe it with a damp cloth.
Make sure to test any alternative way to clean shoes on a small, unnoticeable part of the shoe first to make sure it doesn’t damage or stain the shoe. Also, always follow the care guidelines given by the shoemaker, since some materials may need to be cleaned in a certain way or by a professional.
Even if you don’t have baking soda on hand, you can keep your shoes clean and white by using these other ways.
Can You Clean White Shoes with Baking Powder Instead of Baking Soda?
Even though baking powder and baking soda may look the same, you can’t use either one to clean white shoes. Baking soda, which is also called sodium bicarbonate, is often used to clean because it is alkaline. It has strong qualities that can help break down stains, get rid of dirt, and make shoes smell better.
Baking powder, on the other hand, is a mix of baking soda, an acid, and a starch. Its main job is to start a chemical process that makes things rise when they are baked. Even though baking powder has baking soda in it, it also has other ingredients that make it less useful as a cleaner.
If you try to clean white shoes with baking powder, you might not get the results you want. Some of the extra things in baking powder, like cornstarch or cream of tartar, can leave a layer on the shoes and possibly make them change color. This dust might be hard to get off, and it could also make the shoes look dirty.
If you want your white shoes to be clean and bright, it’s best to stick with baking soda as your cleaning product. It can be used on cloth, leather, and rubber shoes, among others, because it is rough but not too rough. Because it can absorb smells, baking soda is also a great way to clean up smelly shoes.
Even though baking powder and baking soda look similar, baking soda is the only thing that should be used to clean white shoes. Its special qualities and lack of extra ingredients make it a better and safer way to get clean, white shoes.
How Long Should the Baking Soda Stay on the Shoes Before They are Cleaned?
Depending on how dirty your shoes are and what kind of stains they have, the amount of time you should leave baking soda on them before cleaning them can change. As a general rule, it’s best to let the baking soda work its magic for at least 30 minutes.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and absorbs smells. It also helps break down spots and dirt on the surface of the shoes. During the 30 minutes, the baking soda will have time to work its way into the shoes’ fabric and start pulling out the dirt.
But if your shoes are very dirty or have spots that won’t come out, you might want to leave the baking soda on for longer. Some people find that it cleans better if they leave it overnight. Keep in mind that leaving the baking soda on for a long time might be better for some shoe materials, like canvas, but not for others, like leather or suede, which are more delicate.
After the time you chose has passed, use a brush or a piece of cloth to gently scrub the baking soda off the shoes. You can also, depending on the type of shoe, rinse them with water. Make sure to let the shoes dry all the way before putting them on again.
In the end, you’ll get the best cleaning results if you change the length of time based on how dirty your white shoes are.
Can Baking Soda Be Used on All White Shoes, Including Leather and Canvas?
Even though baking soda is usually safe to use on many white shoes, like canvas and rubber, it may not be safe for all materials, especially ones that are more delicate, like leather or suede. When cleaning white leather shoes, it’s important to be careful and follow the care instructions to keep the material from getting damaged.
Leather is a delicate material that needs to be taken care of in a special way. Baking soda is a bit gritty, so it might be too rough for leather shoes. It could cause the surface to become discolored or damaged. Leather shoes should be cleaned with products made just for leather or by an expert cleaner.
On the other hand, baking soda is often used to clean white leather shoes because it gets dirt and stains out of this material well. Canvas is usually stronger and can stand up to the light rubbing action of baking soda. But you should still test a small, unnoticeable part of the shoe before putting baking soda on the whole thing.
Remember that every shoe material is different, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or talk to a professional cleaner if you’re not sure if baking soda is safe to use on your white shoes, especially if they’re made of leather or suede, which can be easily damaged. Taking good care of your shoes and cleaning them the right way will help keep their quality and look for a long time.
How Often Should White Shoes be Cleaned with Baking Soda to Keep Them White?
How often you clean white shoes with baking soda depends on a number of things, such as how often you wear them, where you keep them, and how much dirt or staining they get. As a general rule, white shoes should be cleaned with baking soda every couple of weeks or whenever they start to look dirty or change color.
To keep your shoes looking good and keeping them white, you need to clean them often. By cleaning them on a regular basis, you can keep dirt and spots from settling in and making them harder to get rid of. Also, cleaning your shoes often helps get rid of smells and keep them feeling fresh.
But it’s important not to do too much. If you clean your shoes too much with baking soda, it can be rough and may damage some shoe materials over time. Before you decide to clean your shoes, use your best sense and look at how they look. If they look pretty clean and white, you might decide not to use baking soda and just wipe them down with a damp cloth.
In the end, how often you clean white shoes with baking soda should depend on how dirty they are and how often you want to clean them. Your white shoes will last longer and look better if you take care of them regularly and in the right way.
FAQS
Can baking soda be used to clean shoes that aren’t white?
You can use baking soda on colored shoes, but you need to be careful. Even though baking soda is safe for most shoe materials, it may slightly bleach some colors, especially if they are bright or delicate. Before putting baking soda on the whole shoe, it’s best to test a small, hidden area first. If the color doesn’t change, you can continue cleaning the shoes, but make sure you rinse off the baking soda well and dry them properly.
Does putting baking soda on suede shoes pose any risks?
Suede shoes could be hurt by baking soda. Suede is a soft material, and because baking soda is abrasive, it can cause spots or color on the surface. Don’t use baking soda to clean suede shoes. Instead, look for suede-specific cleaning products or talk to an expert cleaner who knows how to take care of suede.
Can baking soda help get the dirt off of white shoes?
Baking soda can help make scuff marks on white shoes less noticeable, especially if the shoes are made of rubber or canvas. Apply a paste made of baking soda and water to the scratches, rub it gently with a soft cloth or toothbrush, and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. But for scuff marks that won’t go away, you might need to use special shoe cleaners or get help from an expert.
Can you clean the bottoms of white shoes with baking soda?
Yes, you can use baking soda to clean the bottoms of white shoes. Make a paste of baking soda and water, put it on the feet, and scrub with a brush or cloth. Baking soda’s alkaline traits break down dirt and stains on the soles, making them white again. Before putting on the shoes, rinse the feet with water and let them dry completely.
Can I clean white shoelaces with baking soda?
Yes, you can clean white shoe ties with baking soda. Mix baking soda and water to make a paste, then put it on the shoelaces. Scrub the laces gently with your fingers or a small brush, paying special attention to any dirty or damaged spots. Rinse the shoelaces with water and let them dry totally before you try to use them again.
Can I use baking soda to clean white shoes in a washing machine?
Most of the time, adding baking soda straight to a washing machine to clean white shoes is not a good idea. Baking soda can leave clumps or dust on the shoes, which can make the washing machine work less well or even cause damage. Instead, it’s best to follow the care advice given by the shoe company or use baking soda to clean the shoes by hand.
How can I keep my white shoes from turning yellow?
White shoes can turn yellow over time if they are in the sun, get dirty, or are old. White shoes won’t turn yellow if you keep them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Don’t wear them in dirty or dusty places, and clean them often to get rid of dirt and marks before they can set in. Also, sprays or guards made just for white shoes can help keep them bright and keep them from getting dirty.
Can baking soda get rid of rust and mold on white shoes?
Mold or mildew can be removed from white shoes with baking soda, but it might not be enough on its own. First, brush away any mold or mildew that you can see on the shoes. Then, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and put it on the spots that hurt. Let it sit for a while so the baking soda can soak up the water and get rid of the smell. After that, wash the shoes well and let them dry all the way. If the mold or mildew doesn’t go away, it’s best to take the shoes to an expert cleaner to make sure it’s done right and to keep the shoes from getting worse.
Can I use baking soda to clean white leather shoes with designs or patterns in different colors?
When using baking soda to clean white leather shoes with colored designs or patterns, it’s important to be careful. The bleaching action of baking soda may cause the colors or patterns to fade or change color. You can use baking soda and the right methods to clean the white parts of your shoes. It is best not to put baking soda directly on the colored parts, though. Instead, focus on spot cleaning those areas with a mild detergent or a cleaning product made just for colored leather sneakers.
Can baking soda get rid of the yellowing that old white shoes get?
Baking soda may not be enough to get rid of the deep yellowing that comes with age on old white shoes. Yellowing can get deeper into the material over time, making it harder to get rid of. When this happens, it’s best to talk to a professional shoe restoration service or a specialized cleaner who can use professional-grade methods and products to get your vintage white shoes white again. They might have access to special bleaching products or methods that can get rid of the yellowing in a safe and effective way, bringing the shoes back to their former glory.
Final Thoughts
Using baking soda to clean and whiten white shoes is a popular and effective way to keep them clean and white. But it’s important to think about the material of the shoe and test any cleaning methods on a small area first to make sure they won’t hurt the shoe. If you don’t have baking soda or it doesn’t work, you can use other things like white vinegar, toothpaste, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide. Depending on the state of the shoes, cleaning them regularly keeps dirt from building up and keeps them looking their best. If you follow the care guidelines and clean your shoes the right way, you can keep your shoes clean and white for longer.
