If you’re lazy about cleaning your shoes, they can easily accumulate dirt and bacteria, leading to unsightly yellow stains.
Wearing your shoes too often, especially under the sun, can also be a factor. The UV rays react with the paint or dye of your shoes, turning them yellow.
Sometimes, using strong cleaning agents can cause a chemical reaction with the paint on your shoes, altering their color.
Regardless of the cause, those stubborn yellow stains on your shoes can be tackled with the following handy tips:
1. Toothpaste
Toothpaste contains peroxide, a whitening agent that can help lift those yellow stains. First, dampen your shoes, then apply toothpaste to the affected areas. Use a brush to scrub the stains until they’re gone. Finally, rinse off any remaining toothpaste and let your shoes air dry. They’ll be looking bright and new in no time!
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural and effective cleaning agent that can remove yellow stains from shoes. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with three teaspoons of water to form a paste. Apply this paste to your shoes and let it sit for about five minutes. Then, scrub the stains with a brush until they disappear. Finally, rinse your shoes and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area.
3. Bleach
Bleach is a powerful agent that can effectively remove yellow stains from rubber and synthetic parts of your shoes. Apply some bleach to your shoes and gently scrub until the stains are gone. Once the dirt and stains are removed, thoroughly rinse your shoes with clean water and let them air dry in a breezy area. Don’t forget to wear gloves when handling bleach to protect your skin.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol is a common and effective chemical found in many modern cleaning products. To use it on shoe stains, simply dab a small amount of alcohol onto the stain and let it dry. Then, use a sponge or brush to scrub the stain away. Finally, wipe your shoes dry with a clean cloth and air dry if needed. As with bleach, remember to wear gloves when using alcohol to avoid drying out your skin.
5. White Vinegar
White vinegar can also do the trick! Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl, then soak your shoes in this solution for about half an hour. The dirt and stains will come right off when you scrub them. Finally, give your shoes a good rinse with water and let them air dry.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is often used for disinfecting and cleaning wounds, but it’s also great for removing yellow stains from shoes. Mix a cup of hydrogen peroxide with half a bowl of water, then soak your shoes in this solution for about 90 minutes. Check if the stains are gone, and if not, soak them for an additional 30 minutes. Once they’re stain-free, rinse your shoes with cold water to ensure no peroxide residue is left behind. Finally, air dry your shoes in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
7. Salt and Hot Water
If your shoes have just started to show signs of yellowing, a simple solution of salt and hot water can work wonders. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of hot water, then dip a toothbrush into this solution and scrub your shoes until the yellow stains disappear. Let your shoes air dry before wearing them again.
8. Dish Soap
Dish soap is excellent for cutting through grease and grime on your dishes, but did you know it can also remove yellow stains from shoes? Since dish soap can dissolve grease, it’s perfect for tackling oil-based stains. First, dampen your shoes and apply a generous amount of dish soap. Then, gently scrub or brush the stains away. For stubborn stains, soak them in a solution of dish soap and hot water before cleaning. Once they’re stain-free, rinse your shoes with water and let them air dry.
9. Shampoo
Just like dish soap, shampoo can also be used to remove yellow stains from shoes. Apply shampoo to the stained areas and gently scrub. Once the stains are gone, rinse your shoes with water and let them air dry.
10. Lemon Juice
Lemons contain citric acid, which can help break down those stubborn yellow stains. Cut two or three lemons in half and squeeze the juice out. Apply this lemon juice to your shoes and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, use a cloth to scrub the stains away. Finally, rinse your shoes with water and let them air dry.