Tips

The Ultimate Guide: 9 Quick and Easy Ways to Clean Your Yellowing White Shoes at Home

"Say goodbye to expensive shoe-whitening services at the laundromat! With these simple, yet highly effective tips and tricks, you can transform your dull, discolored shoes into sparkling white masterpieces right in the comfort of your own home. Get ready to impress and turn heads with your dazzling footwear!"

Administrator

23 July, 2024

If you love wearing white shoes but your beloved pair has turned yellow over time, you may want to get them whitened. However, the cost of professional shoe cleaning services can be quite expensive. Don’t worry, as there are some easy DIY methods to whiten your shoes at home.

1Whitening Yellowed White Shoes with Toothpaste

What you’ll need

A toothbrush or an old toothbrush
Toothpaste

Tip: For better results, use a laundry brush as its thinner bristles won’t damage your shoes. Alternatively, an old toothbrush can help reach the nooks and crannies of your shoes for a thorough clean.

Instructions:

Step 1 Apply toothpaste to the stains and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Step 2 Add a small amount of water and scrub with the brush.

Step 3 Use a damp cloth to wipe off the toothpaste from the shoes. Repeat this process until your shoes look whiter.

This method is highly effective, but remember to avoid exposing your shoes to direct sunlight as it may cause discoloration.

2Whitening Yellowed White Shoes with Vinegar and Baking Soda

What you’ll need:

Vinegar
Baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda make a great natural cleaning agent. For lightly soiled shoes, a little vinegar and baking soda will do the trick.

Instructions:

Step 1 Soak a cloth in vinegar and scrub the stained areas until they’re clean.

Step 2 If you want to clean the entire shoe, mix baking soda with vinegar.

Step 3 Use this mixture to wash your shoes as usual.

3 Whitening Yellowed White Shoes with Bleach

What you’ll need:

Bleach
A soft-bristled brush
Rubber or plastic gloves

This method is popular, but as bleach can be harsh on the skin, don’t forget to wear protective gloves.

Instructions:

Step 1 Dilute the bleach with water in a ratio of 1 part bleach to 5 parts water. Be careful not to use too much bleach, as it can damage the fabric and further discolor your shoes.

Step 2 Dip the brush into the diluted bleach solution and scrub the shoes until they’re clean.

4Whitening Yellowed White Shoes with Fabric Pens

What you’ll need:

White fabric pens

This method may sound unusual, but it’s actually used by some shoe cleaning shops. You can find these fabric pens at most craft stores.

Reference:

Instructions:

Step 1 Wash your white shoes as you normally would, or use one of the methods mentioned above, and let them air dry.

Step 2 Use the white fabric pen to color over the discolored areas. Your shoes will instantly look whiter.

5 Whitening Yellowed White Shoes with Rubbing Alcohol

What you’ll need:

Rubbing alcohol
Cotton balls

Whitening Yellowed White Shoes with Rubbing Alcohol

Instructions:

Step 1 Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and wipe down the discolored areas.

Step 2 Buff the shoes with a warm cloth.

6Whitening Yellowed White Shoes with Lemon

What you’ll need:

1-2 lemons

Lemon is known for its stain-fighting properties, and it can effectively clean and brighten your white shoes.

Instructions:

Step 1 Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly onto the stains, or squeeze lemon juice onto the stains.

Step 2 After 15-20 minutes, the acid in the lemon will have lifted the stains and dirt.

Step 3 Finally, rinse the shoes with clean water and let them air dry.

7Whitening Yellowed White Shoes with Shampoo

What you’ll need:

Shampoo

Shampoo isn’t just for hair—it’s also an effective shoe whitener.

Instructions:

Step 1 Mix a small amount of shampoo with hot water.

Step 2 Dip a toothbrush into the solution and scrub the stained areas.

Step 3 Rinse the shoes with clean water and let them air dry.

With these simple steps, your shoes will look brand new again.

8 Whitening Yellowed White Shoes with Vaseline

What you’ll need:

A jar of Vaseline

Whitening Yellowed White Shoes with Vaseline

Instructions:

Step 1 Use your fingers or a suitable tool to apply Vaseline evenly over the discolored areas of the shoe.

Step 2 Let it sit for about 3 minutes, then wipe it off with a warm cloth.

9 Whitening Yellowed White Shoes with Nail Polish Remover

What you’ll need:

Nail polish remover
Cotton balls

Nail polish remover is also great for whitening shoes.

Instructions:

Step 1 Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover and scrub the stains.

Step 2 Continue scrubbing until the stains disappear, then rinse the shoes with water and let them air dry.

Now you know nine effective and easy ways to whiten your shoes at home. Give them a try, and good luck!

Frequently asked questions

There are several quick and easy methods you can try. For a simple solution, create a mixture of laundry detergent and warm water, apply it to the shoes with a soft cloth, and gently scrub. Alternatively, you can use a paste made from baking soda and water, applying it to the shoes and leaving it to dry before brushing it off. For tougher stains, create a stronger mixture using hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap.

You can try using a magic eraser, which is a special type of sponge that can effectively remove stains without damaging the surface. Simply dampen the eraser and gently rub it on the stained areas. Another method is to create a stronger paste by mixing baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a small amount of dish soap. Apply this paste to the stains and let it sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing it off with a soft-bristled brush.

Proper care and maintenance are key. Always try to keep your shoes clean and protected from dirt and grime. Use a shoe protector spray before wearing them for the first time, and reapply it regularly. Additionally, try to avoid wearing your white shoes in rainy or muddy conditions, as this can accelerate the yellowing process.

Regular cleaning is important. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any dirt or debris after each wear. For more thorough cleaning, use a mild detergent and warm water solution, applying it with a soft cloth. Always allow your shoes to air dry completely before wearing them again. Additionally, consider using shoe trees to help absorb moisture and maintain the shape of your shoes.

It depends on how often you wear them and the conditions you expose them to. As a general rule, aim to give them a quick clean after every few wears to prevent dirt buildup. For a more thorough cleaning, once a month is a good frequency to keep your white shoes looking their best.