White shoes are a versatile and stylish choice for any outfit in the USA, but they can also get dirty easily. But cleaning a white shoe is not a difficult job. If you want to keep your white shoes looking bright and clean, you might think that baking soda is the best solution. However, baking soda can be harsh on some fabrics and leave a residue on your shoes. That’s why we have compiled 9 alternative methods on how to clean white shoes without baking soda.
Whether your shoes are made of canvas, leather, fabric, or mesh, you can use household items like vinegar, toothpaste, bleach, or soap to remove stains and dirt from your white shoes. In this article, we will show you how to clean white shoes at home without using baking soda with these simple and effective methods.
You will also learn some tips and tricks on how to prevent your white shoes from getting dirty in the first place. By following our guide, you can enjoy wearing your white shoes without worrying about ruining them.
If you want a quick answer on how to clean white shoes without baking soda, here it is.
To clean your white shoes you can use Toothpaste. Scrub gently on the stain using a soft brush to clean it. You can also use soap or detergent with water to clean your shoes. Bleach, vinegar, Micellar Water and Magic Eraser are also the alternate ways to clean your white shoes.
Now let us explain each method in detail.
How to Clean White Shoes Without Baking Soda – 9 Easy Methods
Here are the 9 easy and effective methods to clean your white shoes without using baking soda:
Method 1: How to clean white shoes with toothpaste
Toothpaste is not only good for your teeth but also for your white shoes. Toothpaste can help scrub away dirt and grime from the surface of your white shoes, as well as whiten them with its bleaching properties. This method is best suitable to clean white fabric shoes, mesh shoes, and canvas shoes.
Materials you’ll need:
- White Toothpaste: Opt for plain, non-gel toothpaste without any colored stripes or gels that could potentially stain your shoes further.
- An Old Toothbrush: Grab a toothbrush that you no longer use for oral hygiene, as it will be your trusty shoe-cleaning tool.
- A Bowl of Water: You’ll need this to dampen the toothbrush and rinse your shoes.
Follow these steps to clean your white shoe using toothpaste:
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area
Find a clean, well-lit workspace where you can comfortably clean your white shoes without making a mess. Lay down some newspaper or an old cloth to protect your work surface.
Step 2: Remove Laces
Before getting started, take off the shoelaces. This will allow you to clean the entire shoe surface and prevent the laces from getting in the way.
Step 3: Apply Toothpaste
Squeeze a small amount of white toothpaste onto the old toothbrush. You don’t need a lot; a pea-sized amount for each shoe should suffice.
Step 4: Scrub Gently
Using the toothbrush, gently scrub the stained or dirty areas of your white shoes in a circular motion. Focus on the areas with the most noticeable marks. Be patient and thorough in your scrubbing.
Step 5: Rinse and Repeat
Dip the toothbrush in the bowl of water and continue to scrub, periodically rinsing the toothbrush and checking the progress. You may need to repeat this process several times until the stains disappear.
Step 6: Wipe Clean
Once you’re satisfied with the results, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any remaining toothpaste residue from your shoes.
Step 7: Let Them Dry
Allow your white shoes to air dry completely. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or using a heat source, as this can cause yellowing.
Method 2: How to clean white shoes using Vinegar
Vinegar is another natural cleaner that can help remove stains and odors from white shoes. Vinegar is acidic, which means it can break down dirt and bacteria, as well as brighten the color of your shoes. The vinegar also helps remove yellowing, leaving your shoes looking whiter.
Materials you’ll need:
- White Vinegar: Distilled white vinegar is the preferred type for cleaning purposes.
- Water: You’ll need to dilute the vinegar with water.
- A Bowl or Container: To create the cleaning solution.
- A Soft Cloth or Sponge: For applying the solution and gentle scrubbing.
- An Old Toothbrush: To clean hard-to-reach areas and crevices.
- A Bowl of Water: For rinsing.
Follow these steps to clean your white shoes using vinegar:
Step 1: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl or container. For most cleaning tasks, a 1:1 ratio works well.
Step 2: Remove Laces and Loose Dirt
Take off the shoe laces and give your white shoes a good shake to remove loose dirt and debris. This will make the cleaning process more effective.
Step 3: Test in an Inconspicuous Area
Before applying the vinegar solution to the entire shoe, test it on a small, hidden area to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.
Step 4: Apply the Vinegar Solution
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the vinegar and water mixture, then gently scrub the stained or dirty areas of your white shoes. Avoid soaking the shoes; a damp cloth is sufficient.
Step 5: Scrub Gently
For tougher stains or scuff marks, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the affected areas with the vinegar solution. Be patient and avoid excessive scrubbing, which could damage the shoe’s material.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the shoes by wiping them with a clean, damp cloth or sponge to remove any remaining vinegar residue.
Step 7: Dry Naturally
Allow your white shoes to air dry naturally. You can use a hair dryer on low heat to speed up the process.
Method 3: Use Dish Soap to clean your white shoe
Dish soap is another mild detergent that can help clean white shoes without baking soda. Dish soap can help dissolve grease and oil stains, as well as remove dirt and dust from your shoes.
Materials you’ll need:
- Mild Dish Soap: Opt for a gentle, colorless dish soap to avoid any potential staining.
- A Bowl of Warm Water: This will be used to create a soapy solution.
- A Soft-Bristled Brush: A soft toothbrush or a shoe brush will work well for this purpose.
- A Clean Cloth or Sponge: You’ll use this to wipe and dry your shoes.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
Step 1: Remove Laces and Loose Dirt
Take off the shoe laces to ensure you can thoroughly clean the shoe’s surface. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any loose dirt and debris from your shoes.
Step 2: Create a Soapy Solution
Fill a bowl with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap. Stir gently to create a soapy solution. You only need a few drops of dish soap, so don’t overdo it.
Step 3: Scrub Gently
Dip your soft-bristled brush into the soapy solution and begin to gently scrub the stained or soiled areas of your white shoes. Use circular motions to work on tough spots. Be patient and avoid using excessive force, as this can damage the shoe’s material.
Step 4: Rinse and Repeat
After scrubbing, use a clean cloth or sponge dampened with plain water to wipe off the soapy residue. Check your shoes to see if any stains or marks remain, and repeat the scrubbing process if necessary.
Step 6: Dry Your Shoes
Pat your shoes gently with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess moisture. Then, allow them to air dry naturally.
Method 4: Use Bleach to clean your white shoe
Bleach is a powerful cleaner that can help remove tough stains and disinfect your white shoes. However, bleach can also damage the fabric and color of your shoes if used incorrectly. So ensure your shoes are made of materials that are bleach-safe, such as canvas or certain types of leather.
Materials you’ll need:
- Bleach: Use a regular household bleach, preferably one without added fragrances or colors.
- Water: You’ll need water to dilute the bleach.
- A Bowl or Bucket: To mix the bleach solution.
- A Soft-Bristled Brush: This will help you scrub away stains without damaging the shoe material.
- Rubber Gloves: Protect your hands while working with bleach.
- Ventilated Area: Perform this cleaning process in a well-ventilated space to avoid inhaling bleach fumes.
Follow these steps to clean your white shoe using bleach:
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area
Find a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, or open windows to ensure good air circulation. Lay down a plastic sheet or old newspapers to protect the work surface.
Step 2: Dilute the Bleach
In a bowl or bucket, mix one part bleach with five parts water to create a bleach solution. For example, if you use one cup of bleach, add five cups of water.
Step 3: Remove Laces
Take off the shoe laces to clean the entire shoe surface thoroughly.
Step 4: Test a Hidden Area
Before applying bleach to the entire shoe, test a small, inconspicuous area (inside the shoe or on a less visible part) to ensure that the bleach won’t discolor or damage the material. Wait for a few minutes to observe any adverse reactions.
Step 5: Apply the Bleach Solution
Dip the soft-bristled brush into the bleach solution and gently scrub the stained areas of your white shoes. Focus on the stains, avoiding excessive contact with unaffected areas. Be cautious not to oversaturate the shoes with bleach.
Step 6: Scrub and Rinse
Continue to scrub the stained areas, periodically rinsing the brush in the bleach solution and checking the progress. Be patient and thorough in your scrubbing.
Step 7: Rinse Thoroughly
After the stains have been removed or lightened to your satisfaction, thoroughly rinse the shoes with clean water to remove any residual bleach.
Step 8: Let Them Dry
Allow your white shoes to air dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause yellowing.
Method 5: Clean your white shoe using Laundry detergent
You can achieve a remarkably clean white shoe and restore its original brilliance using a common laundry detergent. Cleaning white shoes with laundry detergent is a straightforward and cost-effective method that can yield impressive results.
Materials you’ll need:
- Mild Liquid Laundry Detergent: Choose a gentle, colorless detergent to prevent any potential discoloration of your shoes.
- A Bowl or Basin: Use this to create a cleaning solution.
- An Old Toothbrush or Soft-Bristled Brush: This will be your tool for scrubbing away dirt and stains.
- Warm Water: You’ll need this for creating the cleaning solution and rinsing your shoes.
- Clean, Dry Cloth: For wiping down your shoes after cleaning.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
Step 1: Remove Laces and Loose Dirt
Start by taking off the shoe laces and giving your white shoes a gentle shake to remove loose dirt and debris.
Step 2: Create the Cleaning Solution
Fill a bowl or basin with warm water and add a small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent. Stir the solution to create a soapy mixture.
Step 3: Test in an Inconspicuous Area
Before applying the cleaning solution to the entire shoe, it’s a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that it doesn’t cause any unwanted discoloration or damage.
Step 4: Scrub Gently
Dip an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush into the soapy solution, and then gently scrub the stained or dirty areas of your white shoes.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
After scrubbing, rinse your shoes with clean, warm water. Make sure to remove all traces of detergent from the shoes. You can use a separate bowl of water or a running faucet for this purpose.
Step 6: Wipe and Dry
Using a clean, dry cloth, wipe down your white shoes to remove excess moisture. Allow them to air dry completely.
Method 6: Cleaning a white shoe using Liquid dish soap
You can follow the same steps told in Method 3. But instead of using Laundry detergent, use Liquid dish soap. Material required and all the steps are the same. With a little time and effort, you can keep your white shoes clean without using baking soda.
Method 7: Use Micellar Water to clean a white shoe
Micellar water, a light cleanser and makeup remover known for its cleansing properties, can also work wonders to clean your white shoes. Using micellar water to clean white shoes is a gentle and effective method that can help maintain their pristine look. It’s particularly useful for delicate materials like canvas and leather.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Micellar Water: Choose micellar water that is suitable for sensitive skin and does not contain oils or harsh additives.
- Cotton Balls or Pads: These will be used to apply the micellar water to your shoes.
- A Soft Cloth: You’ll need this to wipe your shoes clean.
Step by Step Cleaning Instructions:
Step 1: Remove Laces
Before you start cleaning, take off the shoe laces. This will allow you to clean the shoe’s surface thoroughly.
Step 2: Apply Micellar Water
Saturate a cotton ball or pad with micellar water. Make sure it’s damp but not soaking wet to avoid over-saturating your shoes.
Step 3: Gently Clean the Shoes
Using the micellar water-soaked cotton ball or pad, gently dab and rub the stained or soiled areas of your white shoes. Work in small, circular motions, paying extra attention to areas with visible marks or dirt.
Step 4: Wipe Clean
Take a clean, dry, and soft cloth and wipe off any excess micellar water from your shoes. This will help remove any remaining dirt and ensure a clean finish.
Step 5: Allow to Air Dry
Let your white shoes air dry naturally. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or using artificial heat sources.
Method 8: How to clean white shoes With Magic Eraser
Mr. Clean White Eraser Magic is a handy and surprisingly effective tool to keep your white shoes clean and dirt-free. This eraser is designed to remove stains and scuffs without causing damage, making it an excellent choice for maintaining the pristine look of your white shoes. This method is the best way to clean white shoes without baking soda.
Materials Required:
- White Eraser Magic: You can find these erasers at most office supply stores or online.
- A Bowl of Water: You’ll need this to dampen the eraser and clean your shoes.
- A Clean Cloth: To wipe away any residue.
Step 1: Remove Laces
Start by removing the laces from your shoes. Also, clean the excess dirt from the shoe surface thoroughly.
Step 2: Dampen the Eraser
Dip the White Eraser Magic into the bowl of water, ensuring it’s damp but not soaking wet. Squeeze out any excess water.
Step 3: Gently Rub the Stains
Hold the damp eraser in your hand and use gentle, circular motions to rub the stained or dirty areas of your white shoes. Apply slight pressure as needed, but be cautious not to damage the shoe material.
Step 4: Wipe Clean
Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any eraser residue and excess moisture from your shoes. This will also help you see the full effect of the cleaning.
Step 5: Allow Shoes to Dry
Let your white shoes air dry naturally in the open area.
Method 9: Cleaning a white show using Hydrogen Peroxide
Cleaning white shoes with hydrogen peroxide is a quick and effective method for tackling tough stains and yellowing. Baking soda is often used with it, but you can also clean your white shoes with hydrogen peroxide without baking soda if there are no tough stains.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Look for a standard 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, readily available at most drugstores.
- A Bowl or Container: You’ll need this to mix and apply the hydrogen peroxide solution.
- An Old Toothbrush or Soft Bristle Brush: This will be your tool for scrubbing the shoes.
- Warm Water: To rinse the shoes.
- Clean Cloth or Paper Towels: For wiping off excess solution and drying the shoes.
Step-by-step cleaning process for your white shoe:
Step 1: Prepare the Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Start by mixing equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a bowl or container. You can use a measuring cup to ensure accuracy, or simply eyeball it.
Step 2: Remove Laces and Loose Dirt
Take off the shoe laces. If there’s loose dirt on the shoes, gently brush it off with a soft-bristle brush or shake it out.
Step 3: Apply the Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Dip the old toothbrush or soft brush into the hydrogen peroxide solution, allowing it to soak the bristles. Then, gently scrub the stained or dirty areas of your white shoes.
Step 4: Rinse and Repeat
After scrubbing, use clean water to rinse off the hydrogen peroxide solution. You may need to repeat the scrubbing and rinsing process a few times until the stains are no longer visible.
Step 5: Dry Your Shoes
Pat your shoes dry with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess water. Let your shoes air dry naturally.
How to Keep Your White Shoes Clean Longer – 10 Tips
You can keep your white shoes looking clean and fresh for a long time if you follow these simple tips:
- Pick the right shoes: When buying white shoes, choose ones made of materials that are easier to clean, like leather or synthetic leather.
- Protect them: Use a special spray or coating made for shoes to keep stains away. Apply it before wearing your white shoes.
- Watch where you walk: Try to stay away from really dirty or muddy places, and avoid stepping in puddles.
- Clean after use: After you wear your white shoes, wipe them with a damp cloth to get rid of dirt and prevent stains.
- Use a shoe horn: When putting your shoes on, use a shoe horn to avoid bending and creasing them.
- Inserts help: Put in shoe inserts or insoles to stop moisture and odors, keeping your shoes smelling better.
- Change it up: Don’t wear your white shoes every day. Give them a break and wear other shoes too.
- Store right: When you’re not using your white shoes, keep them in a dry place away from sunlight. You can also use shoe trees to keep their shape.
- Deal with stains: If you see a stain, clean it right away using the right method for your shoe material.
- Clean laces: Don’t forget to clean or replace your shoelaces when they look dirty.
By doing these things, you can enjoy your white shoes looking clean and good for a long time.
Also Read: How to Change Name in Truecaller Quickly [100% Working]
FAQs on How to Clean White Shoes Without Baking Soda
What is the easiest way to clean white shoes?
The easiest way to clean white shoes is to wipe them with a damp cloth or sponge after each wear. If it has a stain then you can use any of the above methods.
What is the best way to clean white shoes without baking soda?
The best way to clean your white shoes is by using the White Eraser Magic as it requires less effort and can be used to clean any kind of shoes.
Does toothpaste make shoes white?
Toothpaste can help clean white shoes but may not make them whiter. You can use Colgate to clean your white shoes.
How to clean white shoes that turned yellow?
If your white shoes turn yellow, you can whiten them at home by using vinegar or bleach as told in the above methods.
How to Get Rid of and Prevent Smells in Your White Shoes?
To get rid of and prevent smells in your white shoes, sprinkle baking soda inside, leave it overnight, and use fresh insoles or odor-fighting insoles to keep them smelling fresh.
Can I machine wash my white shoes?
It’s generally not recommended to machine wash white shoes, as it can damage the materials and shape. Stick to the methods told by us in this guide for the best results.
Conclusion
Cleaning white shoes without baking soda is entirely possible with the right cleaning methods. We have given the best guide on How to Clean White Shoes Without Baking Soda. You can clean your white shoes with the help of Toothpaste, Vinegar, Soap, Bleach, Laundry detergent, Liquid dish soap, Micellar Water, White Magic Eraser, and Hydrogen Peroxide. You can find the step-by-step guide for all these methods in this article.
Cleaning your white shoes without baking soda is not only effective but also gentle on your footwear. Remember to handle your shoes with care, and they will stay stylish and clean for a long time. We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.