How to clean white tennis shoes with baking soda

Have you ever noticed how dirt and stains are more prominent on your white tennis shoes? Don’t worry, you’re certainly not alone. In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to clean white tennis shoes with baking soda, a cost-effective, natural and powerful cleaning agent.

Preparing Your White Sneakers for Cleaning

Before attempting to clean white shoes, begin by loosening off the dirt and stains. Doing this can be as simple as tapping your shoes together outside or using a dry brush or a damp cloth to help remove larger debris. Further, don’t forget to remove the laces from your white sneakers and set them aside for individual cleaning.

The next step involves preparing your shoes for a wash. If you’re concerned about the texture or material of your sneakers, avoid tossing them in the washing machine. While it might seem like the easier route, washing machines can sometimes cause more harm than good to certain types of shoes.

Creating the Cleaning Mixture

Creating your cleaning solution involves a mixture of water and a few other household ingredients. Start by combining equal parts water and white vinegar in a bowl, creating a mixture potent enough to combat even the most stubborn stains.

Next, bring in the powerhouse ingredient – baking soda. Add a small amount of baking soda to the mixture, generally 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda should be enough, and mix it all together to complete your cleaning solution. This guides you on ‘how to clean white tennis shoes with baking soda’.

Cleaning the white canvas shoes

Cleaning shoes, especially white canvas shoes, using this solution is quite straightforward. Use a toothbrush or cleaning brush, dip it in the solution and work in circular motions on the shoes. Pay particular attention to stained or heavily dirtied areas, and don’t be afraid to apply a little extra elbow grease for more stubborn stains.

Meanwhile, ensure you have a damp cloth handy because after scrubbing, it’s essential to wipe the shoes clean. Remove the remaining baking soda and white vinegar mixture, and inspect the shoes for any stubborn, leftover stains that may need more attention.

Magic Eraser

If after trying the baking soda and white vinegar mix, some stains continue to persist, use a magic eraser to clean your white sneakers. Dampen the magic eraser with some warm water and gently scrub the affected area. Remember to test it out on a hidden area first, as it can be abrasive.

After scrubbing away the persistent stains, wipe it with a clean, damp cloth and rinse it with warm water. The magic eraser, combined with your baking soda cleaner, should leave your sneakers shining bright.

Drying Your white tennis shoes

Once you’ve learned ‘how to clean white tennis shoes with baking soda’ and applied the steps, it’s time to dry your white tennis shoes. Stay clear of heat sources such as direct sunlight or heat vents for drying. Instead, let your shoes air dry in a well-ventilated area.

Moreover, to maintain their shape while drying, stuff your shoes with newspaper or specialized shoe trees. This step is crucial to withhold your shoe’s form and functionality until dry and ready to wear again.

Repeating the Process

Keep in mind that one cleanup may not be enough to remove all dirt and stains, so don’t hesitate to repeat the process if necessary. This homemade solution for cleaning shoes, particularly white sneakers, with baking soda to clean, is cost-effective and efficient, making repeated use affordable and manageable.

Cleaning the Shoelaces

Once the shoes are drying, you can’t ignore the laces. Clean the laces using the same baking soda solution, lather them up well and give them a good scrub. Afterward, rinse them under warm water and set them aside to air-dry before rethreading them through your sneakers.

Conclusion

Cleaning white tennis shoes can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right cleaning solution, the task becomes much easier and the results far more impressive. “How to clean white tennis shoes with baking soda?” you may ask. By following this simple guide, not only will you get the answer but also ensure your favorite white kicks remain as clean and vibrant as the day you bought them.

Can I clean my white tennis shoes with baking soda in the washing machine?

No, as it’s not recommended to put tennis shoes in the washing machine. This method could damage the shoes.

Can I use warm water with baking soda to clean white sneakers?

Yes, warm water mixed with baking soda makes an excellent cleaning solution for white shoes.

Can I clean stubborn stains with just a damp cloth?

While a damp cloth can remove surface dust and dirt, for stubborn stains, a solution of vinegar and baking soda is recommended.

What can I do to help my shoes air dry faster?

Stuff your shoes with newspaper or cloth to help absorb moisture and retain shape. Keep them in a well-ventilated area, but avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.

Why should I work in circular motions when cleaning my shoes with baking soda?

Working in circular motions aids in deep cleaning to remove stubborn stains and ensures even application of the cleaning solution.

How much baking soda do I need to clean white tennis shoes?

Typically, you only need a small amount of baking soda, roughly 1-2 tablespoons, mixed with equal parts water and vinegar.

What is the magic eraser’s role in the cleaning process?

A magic eraser is a handy tool to eliminate stubborn stains that may not have been removed with the baking soda solution.

Can I repeat the cleaning process if the stains don’t come off?

Yes, you certainly can. This is a gentle cleaning method, and repeated cleaning won’t harm your shoes.

How often should I clean my white tennis shoes with baking soda?

It largely depends on how often and where you wear them. However, a quick clean-up every couple of weeks can help maintain their bright white appearance.

Can I use this same process on other types of shoes?

While this process is ideal for white canvas shoes or sneakers, it can also be effective on other types of shoes, so long as the material of the shoe isn’t damaged by water or the cleaning ingredients. Always test a small, hidden area first.