We all have those favorite pairs of shoes—the ones we wear on sunny days, rainy days, and every day in between. But with regular use, shoes get dirty. Don’t worry if they’re starting to look a bit tired. You don’t need to buy special cleaners.
You probably have everything you need at home to make them look new again! Let’s see how you can clean your shoes using simple household items.
1. Toothpaste and an Old Toothbrush
Great for: Sneakers and canvas shoes.
How to use: Grab some white toothpaste and an old toothbrush. Dampen your shoes a little. Squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto the toothbrush. Gently scrub the dirty areas. You’ll be amazed at how the stains start to vanish! Once done, wipe off the toothpaste with a damp cloth.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Great for: Stains on canvas shoes and white sneakers.
How to use: Mix two parts white vinegar with one baking soda in a bowl. This will create a bubbly paste. Apply it to the stains and let it sit for a few hours, but not too long! Use an old toothbrush or cloth to scrub gently. Rinse off with water and let the shoes dry.
3. Dish Soap
Great for: General cleaning of most shoe types.
How to use: Fill a bowl with warm water. Add a few drops of dish soap. Mix until it gets sudsy. Dip a cloth or sponge in the solution. Gently clean your shoes. Wipe them with another clean, damp cloth. Let them dry naturally.
4. Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
Great for: Leather shoes.
How to use: Mix equal parts of olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl. Dampen a cloth with the mixture and wipe your leather shoes. This not only cleans them but also gives a nice shine!
5. Cornstarch
Great for: Oil stains on suede shoes.
How to use: Got an oily spot on your suede? Don’t panic. Sprinkle a bit of cornstarch over the stain. Let it sit overnight. The next day, gently brush off the cornstarch. It helps lift the oil from the suede.
6. Window Cleaner
Great for: Patent leather or shiny shoes.
How to use: Spray a little window cleaner onto a cloth. Gently wipe your shoes. They’ll be shiny and clean in no time.
7. Dryer Sheets
Great for: Smelly shoes.
How to use: If your shoes are a bit stinky, pop a dryer sheet in each shoe. Leave them overnight. The sheets will soak up the bad smell, leaving your shoes fresh.
8. Baby Wipes
Great for: Quick cleanups.
How to use: Grab a baby wipe if you’re in a hurry and notice a mark on your shoe. They’re gentle and moist, perfect for a quick clean.
9. Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer
Great for: Marks on hard surfaces like the sole or small spots on leather.
How to use: Dampen a cloth with a little rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Rub the spot gently. Wipe with a clean cloth and let dry.
Remember, always test a small hidden part of your shoe first before cleaning the whole shoe. Some materials can be sensitive, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Also, it’s a good idea to let your shoes dry naturally after cleaning. Avoid direct heat or sunlight, which can harm the material. If they’re very wet, stuff them with newspaper to help soak up the moisture and keep their shape.
How to Clean Shoes with Household Items
In the end, shoes are like our trusted friends, taking us on life’s journeys. They deserve a little TLC now and then. With these handy cleaning tips, you can keep them looking their best using things you already have at home. Happy cleaning!