Whether you’re getting your shoes ready for a special occasion or recently noticing a discoloration, yellowed white shoes can be a major eyesore. Unfortunately, when it comes to trying to get those whites back, store-bought cleaning methods aren’t always practical, even after all of the sweat and effort that goes into scrubbing away at that stubborn discoloration. But don’t despair!
There are some great DIY techniques to help make your white kicks look just like new again with minimal effort. We’ll explore how to clean yellowed white shoes and shine them up until they sparkle in no time.
Essential Tools: What You’ll Need to Clean Yellowed White Shoes?
- Mild detergent: Look for one free of dyes and fragrances to minimize additional staining.
- Soft bristle brush: A toothbrush or a special shoe brush will work.
- Magic Eraser: These can work wonders on stubborn stains.
- White vinegar: Useful for breaking down stains and odors.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: For heavy-duty bleaching, but be cautious as it can weaken the fabric.
- Baking soda: Works well in combination with other items like vinegar.
- Soft cloth or towel: For wiping away dirt and for drying.
- A bowl of water: For mixing solutions and rinsing.
- Rubbing alcohol: Optional for disinfecting the insides.
- Sunlight: To aid in natural bleaching.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Yellowed White Shoes:
Stage 1. Prepare the Basic Cleaning Solution:
- Mix a teaspoon of mild detergent in a bowl of warm water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Dip the soft bristle brush into the cleaning solution.
- Gently scrub the entire surface of each shoe. Use circular motions for better results. Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging the material.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to remove the soap residue from the shoe.
Stage 2. Intensive Cleaning for Stubborn Stains:
- Soak a cloth in white vinegar.
- Gently rub the cloth over stubborn stains and yellowed areas. The acidity of the vinegar can help break down tougher stains.
- Wet the Magic Eraser and gently scrub it over areas that are still stained. Magic Erasers can be practical for hard-to-remove stains, but be gentle as they can also be abrasive.
- Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the stained areas.
- Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Use the soft bristle brush to scrub the paste, lifting the stain.
- Rinse the shoe thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaning agents.
Stage 3. Optional Bleaching for Extra Whiteness:
- Mix a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide to five parts water.
- Use a sponge or cloth to apply this mixture to the yellowed areas.
- Allow to sit for 10-30 minutes, checking occasionally.
- Note: Be sure to test this on a small, inconspicuous area first, as hydrogen peroxide can weaken the fabric.
Stage 4. Final Rinse:
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any residual hydrogen peroxide.
- Use a clean, dry towel to pat down the shoes and remove excess water.
- Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area to air dry. You can let them dry in direct sunlight for added whiteness, which acts as a natural bleaching agent.
- If you want to disinfect the inside, use a spray bottle to apply water and rubbing alcohol. Allow the shoes to dry completely.
- Clean the laces with a mild detergent, rinse, and air dry.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to bring back the original white gleam of your yellowed shoes. Keep in mind that the key to effective cleaning is being thorough and gentle to ensure the material of the shoe is not damaged.
What Causes White Shoes to Turn Yellow?
Yellowing shoes can be a real eyesore. Whether white canvas sneakers or leather shoes, they can quickly become discolored and yellow over time. While you might think this is just the cost of owning and wearing your favorite pair of shoes, there are some preventative measures to help keep them looking like new for longer!
The most common cause of yellowing shoes is environmental factors such as sunlight, humidity, and age. Sunlight can break down the fibers in the material, making them more susceptible to moisture and airborne pollutants. Humidity is another factor that can cause white shoes to discolor over time. The extra water in the air will soak into the shoe material, causing it to yellow or darken.
In addition to environmental factors, improper cleaning and care can cause white shoes to turn yellow. If you don’t regularly clean the dirt and grime off your shoes, it can build up over time and discolor them.
How to Prevent Your White Shoes from Turning Yellow Again?
Keeping white shoes pristine requires ongoing care. Yellowing can occur due to various factors, including exposure to dirt, moisture, and even the cleaning agents you use. Here’s a detailed guide on preventing your white shoes from turning yellow again.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down your shoes after each use. This simple step can prevent grime buildup that eventually leads to stubborn stains.
- If you notice a stain or a mark, spot-clean it immediately. The sooner you address it, the easier it will be to remove.
- Store your shoes in a cool, dry place. Humidity and heat can expedite the yellowing process.
- Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause the material to break down and yellow over time. Store your shoes away from direct sunlight.
- . Use shoe trees to maintain the shape and silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture.
- Always use a mild detergent when cleaning. Strong detergents can affect the color of the shoe material.
- . Chlorine bleach can cause white fabrics to turn yellow. If you need to bleach your shoes, consider using oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide in diluted form.
- Always hand wash if possible. Machines can be harsh and cause the glue to break down, which leads to yellowing.
Conclusion:
Having yellowed shoes doesn’t mean curtains for your favorite footwear; all hope isn’t lost. With some knowledge, elbow grease, and suitable materials, you can get your white shoes looking as good as new in no time. If nothing else works, entrusting a professional or investing in a specialized cleaning product will help do the trick.
No matter what route you choose to get whiter shoes, it’s a process that will be well worth it, not only in saved money but also in pride of ownership for something that looks and functions its best. So grab those rusty whites: there’s work to be done!
