Maintaining the white colour of our shoes can, at times, be a daunting task, given that these shoes are prone to get stained, dirt, and fading off their colour due to constant use. Whether you are a sneakerhead or a fan of wearing white shoes, keeping them clean and bright is crucial. Toothpaste it is!

That is why, at Vessi, we know the challenges of maintaining the pristine look of white shoes. Waterproof is intended to be resistant to all sorts of weather, but all the same, dust and other debris may end up on the fabric's surface.

We're excited to share this handy cleaning hack using a household staple: toothpaste. Yes, the small tube of toothpaste that you have left in your bathroom cabinet is capable of rejuvenating the sparkle in your white shoes.

You might be wondering why toothpaste is out of all things. Well, toothpaste contains mild abrasives and cleaning agents that give it the power to clean stains and even enhance the whiteness of a white surface. Furthermore, it is highly accessible and cheap.

Preparing for Cleaning

Before using toothpaste to clean the white shoes, a few steps should be taken. Here's how to clean it:

1. Gather necessary materials

• White toothpaste (non-gel variety): Use white toothpaste that does not contain coloured gels or other ingredients that may stain your shoes.

• A soft-bristle toothbrush or cleaning brush: Choose a new or old toothbrush, preferably one with soft bristles, or a shoe cleaning brush to avoid harming the shoe material.

• Clean cloth or sponge: Keep a clean cloth or sponge handy for wiping off the toothpaste and rinsing the shoes.

• Water: Ensure water is available through a sink or a basin to wash the shoes during the washing process.

2. Remove shoelaces (if applicable) for separate cleaning

If your white shoes have laces that you can remove, then it is advisable to undo them before washing them. This means you can effectively clean the shoelaces and shoes in equal measure, as both will benefit from the cleaning process.

3. Perform a spot test

Apply a small amount of toothpaste on the shoe to test the strength and effectiveness of the toothpaste. Dab some toothpaste on the test spot and then softly brush it with the help of the toothbrush.

Wait for a few seconds, then rinse away the toothpaste with a cloth and look for any unfavourable reactions or changes in colour. If the spot test does not result in any discoloration or damage to the shoe, it can be cleaned thoroughly.

How to Clean White Shoes with Toothpaste

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1. Remove excess dirt and debris

When using toothpaste, it is essential to clean the shoes and get rid of any loose dirt particles. A soft-bristle toothbrush or a cleaning brush is recommended to wipe the surface of the shoes, especially in the grooves.

2. Apply toothpaste to the shoe surface

Place a small pea-sized blob of white non-gel toothpaste onto the head of the toothbrush or cleaning brush. Apply a thin layer of the paste to the outside surface of the shoe, especially the discoloured part.

Use only a pea-sized amount and gradually build up to the desired amount. To avoid damaging the shoe, it is recommended to first test the toothpaste on an unnoticeable section of the shoe, particularly an area that is not easily seen.

3. Scrub the shoes

Scrub the toothpaste into the shoe fabric or material using gentle circular motions. The friction created by brushing helps to remove stains like paint and dirt from the surface. Continue scrubbing until the toothpaste creates a lather, indicating it's actively cleaning the shoes.

The pressure exerted should be mild to avoid damaging the shoes. The brush or toothbrush used should be capable of creating lather with the toothpaste to clean the stains and other dirt on the surface.

4. Let the toothpaste sit

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Let the toothpaste mixture remain on the shoes for about 10-15 minutes or until it dries up. This allows the toothpaste to act on the stains and other forms of discoloration on the teeth. During this period, do not air the shoes under direct sun or other sources of heat, which can harm the material of the shoes.

5. Rinse the shoes

Moisten a clean cloth or sponge with water. After applying the toothpaste, use a damp cloth to remove the excess paste from the shoes. If needed, rinse the shoes with running water so that all the toothpaste is washed off. However, do not wet or immerse the shoes in water because water affects some types of shoes.

6. Dry and inspect the clean shoes

Rinse the shoes, then try gently removing excess water with another cloth and let the shoe air-dry. One should not wear the shoes immediately, nor should they be stored while still wet; instead, they should be left to dry for some time. When you wash, let the shoes dry and check for any stains or discoloration you may have missed. If the stain persists, you can always repeat the cleaning process to remove it.

Types of Shoes You Can Clean with Toothpaste

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1. Canvas shoes

Yes, you can indeed clean canvas shoes with toothpaste. Regular toothpaste can be used for filthy canvas shoes because its mild abrasiveness can clean the shoes without causing any damage. To clean canvas shoes, it is recommended to apply toothpaste to a toothbrush or a cleaning brush. With gentle brushing, you should clean the canvas part of the shoe and then wash it carefully with a damp cloth.

2. Leather shoes

Toothpaste can also be used to wash leather shoes, though it is recommended that you first test it out in one area of the shoe to see how it works. Use non-gel toothpaste and apply a pea-sized amount to a microfiber cloth.

Massage the toothpaste on the leather part for a few rotations, targeting the spoiled areas. Try not to scrub the leather too roughly, as this may damage the leather surface. Rinse the area with a damp cloth to remove the rest of the toothpaste, then condition the leather so it does not lose its flexibility.

3. Mesh or knit shoes

Yes, you can clean mesh or knit shoes with toothpaste in the following manner: Rub a little toothpaste on a soft brush or a brush used for cleaning, scrub the mesh or knit surface, and wash the shoes. Toothpaste can also be used to clean these materials and restore their natural brightness.

4. Rubber or plastic shoes

Using toothpaste to clean rubber or plastic shoes is safe as it is non-toxic. Massage the toothpaste onto the brush or cleansing brush, clean the item's surface, and rinse it with water. Chalk or scuff marks can be removed using toothpaste, especially if the surface is rubber or plastic.

5. Synthetic materials (e.g., faux leather, polyester)

Yes, toothpaste can clean synthetic shoes like faux leather or polyester shoes. These materials are rigid and can, therefore, stand the gentle abrasiveness of toothpaste. Take some toothpaste, and with the help of a soft-bristle toothbrush or a cleaning brush, clean the shoes in circular motions. Wash them with a cloth soaked in warm water and then leave them to dry for some time.

Types of Shoes You Can't Clean with Toothpaste

1. Suede shoes

You should not clean suede shoes with toothpaste. Be careful when using toothpaste, as it may cause the suede to appear rough or change colour. Do not rub the garment with soap and water; instead, clean it with a suede brush or an eraser. Professional suede cleaning services should be sought for persistent stains.

2. Patent leather shoes

Toothpaste is not suitable for cleaning patent leather shoes. Patent leather is shiny and smooth, toothpaste is abrasive and contains particles that can mar, scratch, or dull the material. You should use a clean, damp cloth to clean the patent leather shoes and then use a patent leather cleaner on the stubborn stains.

3. Metallic or foiled shoes

It is advisable not to clean shoes with toothpaste on a metallic or foiled surface. It is also important to note that toothpaste contains mildly abrasive particles that may leave scratches or markings on the metallic or foiled finish of the motorcycle. These shoes should be cleaned with a cloth soaked in water and mixed with some soap, and this should be done using a wiping motion.

4. Decorative or ornamental shoes

You should avoid scrubbing shoes with complex designs or any embroidered work, like beads, sequins, or gemstones. This is because toothpaste can cause damage or even loosen the decorative elements. For shoes like these, gently wash only the shoe using a mild soap and water solution to avoid damaging the embellishments.

5. Dyed or coloured leather shoes

It is also important not to use toothpaste to clean dyed or dark-coloured shoes as it may change or remove colour. To clean coloured leather shoes, one should ideally refer to the specific cleaning instructions detailed by the manufacturers or use a cleaner intended for coloured leather.

Additional Tips and Considerations on Cleaning White Shoes with Toothpaste

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A. Repeat the process for stubborn stains (if necessary)

Some stains may require several applications of toothpaste to remove effectively. If the stain does not disappear after the first attempt, wash the fabric as described in the previous steps until the desired effect is achieved. It might require several applications to eradicate specific stains, so do not be discouraged if they do not disappear on the first try.

B. Use a whitening toothpaste for enhanced stain removal

Extra ingredients are added to the whitening toothpaste to ensure it can better remove deep stains and brighten itself. Using a whitening toothpaste may be more effective when washing white shoes. Take a closer look at the toothpaste package and look for the words “whitening” on i".

C. Avoi" using gel toothpaste or coloured toothpaste

Gel toothpaste usually contains additives and gelling agents and is not recommended for washing shoes. Such additives can harm the shoe's substances and leave undesirable residue in most cases. Avoid gel toothpaste since it may compromise the effectiveness of the whole procedure.

D. Consider using a toothbrush with softer bristles

Although a toothbrush is effective in washing shoes, using a toothbrush with soft bristles is recommended to avoid abrasion of the soft shoe fabrics. As opposed to stiff bristles, the soft bristles do not damage the fabric or the surface of the shoes through scratching or fraying. If the shoes are made of sensitive materials like suede or canvas, it is advisable to use a soft-bristle toothbrush.

E. Always test the toothpaste on a small area

Since it is the first toothpaste used on the shoe, it is recommended to try it on an undisclosed area of the shoe before proceeding with the entire shoe. Place a minor amount of toothpaste on the brush and clean the region wisely in circles. It is also important to look for any signs of skin irritation, discoloration, or damage to the fabric used in the shoe. Treat the rest of the shooting shoe if there are no negative results of the shooting, as this shall help reduce its probability.

F. Store white shoes properly

It is important to store them properly to prevent any future marks and spots on white shoes. It is advisable to store your white shoes away from places that are moist to avoid mould or mildew. To prevent this, you can place them in a shoe box or use shoe bags so they do not get dusty and are not exposed to direct sunlight. Example: Do not put white shoes near coloured or dyed clothes, as it is likely that the colour will spill over to the shoes.

Conclusion

Using toothpaste to clean white shoes is an effective hack that does not require much, especially when trying to recapture the shine of your favourite sneakers or formal shoes. Following the series of methods in this context, you won’t have to fight persistent stains or discoloration and bring your white shoes back to life.

As noted, cleaning your white shoes makes them aesthetically appealing and more durable. What do you have to lose by trying out this hack of using toothpaste to clean stains? Your shoes will thank you, and you’ll walk proudly, knowing that your whites are sparkling. Prepare yourself to hit the streets in fine form!