It can sometimes be very challenging to keep our shoes white, especially since they often get stained, dirty, and lose their color due to frequent usage. Whether you are a sneaker addict or simply like wearing all white shoes, it is important to maintain their cleanliness and whiteness. Toothpaste it is!

That is why at Vessi, we are aware of the issues that are associated with the endeavour of maintaining the pristine look of white shoes. Waterproof is supposed to mean that the material is not affected by any form of weather but it is still possible for dust and similar particles to settle on the surface of the fabric. We're excited to share this handy cleaning hack using a household staple: toothpaste. Yes, the small tube of tooth paste that you have left in your bathroom cabinet can be useful to regain the shine of your white shoes.

You could be wondering why it was necessary to use toothpaste of all things here? So, the toothpaste contains mild abrasives and cleaning material which has the ability to remove stains and even improve the whiteness of that a white surface can possess. In addition, it is very accessible and relatively affordable.

Okay then, here is the proper way or procedure on how to use tooth paste in regenerating your shoes. Go ahead and try this toothpaste trick to clean your white shoes and have the best pair of shoes looking like new again.

Preparing for Cleaning

But before, there are certain few steps which one has to follow before one can start using tooth paste for cleaning white shoes. Here's how to prepare for cleaning:

1. Gather necessary materials

• White toothpaste (non-gel variety): Make use of white toothpaste which does not contain any coloured gels or other ingredients that may cause staining of your shoes.

• A soft-bristle toothbrush or cleaning brush: Choose a new or an old toothbrush preferably one with soft bristles or a shoe cleaning brush so as not to harm the shoe material.

• Clean cloth or sponge: Make sure to have a clean cloth or sponge handy for wiping off the toothpaste and rinsing the shoes.

• Water: Ensure there is availability of water through a sink or a basin for washing the shoes during washing process.

2. Remove shoelaces (if applicable) for separate cleaning

If your white shoes come with laces that you can untie, then you should ensure to remove them and leave the shoes open to wash. This makes it possible for you to clean the shoelaces and the shoes at the same time since they are both equally benefited by the cleaning process.

3. Perform a spot test

Rub a small amount of tooth paste on the shoe to gauge the hardness of the tooth paste. Apply some toothpaste on the test spot and then gently massage it with the assistance of the toothbrush.

Wait for approximately twenty seconds then wash off the toothpaste using a soft cloth and check for any undesirable interaction or shift in color. But if the spot test does not show the dirty coloured shade on the white cloth then, it means that the shoe does not have any colour change or damage then only it can be cleaned completely.

How to Clean White Shoes with Toothpaste

Image Source: quora.com

1. Remove excess dirt and debris

Before applying the toothpaste, it is recommended to wash the shoes and remove any deposits of dirt on them. To clean the surface of the shoes or the groves, it is advisable to use a soft-bristle toothbrush or cleaning brush.

2. Apply toothpaste to the shoe surface

Put a very small amount of white Non-gel toothpaste on the head of the toothbrush or the cleaning brush you are to use. Paint a thin coat of the paste on the outside of the shoe, especially the area that has the discoloration.

Start with a small amount the size of a pea and increase the quantity as needed. It important to note that one should not apply the toothpaste directly without first testing the material by applying it on a small portion of the shoe especially an invisible area.

3. Scrub the shoes

Scrub the toothpaste into the shoe fabric or material using gentle circular motions. The friction the brushing creates 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 applied on shoes should not be very forceful as this might be detrimental in the preservation of shoes. It should be in a position of frothing with the toothpaste to clean the stains and other dirt on the surface of the brush or the toothbrush.

4. Let the toothpaste sit

Image Source: countrydiaries.com

Allow the mixture of toothpaste to stay on the shoes for about 10-15 minutes or until the mixture dried up. This leads to some of the cleaning agents in the toothpaste make contact with the stains and other forms of discolouration on the teeth. During this period it is advised not to dry or expose the shoes to direct sunlight or any other form of heat which affects the material of the shoes.

5. Rinse the shoes

Take a fresh piece of clean cloth or sponge and wet it with water. Once the toothpaste is applied, the next thing that you should do is to use the damp cloth to wipe off the toothpaste from the shoes. If necessary, the shoes may be washed with clean running water so that all the toothpaste does not remain on the shoes. But ensure that you do not soak the shoes in any water as water has an impact on some of the shoes.

6. Dry and inspect the clean shoes

Wash the shoes and then attempt to dry the excess water in the shoe by utilizing one other towel and allow the shoe to dry on its own. One cannot wear the shoes immediately; they also should not be stored while they are wet, but should be left to dry for sometime. After washing is complete, allow the shoes to dry and then inspect them for any remaining stains or discoloration that may have been overlooked. Even if you have not been able to clean the stain to your satisfaction, you can clean the garment once more and this will help get rid of the stain.

Types of Shoes You Can Clean with Toothpaste

Image Source: ca.vessi.com

1. Canvas shoes

It is true that toothpaste can be used to clean canvas shoes. Regarding very dirty canvas shoes, one can use normal toothpaste since the particles are soft and can easily scrub the shoes without causing any harm. For washing the canvas shoes, one can use toothpaste by applying it on a toothbrush or a cleaning brush and while brushing gently, you must brush the canvas part of the shoe with a gentle force and then you should wash the shoe gently with a wet cloth.

2. Leather shoes

Toothpaste can also be used when washing the leather shoes but one has to make sure of the outcome by applying it where you want to first. It is suggested to use non-gel toothpaste and it is advised to place a thin layer of toothpaste, which is equivalent to a pea-sized, on a microfiber cloth.

Gently apply some pressure to the leather part by moving the toothpaste forward and backward in a circular motion several times focusing on the spoiled spots. As a rule, do not rub the surface of the leather too hard, as this will harm the skin. Wipe the area with another damp cloth to wash the rest of the toothpaste and make sure to condition the leather to prevent it from stiffening and cracking.

3. Mesh or knit shoes

Yes, you can clean mesh or knit shoes with toothpaste in the following manner: Take a little toothpaste and apply it on a soft brushing part or on a brushing part that is used to clean, scrub the mesh or knit surface and wash them. It can also be used on these materials to clean them and even bring their natural color back to life.

4. Rubber or plastic shoes

It’s safe to use toothpaste for cleaning rubber or plastic shoe as it is non-toxic. Apply the paste on the brush or the cleansing brush and wipe the exterior of the item before washing it off with water. To remove the chalk or scuff marks on the rubber or plastic surface, use toothpaste.

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

Yes, you can use toothpaste to polish your faux leather or polyester shoes. These materials are quite durable and thus they can withstand being cleaned with toothpaste. Smear a little toothpaste and with the use of a soft toothbrush or even a little brush, proceed to scrub in circles. Lastly, you should wash them with a cloth that is dipped in warm water and then let them dry for sometime.

Types of Shoes You Can't Clean with Toothpaste

1. Suede shoes

You should not clean suede shoes with toothpaste. Much caution should be taken especially on the use of tooth paste as it may cause the suede to appear rugged or of a different hue. Instead of washing the garment with soap and water, use a suede brush or an eraser to clean the fabric. However, if the stain proves difficult to remove, it is recommended to visit professional suede cleaners.

2. Patent leather shoes

Toothpaste is not suitable for cleaning patent leather shoes. First, patent leather is shiny and smooth and tooth paste is abrasive and contains particles that will/can cause further damage, such as mar, scratch or dull the material. Indeed, the patent leather shoes should just be wiped with a clean, damp cloth and then, a patent leather cleaner should be applied on the stains.

3. Metallic or foiled shoes

The utilization of toothpaste to clean shoes that have a metallic or foiled surface should be avoided. Another issue that must be observed is toothpaste has mild abrasive particles which may cause some scratching or leave marks on the metallic or foiled surface of the motorcycle. These shoes should then be wiped using a cloth wet in water added with some soap and this should be done in a wiping manner only.

4. Decorative or ornamental shoes

It is advised that you do not scrub shoes with fancy patterns or any sort of embroidery such as beads, sequins or gems. This is because toothpaste can be abrasive and may cause damage or even weaken the decorations and therefore loosen them. When washing such shoes, it is advisable to wash only the shoe part and not the embellishments as this might damage them by using a mild soap and water solution.

5. Dyed or coloured leather shoes

It is also advisable to avoid the use of tooth paste to clean dyed or dark coloured shoes as this may alter or fade colour. It is advisable when cleaning coloured leather shoes to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturers or use a cleaner which is meant for coloured leather.

Additional Tips and Considerations on Cleaning White Shoes with Toothpaste

Image Source: countrydiaries.com

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

Some stains are hard and one may need to use toothpaste repeatedly in order to clean the stains. If the stain did not come off the first time, wash the fabric as per the steps mentioned above until the proper result is obtained. It may take several applications to remove some of the stains and that is why do not be discouraged if some stains are still noticeable after the first application.

B. Use a whitening toothpaste for enhanced stain removal

More components are incorporated to the whitening toothpaste to make it effective in the removal of the stubborn stains and to whiten the toothpaste in the process. When it comes to washing white shoes, a whitening toothpaste may be more effective than a regular toothpaste. Pay attention to the packaging of the toothpaste and see whether there is ‘whitening’ written on it.

C. Avoid using gel toothpaste or coloured toothpaste

Gel toothpaste has additives and gelling agents in it and should not be used to wash the shoes. Some of these additives may be detrimental to footwear material or may result into a residue which is not preferred in most instances. Do not use gel toothpaste for this process because it may negatively affect the efficiency of the whole process.

D. Consider using a toothbrush with softer bristles

Even though the toothbrush is used for washing shoes, the kind of toothbrush to be used should be a soft one to avoid damaging the soft fabrics of the shoes. Unlike the hard bristles, the soft bristles do not cause any wear and tear on the fabric or the surface of the shoe through abrasive or shredding. In case the shoes are made of delicate material such as suede or canvas, then a soft brushes like the tooth brush should be used.

E. Always test the toothpaste on a small area

Since this is the first time toothpaste is being used on the shoe, one is advised to apply the toothpaste on a hidden part of the shoe before applying it on the whole shoe. Apply a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and clean the area smartly in circles. It is also necessary to check for skin redness, variation of color or any other signs which may show that the fabric used in the shoe is deteriorating. Treat the rest of the shooting shoe if there are no negative results of the shooting as this shall help in reducing the probability.

F. Store white shoes properly

To avoid having more marks and spots on white shoes they need to be stored properly. Yes, white shoes should not be left in areas with a lot of moisture because it will lead to mould or mildews. To avoid this, they should be put in a shoe box or shoe bags so that they are protected from dust and sunlight. Example: White shoes should not be placed close to coloured or dyed clothes because it ends up transferring some of the colour to the shoes.

Conclusion

Cleaning white shoes with toothpaste is another hack that does not call for much especially when one is willing to bring back the sparkle of a favorite sneaker or formal shoe. By enacting the series of methods provided in this context, you will be saved from constant worrying of stains or discoloration and will be able to revive your white shoes.

As highlighted, cleaning your white shoes not only makes them presentable but also long-lasting. Well, what do you have to lose by trying out this hack of using toothpaste to clean stains? Your shoes will be happy and you will be strolling with a sense of accomplishment knowing well that whites are bright. Get ready to strut the streets in style!