DIY Cleaning Methods for Shoes

How to Clean Shoes with Baking Soda and White Vinegar

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need baking soda, white vinegar, a small bowl, an old toothbrush or soft brush, a clean cloth, and some water. Make sure your shoes are dry and free of loose dirt before you start—give them a quick brush or tap together outside.

 

• Mix your cleaning paste: In your bowl, combine about one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz (that’s normal—just basic chemistry at work). Stir until it forms a slightly runny paste. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water.

 

• Apply the paste: Dip your toothbrush or soft brush into the paste and gently scrub the surface of your shoes. Focus on stained or dirty areas, but avoid soaking the material. For canvas or mesh, use a gentle circular motion. For rubber soles, you can scrub a bit more firmly.

 

• Let it sit: After scrubbing, let the paste sit on the shoes for about 10–15 minutes. This gives the mixture time to work on surface grime and odors. Don’t leave it on too long, especially on colored fabrics, as it could cause lightening.

 

• Wipe and rinse: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the paste. For stubborn spots, you can rinse the cloth and repeat. Avoid soaking the shoes—too much water can warp the shape or damage glue.

 

• Dry properly: Stuff your shoes with paper towels or a dry cloth to help them keep their shape and absorb moisture. Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause fading or cracking.

 

• Extra tip for laces and insoles: Remove laces and insoles before cleaning. You can soak laces in a mix of baking soda, vinegar, and water, then rinse and air dry. Insoles should be spot-cleaned and dried separately.

• What’s happening here? Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so it helps lift dirt and stains. White vinegar is acidic, which helps break down grime and neutralize odors. The fizzing action is just carbon dioxide being released—nothing magical, but it does help loosen debris.

 

• What to watch out for: Always spot-test a small, hidden area first, especially on colored or delicate materials. Some fabrics or finishes may react differently, and you don’t want surprises.

Lemon Juice and Salt Scrub for Shoes: A Straightforward Guide

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need fresh lemon juice (bottled works in a pinch), table salt, a small bowl, a soft cloth or old toothbrush, and a clean towel. This method is best for shoes made of canvas, rubber, or other non-delicate materials. Avoid using it on suede or unfinished leather, as the acid and abrasives can be too much for those surfaces.

 

• Mix your scrub: In your bowl, combine about two tablespoons of lemon juice with enough salt to make a thick, gritty paste. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, while the lemon juice helps break down surface grime and can help with some discoloration.

 

• Test a small area first: Before you go all in, dab a bit of the mixture on a hidden spot. Wait a few minutes and check for any weird reactions—some shoe materials can be sensitive to acid or abrasion.

 

• Apply the scrub: Dip your cloth or toothbrush into the paste and gently work it onto the dirty areas of your shoes. Use small, circular motions and don’t press too hard—let the salt do the work. Focus on scuffed rubber soles, canvas uppers, or stained spots.

 

• Let it sit (but not too long): Give the mixture a couple of minutes to do its thing, but don’t let it dry out completely. Lemon juice can be acidic, so you don’t want it lingering on your shoes for ages.

 

• Wipe away the paste: Use a clean, damp cloth to remove all traces of the lemon and salt. Make sure you get into any seams or textured areas where the mixture might hide out.

 

• Dry thoroughly: Pat your shoes dry with a towel and let them air out in a well-ventilated spot. Avoid direct sunlight, which can sometimes cause fading or warping, especially on colored fabrics.

 

• Repeat if needed: For stubborn spots, you can go through the process again, but always check your shoes for any signs of wear or fading before doing another round.