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

That is why at Vessi, we know the challenges that come in 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 tooth paste that you have left in your bathroom cabinet is capable of rejuvenating the sparkle in your white shoes.

You might be wondering, why toothpaste 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 approachable and cheap.

Alright then, here is the procedure of how you can use toothpaste to rejuvenate your shoes in a proper manner. This toothpaste hack is all that you need to bring back the shine of your white shoes and make the pair look as good as new.

Preparing for Cleaning

There are some minor steps that should be taken before one can start using tooth paste to clean the 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

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

3. Perform a spot test

Apply small amount of tooth paste on the shoe to test the strength and effectiveness of the tooth paste. 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 change in colour. If the spot test does not result in any discoloration or damages to the shoe, then it can be cleansed fully.

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 particles of dirt. It is recommended to use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a cleaning brush 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 on the outside surface of the shoe, especially the part that is discoloured.

Use only a pea size 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 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.

Pressure exerted should be mild as a way of avoiding damaging the shoes. The brush or the toothbrush that is 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 mixture of toothpaste remain on the shoes for about 10-15 minutes or until it dries up. This allows the cleaning agents in the toothpaste to act on the stains and other forms of discolouration 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, you should use the damp cloth to wipe off the excess paste from the shoes. If needed, the shoes can be rinsed with running water so that all the toothpaste is washed off the shoes. 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 are done washing, let the shoes dry and check for any stains or discoloration that you may have missed. If the stain persists, you can always repeat the cleaning process in order to get rid of it.

Types of Shoes You Can Clean with Toothpaste

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1. Canvas shoes

Yes, it is true that you can clean canvas shoes with toothpaste. As for very dirty canvas shoes, regular toothpaste can be used to clean the shoes because the mild abrasiveness of the toothpaste can clean the shoes without causing any damage. For cleaning the canvas shoes, it is recommended to take toothpaste on a toothbrush or a cleaning brush, and with gentle brushing, you should clean the canvas part of the shoe and then you should wash it carefully with a damp cloth.

2. Leather shoes

Toothpaste can also be applied when washing leather shoes, though it is recommended that you first test it out in one area of the shoe to see how it works. It is recommended to use non-gel toothpaste and apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on 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 and then condition the leather so that 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 and scrub the mesh or knit surface and wash them. Toothpaste can also be used to clean these materials as well as restore their natural brightness.

4. Rubber or plastic shoes

It’s safe to use toothpaste for cleaning rubber or plastic shoe as it is non-toxic. Massage the toothpaste onto the brush or cleansing brush and clean the surface of the item, then rinse with water. Chalk or scuff marks can be removed by using toothpaste, especially if the surface is rubber or plastic.

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

Yes, toothpaste can be used to clean synthetic shoes like faux leather or polyester shoes. These materials are tough 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 sometime.

Types of Shoes You Can't Clean with Toothpaste

1. Suede shoes

You should not clean suede shoes with toothpaste. One should 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 but 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, and toothpaste is abrasive and contains particles that can mar, scratch, or dull, the material. In fact, you should simply 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 that have a metallic or foiled surface with toothpaste. 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 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 potentially 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 colored shoes as it may change or remove color. To clean coloured leather shoes one should ideally refer to the specific cleaning instructions detailed by the manufacturers or use a cleaner that is 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)

There are some stains that may need several applications of tooth paste in order to effectively remove them. If the stain did 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 that it can better remove deep stains and brighten itself up. Using a whitening toothpaste may be more effective when it comes to washing white shoes. Take a closer look at the toothpaste package and look for the words “whitening” on it.

C. Avoid 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 substance of the shoe or even leave a residue which is undesirable 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, it is recommended to use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid abrasion of the soft shoe fabrics. As opposed to hard 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-time toothpaste is being used on the shoe, it is recommended to try it on an undisclosed area of the shoe first 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 mildews. To avoid this, you can place them in a shoe box or use shoe bags so that they do not get dusty and are also 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 you’re trying to recapture the shine of your favorite sneakers or formal shoes. By following the series of methods provided in this context, you won’t have to fret about persistent stains or discoloration and bring your white shoes back to life.

As noted, cleaning your white shoes not only makes them aesthetically appealing, but also more durable. Well, 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 be walking around with a proud step in the knowledge that your whites are sparkling. Prepare yourself to hit the streets in fine form!