Method1Scrubbing Your Shoes with Soap and Water
Method1
1Mix dish soap into 1 c (240 ml) of warm water. Any liquid dish soap will work for cleaning your shoes. Use about 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of soap so the water is sudsy but still clear. Stir the cleaning solution with a toothbrush so it’s evenly mixed.[1]Soap and water work best on all kinds of shoes, including white leather.
If you don’t want to use dish soap, you can substitute 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of white vinegar.[2]
2Clean the soles and rubber pieces with a magic eraser. Dip the magic eraser into your soapy water and wring it out. Wipe in short back and forth motions along parts of your shoes made of leather, rubber, or plastic. Keep working the eraser until all scuffs and stains are removed.[3]Magic erasers can be found in the cleaning section of your local department store.
- 3Scrub stains with a stiff-bristled toothbrush. Dip the head of the toothbrush into the water so the bristles are wet. Work the bristles in small circular motions on the surface of your shoes, focusing on heavily stained areas. Use a slight amount of pressure to work the cleaning solution into the shoe’s fabric.[4]
Tip: If your white shoelaces are stained, take them out of your shoes and scrub them with your toothbrush separately.
Keep the toothbrush you use to clean out of the bathroom to avoid any confusion.
4Pat excess water away with a towel. Use either a cloth or paper towel to pat the soapy water and dirt off of the shoe. Avoid wiping the towel across the shoe’s fabric since you could spread the dirt across the fabric again.[5]Don’t try to completely dry your shoes with the towel. Just lift off the excess cleaning solution from the surface.
- 5Let your shoes air dry. After you initially pat them with a towel, put them in a well-ventilated area in your home so they can dry completely. Leave them alone for at least 2-3 hours before wearing them again.[6]
Clean your shoes at night so you can leave them to dry overnight.
