Using Baking Soda
1Mix baking soda, vinegar, and hot water into a paste. Stir 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of hot water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon (14 g) of baking soda together in a bowl. Continue mixing the solution together until it forms a thick paste. The baking soda and vinegar will start to fizz and bubble as it reacts.[11]Baking soda works best if you’re trying to clean canvas, mesh, or fabric shoes.
If your paste is runny, add an additional teaspoon (5 g) of baking soda.
2Work the baking soda paste into your shoes using a toothbrush. Dip the head of the toothbrush into your paste and brush it into the fabric of your shoes. Apply gentle pressure to the bristles so the fabric absorbs the paste. Cover all of the exterior surfaces of your shoes with the baking soda paste.[12]Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly when you’re finished so the paste doesn’t dry in the bristles.
- 3Let the paste dry onto the shoes for 3-4 hours. Set the shoes in direct sunlight so the paste can dry or harden. Leave them outside until you can scratch the dried paste with a fingernail.[13]
If you can’t keep your shoes outside, put them near a sunny window or in a well-ventilated room.
4Clap your shoes together and use a dry brush to remove the dried paste. Hit the soles of your shoes together outside so the paste breaks apart and falls to the ground. If there’s any dried paste chunks leftover, scrape them off with a dry toothbrush until your shoes are clean again.[14]If you can’t work outside, lay down a sheet to catch the dried paste.
