Here are 9 different methods to whiten your shoes so that you’re no longer afraid of wearing them whenever you feel like it.

1. Baking soda and white vinegar

To make your favorite sneakers look shiny white again, you don’t need to buy overpriced products that are often hard to find. Just by using baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water, you can get rid of most of the dark stains that appear on the fabric of your shoes after a few months of use.

Start by mixing one tablespoon of white vinegar, with one tablespoon of baking soda, and one tablespoon of hot water in a bowl. You’ll obtain a sort of paste that you should apply to the sneakers using a brush or an old toothbrush. Scrub both the sole and the fabric lightly. Let the paste sit at least 3 or 4 hours under the sun and then remove the excess baking soda paste by clapping the shoes together.

Not only will this “bleach” your shoes effectively, but it is also a good solution to get rid of the bad smells produced by bacteria that can accumulate inside shoes.

2. Coarse salt and milk

When the white shoes acquire that yellowish tone, it is time to clean them thoroughly to see if we can bring their initial color back. You will only need to mix half a cup of coarse salt with 1 liter of milk in a large bowl.

You have to soak the sneakers in this whitening mixture for at least 3 hours so that it has the effect you are looking for. After this time, you can rub them with a brush to remove any stains that are still there. Then, rinse them with a copious amount of soapy water and let them dry in the open air. Be careful not to leave any trace of the milk!

3. Toothpaste

Some types of shoes, due to their delicate fabric, require less aggressive cleaning and whitening methods than others. This particular method is useful when you’re in a hurry too.

A good trick to bring back the original white color to this kind of sneaker is to use whitening toothpaste. Using an old toothbrush, rub the stained surface of the sneakers until they’re white again. Don’t forget to clean the dirt that is found in the border of the soles. Let the paste sit for about 15 minutes.

Then remove the toothpaste. You will only need a damp cloth or a clean sponge (and some patience) to wipe out the paste and get amazing results.

4. Coarse salt and soapy water

If you don’t have time to bleach your sneakers for hours and they’ve been left on the shelf for a while, don’t worry: with any soap you have at home and a bit of coarse salt, you can get rid of those annoying dark spots that are so easy to get on white sneakers.

Start by rubbing the shoes with a dry brush, both inside and outside, to remove excess dirt that could be stuck to the fabric. Then start rubbing them with at least 150 grams of coarse salt and let the salt sit there for at least one hour.

After this time, wash them with cold water and liquid soap to remove the dirt and salt that you used to whiten them. You can now clean the insoles to remove the bacteria that accumulate there with daily use. Salt is also a great ingredient to remove bad smells from shoes.

5. Ammonia

If you have tried different methods to make your shoes white again, but the stains are too big or almost impossible to clean, it might be time to use a more effective method: ammonia.

This procedure could be one of the most effective ones when it comes to whitening sneakers. However, it is very important to take extra precautions when using chemical compounds like ammonia. Always wear gloves and avoid contact with your eyes.

You can use half-strength ammonia, a solution that contains 50% ammonia and 50% water. If you don’t have half-strength ammonia at home, you can make it yourself. Dip a cloth in the solution and rub your shoes where they have stains. After rinsing them with plenty of water, let them air dry for at least 24 hours to eliminate the strong smell.

6. Baking soda and laundry detergent

In order to thoroughly clean your white cloth shoes, you first have to remove the laces and then soak them in water before applying the mixture that you will use to whiten the fabric.

Start by pouring enough water to soak both the shoes and the laces until they are completely covered with lukewarm water. This last part is especially important. Warm water could make the stains even harder to remove from the fabric.

When the fabric is wet, mix one-part baking soda and one part of detergent in a bowl, so you have a solution that contains 50% of each ingredient. Using a brush or an old toothbrush, rub the mixture on the shoes. Spend more time on the darkest stains.

To remove the soapy mixture that you used to clean the sneakers, you can simply rinse them, soak them in water again, or even use a sponge and then dry them using a microfiber cloth.

7. Lemon and/or lime

Lemon juice is well known for its power to remove stains and unwanted odors at home. It is also a good option to use to whiten sneakers that have been turned brown by dirt stains.

To do this, you just need to cut a lemon or lime in half. Mix 3 parts water, for one part lime or lemon juice. Simply rub the mixture to remove the dark stains. You might need to rub vigorously on the parts that are very stained or that have adhered to the fabric.

Rinse the shoes with water to remove the excess dirt and the lemon. Let them dry to see the whitening effect.

8. Dirt erasers and pencil erasers

For your leather, synthetic, or suede shoes that have stains from friction or dark areas from excessive use, you can always use the dirt erasers that are often sold at drugstores to remove stains instantly.

Be patient, don’t rub too hard but try to erase all the dark areas on the shoes until they are white again. You can also clean the borders of the sole, a place that often accumulates a lot of dirt, using the same technique. Funnily enough, you can also use pencil erasers to get similar results.

9. The classic Marseille soap for whitening shoes

Marseille soap has vegetable oil compounds that, besides leaving a clean aroma, have hypoallergenic properties that do not cause irritation to sensitive skin. It is also a good option to remove very noticeable and difficult stains from fabrics and to whiten sneakers in a very effective and very simple way too.

Start by getting the sneakers wet and then applying the soap directly, while rubbing insistently on the stains or dark areas. After leaving the soap on for about half an hour, you can rinse the sneakers with lukewarm water to see how the stains are completely gone and how your shoes look bright white again.

Do you have any sneakers that need urgent whitening? Do you know of any effective methods you can use to whiten sneakers? Let us know in the comment section and post pictures of the before and after of your shoes!

Good shoes are a staple to any stylish wardrobe, and we have collected a bunch of tricks and tips that are sure to help maintain the look (and smells) of your favorite footwear.

Candle wax care

Want your fabric shoes to be waterproof? Take some wax or paraffin candle and rub it on the shoes – it will prevent any water from going through the fabric.

Enlarging shoes

Are those fancy shoes you just purchased too tight? Take a cup of water in a ziplock bag, place it in the shoe and put the shoes in the freezer – the water will turn into ice and push the sides of the shoe apart. Leave them there over night and they’ll be ready to wear in the morning.

Cleaning fabric shoes

If your shoes are lighter in color, you know how fast they can turn so gray and dirty that even a washing machine can’t help. Pick up an old toothbrush and a little bit of baking soda along with some hydrogen peroxide and water. Dip the brush into the mix and rub it on the shoe. This should take the dirt right off!

Cleaning sneakers

Gym shoes and sneakers not only have fabric on them, but they also have rubber parts. The best thing to clean rubber with, is well, rubber! Take a plain rubber eraser and clean off anything from the rubber parts of your shoe.

Renewing leather shoes

Leather shoes start looking old over time, especially when they get wet. To make them look better, you’ll need to collect some water and vinegar.

Mix the ingredients with equal parts. Spray the mixture on the shoe and gently rub it off with a shoe brush. Repeat if needed.

Keeping boots shapely in storage

Boot storage can be tricky, but you can easily make it through thanks to these simple tricks. If you have boots with soft legs, take a heavy magazine, fold it into a tube and place it in the boot. The magazine will make your boots stay standing upright so the part between the foot and leg won’t crinkle.

If you get your boots wet, don’t just toss them aside because they might lose their shape. Instead, take a couple of empty bottles and fit the boots on them to dry out.

Keeping shoes fresh

Gym shoes definitely don’t smell like a bouquet of roses. Eliminate the stinky problem by putting tea bags in them overnight and in between gym sessions.

Keeping leather shiny

To keep your leather shoes lookin shiny and new, simply use a banana peel! Rub the peel onto the leather and wipe the leftover banana residue with a soft paper napkin.

Getting rid of shoe scratches

Do your gorgeous party shoes have some black scratches on them from knocking into each other? There is a solution. You’ll need:

• Nail polish remover
• Q-tips

Wet the q-tips slightly with nail polish remover, then while pressing gently, remove black scratches from your favorite shoes.

Experienced runners know that you can protect your feet and enhance your comfort by using a simple lace-tying tactic called “Heel Lock,” an airtight knot that is different than your traditional knot.

Now, read on to see the best way to tie your shoes before a run.

Find the right kicks.

No amount of tactics for tying shoes will help you if you can’t stand the shoes you’re in. Find a pair of running shoes that are snug but not tight, and feel more like an extension of your body than a piece of attire. If they look cool, that’s great, too: anything to boost your confidence during a workout is a great thing.

Lace ’em up.

Lace up your shoes normally: From the outside in, alternating sides. (Yes, you’ve been doing this part right.) Lacing from the outside-in cinches the shoe with a snugger fit around your foot than lacing from the inside-out does.

Don’t forget the final hole.

You know that second hole on the top of your shoes? Well, as it turns out, that hole isn’t superfluous. In fact, it’s the most essential component of the “heel lock.” This particular method comes from the folks at Illumiseen, a company that makes LED safety accessories for runners, cyclists, and dogs.

Create loops.

Run your laces through these holes from the outside, and without alternating sides, as seen in the photo above. This should create two loops on each side of the shoe. You’ll use these loops to eventually anchor the final knot.

Cross your laces.

Now, switch back to alternating sides, and run your laces through the opposing loops, as seen in the photo above. The laces end up pulling against each other, creating an airtight hold against the tongue of the shoe. This knot won’t come undone any time soon.

Pull down, not up.

From there, pull your laces down—tightly. If you pull up, that results in unwanted looseness, ultimately leaving extra room in the heel, which can lead to blisters.

Tie normally.

Next, tie your shoes like you always have. Double-knot it if you can, so you don’t run the risk of having them come untied while you’re dashing through the park. If you’re using 54-inch laces—you likely are, seeing as that’s standard for most pairs of running shoes—you’ll have enough slack for a double knot.

Feel your heel.

Try to stick your finger in the heel. The shoe should be flush against your heel to the point where it’s difficult to slide your finger in.

Touch your toes.

Likewise, your toes should be flush against the front of the shoe. All in all, the shoes should fit like gloves.

These boot hacks will show you how to remove stains, make super cute boot cuffs, keep your feet warmer, and much more!

Keep Them From Falling Over | Her Campus

Are your boots falling over each other? All you need to do is cut off pieces of pool noodles and insert them into your boots to keep them straight and tidy. No more wasted space or bent boots!

Remove Salt Stains From Winter Boots | 11 & Chic

If you live in a snowy area, you must know how to remove salt stains from leather boots. See the tutorial here.

White Vinegar for Stain Removal | Harpers Bazaar

A soft-bristled brush dipped in white vinegar will help to remove water, snow, or salt stains. Simply dip your soft-bristled toothbrush in white vinegar then gently scrub that stain away.

DIY Wool Insoles | Maya Made

For those with perpetually cold feet (like me!), making some DIY wool insoles can go a long way toward keeping your toes extra toasty.

River Rock Boot Trays | Dollar Store Crafts

Awesome tips and tricks for boots include making these river rock trays to let boots dry without making the house dirty.

If you hate wet, muddy boots sitting on your floor as much as I do, this DIY project is a must for you! Make a boot tray with river rocks to allow your boots to dry mess-free. Plus, it just looks amazing.

How to Tuck Non-Skinny Jeans Into Boots | Listotic

I’m not a skinny jeans gal, and have fallen into the mental trap of thinking I can’t wear my cute boots with my bootcut jeans. Not anymore!

Tuck any jeans (even non-skinny jeans) into boots by rolling and tucking them the right way. Now you can wear any pair of jeans while still looking cute in boots!

Keep Those Jeans In Place | Glamour

This great boot tip and trick uses elastic mitten clips to keep jeans from bunching.
Use mitten clips on the bottoms of your jeans so they always stay in place when you wear your boots. Yes – finally – here’s the trick to keeping jeans from bunching up and riding your leg.

DIY Sweater Boot Socks | Infarrantly Creative

Create sweater boot socks by snipping the sleeves off an old sweater that you’re just not grooving on anymore. I love how cute and cheap this project is!

DIY Finger Knit Boot Cuffs | The Kurtz Corner

Here’s another boot cuff to try: finger knit boot cuffs. Taking only about 30 minutes to complete, they’re easy enoughto make that beginners can do it. Plus, they double as a great gift idea!

How to Tie Boot Lace Knots | It’s Just Breakfast

Looking for a cool way to tie your Bean Boots? Try dusting off this old method for tying – so cute!

Help Boots Dry Out | The Krazy Coupon Lady

How many times have your kids (or you) taken off wet boots and left them sitting on the floor to dry out? I’ve done it more times than I can count, only to come back the next day to put them back on and find they’re still wet!

That’s not a problem anymore with this boot hack. Stuff newspapers into wet boots to help them dry quickly.

Hang Your Boots | Brit + Co

Add another rod near the bottom of your closet to hang boots instead of sitting them on the floor. Don’t they look pretty that way?

Plus, it keeps them organized and prevents slouching over and taking up your entire closet floor.

Roll Your Skinny Jeans | Advice From a Twenty Something

Are you wearing your ankle boots all wrong? Show off those ankles! If you have short legs, keep the cuff small, but if your legs are long and lean, have fun with a bigger cuff!

Makeover Your Rubber Boots | A Home in the Northwest

Spray paint rubber boots to give them a cute and cheap makeover. The paint may not last forever, but it’s easy (and cheap) enough to do that you could simply repeat the process next season, if needed!

Tips and Tricks to Remove White Bloom | The Southern Thing

Tips and tricks for boots: Clean hunter boots that used this tip for removing white bloom
If your rain boots have started blooming (turning white) use these tips to clean them up. Who knew olive oil and tire shine could do so much?

1. A Band-Aid on shoes will prevent you from getting blisters.

A Band-Aid is an inevitable thing, and not just when you already have blisters. This nuisance can be easily prevented. Simply take any Band-Aid or moleskin and attach it to your shoes, not your feet. It can be placed in a rough place or on the place that rubs your feet. A Band-Aid, especially the one with a fabric surface, will decrease the friction between the tender skin of your feet and shoes.

2. Sanitary pads will protect you from sweat and bad smells.

Regular sanitary pads have many more functions than we are used to thinking. For example, they can easily remove sweat and odors from your shoes. There are several ways you can use them.

You can attach a hygienic pad for daily use right on the insole and it will absorb the moisture as you wear the shoes. The less sweat there is, the fewer the chances are that an unpleasant smell will appear. Moreover, sanitary pads can be placed inside shoes after wearing them — it will help you get rid of the smell and sweat as well.

3. A Band-Aid will help with fatigue.

Not every girl will dare to wear high heel shoes all day long. After this torture, all we want to do is get home as soon as possible and change our shoes for soft slippers. The thing is, high-heeled shoes put pressure on the nerves that are located between the index, middle, and ring toes. This is what provokes unpleasant sensations.

To minimize it, wrap a Band-Aid around the index and middle toes or the middle and ring toes. This will decrease pressure and discomfort, and you will be able to enjoy your favorite pair of shoes longer. Make sure to not wrap your toes too tightly.

4. Fabric flip flops will save you from blisters.

Flip flops are an inevitable type of footwear for the summertime. However, they have one big disadvantage — rubber straps can rub the skin around toes. If this is the case, don’t rush to put your flip-flops away.

You can forget about blisters and painful sensations while wearing them if you wrap the straps with fabric. You’ll need some soft fabric, a glue gun, glue, and scissors. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can initially opt for flip-flops with fabric straps when buying them or simply follow these recommendations: don’t put on flip-flops when they are wet because this quickly provokes the appearance of blisters. Also, don’t wear them daily — make sure to take a 1-day break at least.

5. Protectors will save your high heels and add comfort.

It’s not a nice experience when your high heel gets stuck in the ground, on a gravel path, or between iron bars. Fortunately, today we have methods to protect our health and high heels. A pair of shoes can be saved by special protectors made of polyvinyl chloride, they come in different colors so it will not be difficult to choose the right ones. Protectors distribute weight and allow you to walk comfortably on grass, paving stones, and other surfaces.

6. Hooks will save space.

Those who don’t own many shoes will unlikely have difficulties with storing them. But if you have several pairs of shoes for each season, then fitting them into a closet or a shoe drawer might become quite problematic. Ordinary hooks can help you save space in the entryway — place them low enough but still above the floor and hang your sneakers, shoes, and other footwear that don’t have a bootleg on them.

7. Dishwashing liquid will clean fleece shoes.

Soft fleece is a wonderful liner because it makes feet feel very comfortable. However, this type of fabric starts to look bad when it gets dirty and rolls up. Dishwashing liquid can help bring it back to life. If regular water can’t remove a stain, apply a drop of dishwashing liquid to it and rub in a circular motion. After that, wipe off the remaining product with a damp cloth, blot it with a dry towel, and let it dry away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat.

8. Hairspray will prevent your shoes from sliding.

The insoles of some shoes are slippery. This happens when we buy shoes that are a little too big. Moreover, many of us have one foot bigger than the other one, that’s why the smaller one doesn’t feel as stable in shoes. In order not to end up in a confusing situation when going out, apply some hairspray to your feet — it will make your feet sticky and they will be tightly secured in your shoes.

9. A newspaper roll can widen a bootleg.

Your new boots might not only be tight in the toe area or the heel, but also in the area of the shin. The good thing is that the bootleg can be stretched with the help of a regular newspaper. For that, you’ll need several newspapers that can be folded in a thick roll. It should be as thick as the bootleg so that the material gets stretched out.

Insert the newspaper roll into the boots and store them like this. The roll can be kept in the footwear until the first wear. You can also apply a spray for stretching the leather.