Over time it is normal that the soles of our white shoes tend to turn yellow, this is due to exposure to the sun and the natural aging of the material.
Even if you wash them frequently enough, it is not easy for the sole of the shoes to recover their original color, which is why many wonder how to remove the yellow stain from the sole of the shoes without having to punish the shoes more.
However, this does not mean that you have to discard them, since there are several homemade tricks that can remedy this problem.
Why do white soles turn yellow?
Keeping sneakers in perfect magazine condition, as if they were always fresh out of the box, is one of the great challenges that sneakerheads face.
Usually, the appearance of this color is caused by a chemical reaction in the midsole of the sneaker itself, caused by the flame retardant products used during the production of the rubber that makes up the shoe.
Another reason is the dirt that accumulates on our shoes over time, as well as exposure to the sun and other stains from specific substances, which means that little by little, the sole of our shoes loses that characteristic white.
How do You keep my white shoe soles from turning yellow?
There is no better feeling than putting on new sneakers, with that characteristic smell and pristine white. Sadly, that color is short-lived, and no matter how careful you are, it’s almost impossible to keep your shoe soles clean.
But first, a piece of advice: the best thing to do to keep your shoe soles white and clean is to treat them with stain repellence and waterproofing before wearing them for the first time.
Also cleaning shoelaces is an important thing for looking at your shoes new, so if you want to learn more about how to clean white shoelaces at home read this article.
Homemade tricks to clean the white sole of your shoes
It is true that there are numerous chemical products to whiten shoe soles but, sometimes, there are other more natural alternatives to do it.
This way you will also avoid the premature deterioration of your shoes by not using corrosive elements.
But that’s not all, because we show you some homemade tricks to clean the sole and leave it impeccable with ecological alternatives, contributing to the sustainability of the planet.
Let’s have a look,
1. Clean yellow soles with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide, popularly known as a powerful bleach, cleaner, and disinfectant can also be useful when it comes to leaving the soles of your shoes spotless.
Use a soft toothbrush and soak it in hydrogen peroxide diluted with normal water. Rub the soles until all the yellow is removed and, finally, let them dry in the open air.
You can also use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for better results.
For doing that,
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and half a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with water.
- Use a toothbrush dipped in this mixture to scrub the shoes, and wait 30 minutes for the baking soda to work its magic.
- Then rinse with water.
2. Clean Yellow soles with Coarse Salt & Washing Detergent
We know that coarse salt has multiple uses for cleaning the home. One of them consists of whitening shoe soles since its properties help to dislodge accumulated dirt.
They can also help enhance the white color when it begins to fade.
To do this,
- Use a dry clean brush to remove dirt from the shoes. Do it both on the outsole and midsoles, so rub a handful of coarse salt on the soles of your shoes.
- Let it act for about an hour
- After this time, rinse the footwear with plenty of cold water and your usual detergent for handwashing.
- Next, remove the laces and insoles and soak them in a bowl of soapy water. Finally, let everything dry in the sun.
3. Clean with toothpaste
Did you know that toothpaste can become your best ally to clean the soles of your shoes?
Its content of bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, among other substances, makes this product as good for whitening teeth as it is for removing yellow from other products, such as our footwear.
This remedy is ideal for keeping shoes clean, as well as the white rubber on the sole. And to use this method you only need white toothpaste, an unused toothbrush, and a damp cloth.
When you have everything ready, do the following steps
- Use a damp cloth to remove the most obvious dirt from the soles, including the white edges.
- Moisten the brush slightly with a little water, generously add the toothpaste, and rub, paying special attention to the areas you want to whiten.
- Little by little a foam will be created that will impregnate all the dirt, so let it act for a few seconds and then remove it with a damp cloth.
4. Clean Soles with Leamon and Powdered Detergent
The powdered detergent that you use for laundry is also the basis of an ideal homemade trick to clean the shoe soles.
If we add the antibacterial, disinfectant, and whitening properties of lemon to this product, we will obtain a perfect natural remedy to leave our shoes on the first day.
- Mix a splash of natural lemon juice with a tablespoon of soap powder.
- It should be a solid paste, so if you mix and you see that there is too much liquid left, you can add a little more powdered soap (but without going overboard!)
- Spread the paste with a brush or a cloth all over the sole, along the edges and tips.
- Let the mixture act for about 5-10 minutes and, after this time, rinse with plenty of warm water.
5. Clean yellow soles with Nail Polish Remover
Many times, the problem is not so much the dirt embedded in the sole, but what you wonder is how to remove the yellow from the sole of the tennis shoes without damaging them.
One of the most effective remedies is to resort to acetone or nail polish remover that you generally use for your nails, since it is a chemical compound with solvent properties that, as well as facilitating the removal of nail polish, can also help to eliminate persistent stains.
We explain how to remove the yellow from the plastic of tennis shoes:
- Before you start, wipe the entire sole with a damp cloth to remove any dirt particles.
- Apply nail polish remover to the yellowed edge with a soft brush.
- To finish, give one last pass, this time, with a cloth on which you have put a few drops of acetone.
- Let your sneakers dry out of the sun.
If you want to increase the effectiveness of this remedy, try mixing the nail polish remover with a small tablespoon of baking soda.
6. Using Magic Eraser for Whitening of Yellowing Shoe Soles
Black or yellow marks in the form of scratches on the white soles of your sneakers?
Another simple way to get your sneakers white again, especially if they have rubber soles, is to use a small cleaning tool called a Magic Eraser, which can be found in any supermarket. It’s a cube of white foam that can remove almost any mark, just add water and start rubbing.
Use the rubber to minimize the black streaks as much as possible, and then put into practice some of the home remedies that we have previously offered you.
7. Whitening Shoe Soles with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Another of the most effective homemade tricks to clean the sole is vinegar with baking soda, as both are great whiteners and clean surfaces in depth.
Therefore, this mixture is ideal for whitening beach soles
In addition, this combination is antibacterial and will help fight fungi and bacteria, which cause the bad smell that is generated in the feet.
To do this, you need a cleaning brush, six tablespoons of baking soda, and a cup of white vinegar.
To keep shoes clean and eliminate the yellowish tone that they may have acquired over time, mix the baking soda with the vinegar in a container and wait a few minutes until the foam that has formed subsides.
Then, wet the brush with this mixture and vigorously rub on the shoe soles. Let it act for about 30 minutes before rinsing with plenty of water.
Final Thoughts
To keep your shoes clean or remove the yellowish tone and make them white again, you can use any of the homemade tricks to clean the sole that we have shown you.
They are very effective and, in addition, they will leave your shoes like new without damaging them.
If you, do it regularly without waiting for dirt to accumulate, you can keep your shoes in good condition much longer.
Forget about chemical and aggressive products, such as bleach or whiteners, the only thing they can do is damage the footwear.
I hope you found this article interesting and useful.
With that, it’s time to hear what you have to say.
Now you may have a clear idea about how to whiten yellow shoe soles at home easily.
Or maybe you have a question.
Either way, let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
