A well-kept pair of shoes doesn’t just elevate your outfit—it reflects care, intention, and attention to detail. At Bianca Clothspa, we believe your shoes deserve the same love as your favorite garments. Whether you’re dealing with dirt, scuffs, or surprise stains, a few clever tricks can go a long way.
Here are 7 easy, effective shoe cleaning hacks to help you keep your footwear looking spotless, fresh, and ready for any occasion—with tools you likely already have at home.
1. Baking Soda & Vinegar Paste – For Bright Whites
White canvas or mesh shoes looking dull? This classic combination works like magic to lift dirt and eliminate odors.
How-to:
Mix 1 tbsp baking soda + 2 tbsp white vinegar + 1 cup water. Apply the bubbly paste with a soft brush or cloth, gently scrub, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse off with clean water and let your shoes air dry. The result? Brighter, fresher kicks.
2. Toothpaste – For Spotless Soles & Fabric
A small amount of white (non-gel) toothpaste can work wonders on rubber soles and even certain fabric uppers.
How-to:
Dab some toothpaste onto a damp toothbrush and gently scrub the dirty areas—especially around the sole. Wipe with a damp cloth and let the shoes dry naturally. Just make sure you’re using white toothpaste to avoid any color stains.
3. Magic Eraser – For Scuff-Free Finishes
Got scuff marks on rubber or leather? A melamine foam eraser (a.k.a. Magic Eraser) is your secret weapon.
How-to:
Wet the eraser slightly and gently buff the scuffed areas. It’s a quick fix that can instantly refresh worn spots—but go slow, especially on delicate surfaces.
4. Lemon & Salt – For Fabric Brightening
This natural combo harnesses the bleaching power of the sun, perfect for white canvas or textile shoes.
How-to:
Mix equal parts lemon juice and salt to form a paste. Apply it to stained areas and place the shoes in direct sunlight for an hour. Rinse thoroughly with water and let air dry. It’s a sunny solution for stubborn yellowing.
5. Dish Soap – For Everyday Fabric Freshness
Sometimes, all your shoes need is a gentle clean. Mild dish soap is excellent for lifting everyday grime.
How-to:
Add a few drops of gentle dish soap to warm water. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the shoe surface, then wipe away the residue with a clean damp cloth. Air dry away from direct heat.
6. Freezer Trick – For Gum Removal
Stepped in gum? Don’t worry, just freeze it.
How-to:
Place the affected shoe in the freezer for 30–60 minutes. Once the gum hardens, it should peel or scrape off easily without damaging the material.
7. Newspaper – For Shape & Odor Control
Cleaning is only half the job—proper drying is just as important. Enter the humble newspaper.
How-to:
After washing, stuff your shoes with crumpled newspaper to absorb moisture and help them retain their shape. Replace the newspaper if it gets too wet, and always let shoes dry naturally—away from heaters or direct sunlight.
Final Tip from Bianca
Caring for your shoes doesn’t have to be complicated. These simple shoe cleaning hacks not only keep your footwear looking its best but also extend its life—saving you time, money, and unnecessary replacements.For deeper cleans or luxury material care, Bianca Clothspa is here to help. Trust us to revive, restore, and refresh your favorite shoes—because every step should feel as good as it looks.
