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The Daily Insight

How to clean white shoes with baking soda

Author

James Bradley

Published Feb 17, 2026

Table of Contents

Does baking soda damage shoes?

The answer is yes, you can clean your shoes, and baking soda is your secret weapon to help restore your white shoes to like-new appearance. Do not be tempted to throw your canvas shoes in the washer and dryer. Doing so can cause damage to the shoes, causing them to fray or the sole to separate from the upper.

Does baking soda and dish soap clean white shoes?

You can use baking soda, a washing machine, or some elbow grease—but the easiest way to clean white sneakers is one I just learned about, and it involves something you definitely already have handy: dish soap. … “Then use a clean, damp sponge or toothbrush to gently rub the mixture on all surfaces, including the soles.”

How do you clean white shoes with baking soda and peroxide?

To make a paste, mix two parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide and stir it together until it is mixed. The solution can then be applied to any dirty areas of your shoes using an old toothbrush and massaged in gently to soak into the fabric and agitate the soil.

Can you put baking soda in wet shoes?

Baking soda has many superpowers, neutralizing unpleasant odors chief among them. Simply pour some into your shoes and let them sit overnight. The powder will soak up excess moisture while you sleep, leaving your kicks clean and dry in the morning.

Is baking powder the same as baking soda?

While both products appear similar, they’re certainly not the same. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, which requires an acid and a liquid to become activated and help baked goods rise. Conversely, baking powder includes sodium bicarbonate, as well as an acid. It only needs a liquid to become activated.

How do you get grease out of white shoes?

How to remove a grease stain:
  1. Apply cornstarch to the stain, soaking up as much excess grease as possible.
  2. Create a cleaning solution with dish soap and water.
  3. Soak the stain in solution, then scrub it with a brush.

How do you whiten yellowed white shoes?

Key steps
  1. Use a mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to whiten your shoe soles.
  2. Equal parts bleach and water should also do the trick.
  3. Rubbing toothpaste into the sole of your shoe should help to whiten it again.

How can I get my white Converse white again?

How To Use It
  1. Take equal parts baking soda and laundry detergent.
  2. Add a little water to make it into a smooth, runny paste.
  3. Apply this all over the shoes. You could also soak the lace in this liquid.
  4. Leave it for about 30 minutes.
  5. Wash the shoes with water or put it in the washing machine.
  6. Hang them dry.

How do I get the yellow off my shoes?

While yellow bleach stains can be difficult to get out completely, you can remove or greatly diminish the appearance of the stains by using a salt and hot water scrub, soaking your shoes in a cream of tartar solution, or by washing your shoes with laundry detergent and white vinegar.

Can you bleach white sneakers?

Bleach Clean Your White Shoes

To clean white shoes with bleach, mix the bleach and water solution (mix one-part bleach for every five parts water) in a well-ventilated area, or outside, and gently scrub the shoes using an old toothbrush. Rinse the shoes in warm water and air dry them overnight if possible.

Can I bleach white vans?

You can bleach your Vans back to white, but it’s important to take some steps to prevent the powerful chemicals from damaging your shoes. Dilute the bleach and mix it with dishwashing liquid – make sure both are free of ammonia and chlorine – and use a soft cloth to clean your Vans with the solution.

Why do white shoes turn yellow after washing?

The most common reason is being exposed to the air over time. Oxidization happens naturally. Some other reasons are sweat and dirt being soaked into the materials. Another reason your shoes will turn yellow is cleaning them incorrectly.

How do you dry white shoes without turning yellow?

Stuff the shoes with white paper towels to absorb extra moisture. This also helps the shoes keep their shape while they air dry. Put them in a warm room, away from direct sunlight, to dry completely.

How do you clean white vans without turning them yellow?

Dip an old toothbrush or soft brush into to the baking soda/peroxide paste and gently scrub your shoes. The hydrogen peroxide acts like an all-fabric bleach to whiten the canvas fabric and the baking soda helps scrub away scuffs and stains. Thoroughly wipe your sneakers with a clean wet cloth to rinse them.

How do you clean pink shoes with baking soda?

To clean these shoes, he suggests a toothbrush and a cleaning paste made out of equal parts baking soda and warm water. Dip the toothbrush into the mixture and scrub the canvas until it’s clean. Let the shoes dry with the mixture still on, and then wipe away any hardened baking soda pieces with a damp cloth, he says.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide?

The Food and medicine Administration (FDA) classifies hydrogen peroxide as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for humans at low doses. But the FDA warns that getting hydrogen peroxide on your skin may cause irritation, burning, and blistering.

How do you clean white canvas shoes that turned yellow?

Does baking soda bleach shoes?

But if that doesn’t work, know that a variety of household items — such as baking soda, bleach, baby powder, or even toothpaste — can all potentially help you get your stained shoes white again.

Can you mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide?

Studies have shown that baking soda and peroxide together can eliminate some of the bugs that cause gum disease, reduce plaque and reduce gum inflammation. Did you know that it can also whiten teeth? Stir mixture into paste-like consistency. Make sure it’s not too gritty!