Shoes are one of the most important parts of your outfit—they not only protect your feet but also add to your overall style. However, keeping shoes clean and fresh can be a challenge, especially with daily wear. The good news is you don’t always need expensive products or professional services to maintain them. With a few simple DIY shoe cleaning hacks, you can keep your footwear looking brand new right at home.
1. White Sneakers: Baking Soda & Toothpaste Hack
White sneakers look amazing but get dirty very quickly.
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Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste.
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Apply it to the shoes using an old toothbrush.
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Scrub gently and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
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For tough stains, use non-gel white toothpaste as a quick fix.
Pro Tip: Always air dry your sneakers in shade to prevent yellowing.
2. Leather Shoes: Vinegar & Olive Oil Hack
Leather requires gentle care to stay polished and crack-free.
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Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water.
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Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wipe away dirt.
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After drying, apply a few drops of olive oil or a leather conditioner to restore shine.
Pro Tip: Avoid direct sunlight while drying leather shoes.
3. Suede Shoes: Eraser & Brush Hack
Suede is delicate and can easily stain or scuff.
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Use a suede brush (or a clean toothbrush) to remove dirt.
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For scuffs or marks, rub a white pencil eraser on the spot.
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If the stain is stubborn, use white vinegar on a cloth and dab lightly.
Pro Tip: Apply a suede protector spray after cleaning to keep them safe from future stains.
4. Canvas Shoes: Baking Soda & Vinegar Wash
Canvas shoes are casual and comfortable but trap dirt easily.
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Make a paste of baking soda and white vinegar.
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Apply it to the shoes and scrub gently with a brush.
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Rinse with lukewarm water and let them air dry.
Pro Tip: Stuff the shoes with newspaper while drying to maintain their shape.
5. Sports Shoes: Soap & Baking Soda for Odor Control
Sports shoes often collect sweat and bad odor.
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Remove insoles and wash separately with mild soap.
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Mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oil and sprinkle inside the shoes.
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Leave overnight and shake it out in the morning.
Pro Tip: Always dry sports shoes naturally to avoid damaging the cushioning.
6. Patent Leather Shoes: Petroleum Jelly Hack
Patent leather has a glossy finish that needs extra care.
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Wipe shoes with a damp cloth to remove dust.
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Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly using a soft cloth.
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Buff gently to restore shine and remove scuff marks.
7. General Hacks for All Shoes
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Use toothbrushes: Old toothbrushes are perfect for scrubbing small areas.
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Newspaper stuffing: Keeps shoes in shape and absorbs moisture.
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Cornstarch or baby powder: Sprinkle on oily stains, leave overnight, and brush off.
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Silica gel packs: Place inside shoes to prevent moisture and odor.
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive shoe cleaners or services. With these DIY shoe cleaning hacks, you can restore the shine, freshness, and style of your footwear right at home. From white sneakers to suede, leather, and sports shoes—every shoe type can look brand new with the right care.
Clean shoes don’t just look good—they also last longer, making your investment in footwear worthwhile.