Cleaning shoes can often feel like a daunting task, especially when faced with stubborn stains and odors. While there are numerous commercial shoe cleaning products available, they often contain harsh chemicals that can be damaging to both your shoes and the environment.
Fortunately, there's a simple, natural, and effective solution sitting in your kitchen cupboard: baking soda.
This unassuming white powder is a versatile cleaning agent that can restore the sparkle to your footwear and provide an affordable, eco-friendly alternative and effective solution for cleaning and deodorizing shoes to keep your shoes clean and fresh.
Why Use Baking Soda?
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild alkaline compound with numerous properties that make it an excellent cleaning agent.
It has many advantages that make it widely used：
- Non-toxic: Safe for use around children and pets.
- Eco-Friendly: A natural substance that doesn’t harm the environment.
- Versatile: Effective on various types of materials, including fabric, leather, and suede.
- Deodorizing Properties: Neutralizes odors, leaving your shoes smelling fresh.
- Abrasive Action: Gently scrub away dirt and stains without damaging the shoe material.
- Cost-Effective: Inexpensive and readily available, found in most households.
- Multi-purpose: Apart from cleaning, baking soda can also be used to deodorize, whiten, and disinfect shoes.
Preparing to Clean Your Shoes
Before diving into the cleaning process, it's essential to gather all necessary materials and prepare your shoes. Here's a checklist to help you get started:
Materials Needed:
- Baking soda
- Water
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Lemon juice
- Olive Oil
- Talcum Powder
- Old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush
- Clean clothes or rags
- Small bowl
- Towel
Cleaning Fabric Shoes with Baking Soda
Fabric shoes, such as canvas or mesh sneakers, are prone to getting dirty quickly. Baking soda can help remove stains and brighten up your fabric shoes.
Method 1: Basic Baking Soda Paste (Baking Soda and Water)
Baking soda and water is an economical and effective way to clean shoes and is suitable for a variety of situations, including removing odors and cleaning oil stains.
Steps
- Remove Laces: Take out the shoelaces and set them aside.
- Prepare the Paste: In a small bowl, mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the Paste: Using an old toothbrush, apply the paste to the dirty areas of the shoe, gently scrubbing in circular motions.
- Let it Sit: Allow the paste to sit on the shoes for 30 minutes.
- Rinse and Dry: Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth and let the shoe air dry.
Method 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar
The combination of baking soda and white vinegar has some cleaning power due to its chemical reaction. Baking soda is alkaline, while white vinegar is acidic.
When mixed, they create foam that helps remove stains and odors.
This method is not only suitable for cleaning shoe uppers, but it also has a significant effect on deodorizing the inside of shoes.
Steps
- Remove Laces: Take out the shoelaces.
- Mix the Solution: In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and a tablespoon of water to form a foamy mixture.
- Apply and Scrub: Dip a brush into the mixture and scrub the shoes thoroughly.
- Rinse and Dry: Wipe off with a damp cloth and let air dry.
Method 3: Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide an effective ways to clean shoes, especially for cleaning and deodorizing white shoe uppers.
This method uses the degreasing ability of baking soda and the strong oxidizing property of hydrogen peroxide for bleaching, thereby achieving the effect of cleaning and whitening. It is not only simple and easy but also less damaging to shoes.
Steps
- Prepare the Mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of water.
- Apply the Mixture: Apply the mixture to the shoes using a brush, covering all stained surfaces.
- Let it Sit: put the shoes in the sun for two to three hours, until the liquid dries.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse thoroughly with water and let air dry.
Cleaning Leather Shoes with Baking Soda
Leather shoes require a bit more care due to their delicate nature. Baking soda can effectively clean and deodorize leather without causing damage.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Water
Steps
- Dust Off Shoes: Use a dry cloth to remove any surface dust and dirt.
- Make the Paste: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste.
- Apply and Rub: Gently rub the paste onto the leather using a soft cloth, focusing on stained areas.
- Wipe Clean: Use a damp cloth to remove the paste and then dry with a clean towel.
Method 2: Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
This method can easily remove stains and odors from shoes, and it can also play a certain role in sterilization, making the shoes look brand new. In addition, the addition of lemon juice can also bring a fresh fragrance to the shoes, making people more comfortable to wear.
Steps
- Mix the Solution: Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to form a paste.
- Apply and Scrub: Apply the paste to the stained areas with a soft cloth, scrubbing gently, especially around the edges and heavily stained areas.
- Wipe and Dry: Use a damp cloth to wipe off the paste and dry the shoes with a towel.
Method 3: Baking Soda and Olive Oil
This method can not only clean shoes but also restore the luster of leather shoes. It is an excellent way to care for leather shoes.
Steps
- Prepare the Mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of olive oil to form a paste.
- Apply and Buff: Apply the paste to the shoes using a soft cloth and buff in circular motions.
- Wipe Clean: Use a damp cloth to remove the paste and polish with a dry cloth.
Cleaning Suede Shoes with Baking Soda
Suede is a delicate material that requires special care. Baking soda can be used to clean suede shoes without damaging the texture.
Baking Soda and Talcum Powder
Steps
- Prepare the Mixture: Mix equal parts baking soda and talcum powder.
- Apply the Powder: Sprinkle the mixture onto the stained areas of the suede shoes.
- Let it Sit: Let the powder sit on the shoes for several hours or overnight.
- Brush Off: Use a suede brush to remove the powder and restore the texture.
How to clean white shoes with baking soda?
Using baking soda to clean white shoes is a simple and effective method. This method can not only remove stubborn stains but also restore yellowed white shoes to their original state.
Overall cleaning:
Soak baking soda in warm water to dissolve it into soda water.
Soak the white shoes (only for canvas shoes and mesh shoes) in soda water and scrub them clean with a brush.
After soaking for half an hour, take them out and rinse them with clean water.
Local cleaning:
Add a little water to baking soda and stir well to make a paste.
Dip the paste with a brush and apply it to the area that needs to be cleaned.
After standing for 10-20 minutes, rinse them with clean water.
Remove Odor from Shoes with Baking Soda
Apart from cleaning, baking soda is excellent for deodorizing shoes, especially those that tend to retain unpleasant odors.
Baking Soda- Sprinkle Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the shoes.
- Let it Sit: Leave the baking soda in the shoes overnight.
- Shake Out: Shake out the excess baking soda the next day.
For shoes with persistent odors, you can use a combination of baking soda and essential oils.
Baking Soda with Essential Oils
- Prepare the Mixture: Mix baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil (e.g., lavender, tea tree oil).
- Sprinkle and Sit: Sprinkle the mixture inside the shoes and let it sit overnight.
- Shake Out: Remove the excess baking soda the next day, leaving your shoes smelling fresh.
Maintaining Clean Shoes
Keeping your shoes clean and in good condition requires regular maintenance. Here are some tips to help you maintain clean shoes:
- Wipe Down: After each wear, wipe down your shoes with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust.
- Deep Clean: Perform a deep clean with baking soda at least once a month.
Proper Storage
- Cool, Dry Place: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Use Shoe Trees: For leather shoes, use shoe trees to maintain their shape.
- Spot Clean: Tackle stains as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting in.
- Refresh: Deodorize regularly using baking soda to keep odors at bay.
Seasonal Care
- Winter Care: Protect shoes from snow and salt by applying a water-repellent spray. Clean off any salt stains with a mixture of water and vinegar.
- Summer Care: In hot and humid weather, ensure shoes are thoroughly dried before storing to prevent mold and mildew.
Specific Material Care
- Canvas and Fabric: Regularly brush off loose dirt and spot clean with baking soda paste.
- Leather: Use a leather conditioner periodically to keep the material supple.
- Suede: Brush with a suede brush regularly and avoid excessive moisture.
Additional Tips
- Rotate Your Shoes: Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day to allow them to air out.
- Use Shoe Bags: When traveling, use shoe bags to protect your shoes from dirt and damage.
Cleaning shoes with baking soda is a natural, effective, and economical way to maintain their appearance and hygiene. Whether you have fabric, leather, or suede shoes, baking soda can tackle dirt, stains, and odors with ease.
With these tips and techniques, you can confidently clean your shoes using baking soda, knowing that you are choosing a safe and eco-friendly solution. Say goodbye to dirty, smelly shoes and hello to fresh, pristine footwear!
Whether you're prepping for a special event or just want to keep your everyday shoes in top condition, baking soda is your go-to cleaning companion.