Your white sneakers aren't ready to be written off just yet - before you move them to the garden or the "for the trash" category, give them a quick, almost alchemical makeover with a homemade paste that your grandmother would approve of... if she had TikTok. So let's take a look - homemade sneaker cleaner.
White sneakers. The pride of every urban nomad. But then life comes along—the pavement, the rain, the sand, the coffee stains (seriously, how did coffee get on the sole?)—and that shiny edge becomes a sad shadow of its former glory.
Well, before you hang a “for the garden” sign on them and condemn them to eternal lawn mowing, there is a solution. And no, it doesn’t involve expensive cleaners that smell like a seaside dry cleaner. It’s a simple homemade mixture that you almost certainly already have in your kitchen—and it will raise your sneakers from the ashes. Almost literally.
Homemade cleaner for sneakers!
Why are white soles a fashion litmus test?
While everyone is gazing in love at the sneaker design – leather, mesh, colorful details – that white edge on the sole is a true silent style hero. If it's clean, you're telling the world, "I know what I'm doing." If it's dirty? Well, no amount of expensive shirt can save you from fashion hell.
But don't worry – the solution is right under your nose. And no, it doesn't smell like a laboratory. The combination of baking soda and alcohol vinegar works like a mini fireworks display for stains: sparkling, effective and – best of all – completely natural.
Magic Sneaker Paste – Homemade Sneaker Cleaner: A Recipe Gordon Ramsay Would (Almost) Praise
You need – homemade sneaker cleaner:
- 1 part alcohol vinegar
- 1 part water
- Baking soda (to taste – just like in my mom's pancake recipe)
- An old toothbrush or small paintbrush
- Clean cloth or paper towels
Procedure – homemade sneaker cleaner:
- In a small container, mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio.
- Slowly stir in the baking soda. If it starts to fizz slightly and foam, you're on the right track – this is not a chemical incident, but the beginning of cleaning magic.
- Mix until you get a thick paste similar to toothpaste (we don't recommend brushing your teeth with this unless you have a very dirty mouth).
- Dip the brush into the paste and gently, but with the determination of a top model before a performance, brush the white edges.
- If desired, leave the paste on for 5 minutes – because even the soles of your feet deserve their own face mask.
- Wipe with a damp cloth and let them air dry. Hair dryer? No thanks. Make it a wellness treatment, not a heat shock.
Bonus tricks for those who want even more sparkle:
- Stubborn stains? Thick paste and circular motions are your new mantra.
- Sensitive materials? More water, less vinegar – the soles should be white, not a shade of gray sneakers.
- Maintenance? Repeat the cleaning every few weeks – because a clean sole is like a freshly cut haircut: a small gesture, a big impact.
Conclusion: Don't underestimate the power of a clean edge
Homemade sneaker cleaner?! Simple! Clean white soles are not just a detail – they are your calling card. They are your silent but eloquent statement: “Yes, I still take care of the little things.” And now that you know this simple formula for a homemade cleaning paste, there are no more excuses. Not for dirty sneakers and not for buying new ones too quickly.
So, the next time you're tempted by shiny new sneakers in the window, stop for a second: maybe you don't need new ones—just a little love, water, vinegar, and good old baking soda.
Your sneakers (and your bank account) will thank you for a long time. 👟✨
@brunchwithbabs Let me show you how to spring clean your sneakers! 👟✨ 🫧Here is my tried and true sneaker cleaning hack. First, take out the laces, spray them with laundry spray and let them soak in warm water with laundry detergent. Next, tackle the sneakers, dunk them in a sink or tub with the detergent, and, with baking soda and a soft bristled brush, scrub all over, including the soles. Finally, let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing. 🖌️Here's a bonus tip if you get stubborn yellowing on your white soles. Try hair developer! Paint volume 40 on the bottoms, wrap the shoes in paper towels and let them soak up some sun for about 3-4 hours, it takes it right out! This is the perfect way to keep those HOKAS looking bright and new. They have lots of new neutral and white styles this year, go to scheels.com and take a look! #SCHEELS #hoka #cleaninghacks ♬ original sound – Babs
If you want, I can also create an infographic with a recipe or a short video animation of the process for the article - just let me know!
