Keeping your shoes clean and fresh can sometimes feel like a chore, but what if you could use a common household ingredient to do the job? Baking soda is not just for baking-it’s a powerful, natural cleaner and deodorizer that can bring your shoes back to life. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to clean shoes with baking soda easily, whether they’re white canvas sneakers, leather shoes, or even smelly insoles.
Why Use Baking Soda to Clean Shoes?
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild abrasive and natural deodorizer. It helps lift dirt and stains without harsh chemicals, and it neutralizes odors by balancing pH levels. This makes it safe for many shoe materials and a budget-friendly alternative to commercial cleaners.
What You’ll Need
– Baking soda
– White vinegar (optional, for tougher stains)
– Warm water
– A soft brush or old toothbrush
– A clean cloth or paper towels
How to Clean Shoes with Baking Soda: Step-by-Step
1. Remove Loose Dirt and Debris
Before applying any cleaner, brush off dirt and dust from your shoes. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to reach seams and crevices. This prevents scratching the shoe surface during cleaning.
2. Make a Baking Soda Paste
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with about 1 tablespoon of warm water to form a thick paste. For extra cleaning power, especially on white shoes, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz and help break down grime.
3. Apply the Paste to Your Shoes
Using your brush or fingers, spread the paste evenly over the surface of your shoes. Focus on stained or dirty areas, but you can cover the entire shoe for an all-around clean.
4. Let It Sit
Allow the baking soda paste to work for at least 15-30 minutes. For tough stains or odors, leaving it overnight can improve results.
5. Scrub Gently
After letting the paste sit, use your brush to scrub the shoes in circular motions. This helps lift dirt and stains from the material.
6. Wipe and Rinse
Use a damp cloth to wipe away the baking soda paste and loosened dirt. For canvas or sneakers, you can rinse lightly with water, but avoid soaking leather or suede.
7. Dry Your Shoes
Air dry your shoes completely before wearing them again. Avoid direct sunlight for delicate materials like suede to prevent damage.
How to Remove Odors from Shoes with Baking Soda
Baking soda is excellent for deodorizing shoes. Simply sprinkle a generous amount inside your shoes, shake them to distribute the powder evenly, and let them sit overnight. The baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors. Shake out the excess powder the next day, and your shoes will smell fresh again.
Tips for Cleaning Different Shoe Materials
| Shoe Material | Cleaning Tips with Baking Soda |
|---|---|
| Canvas | Remove laces, scrub with baking soda paste, rinse lightly, air dry. |
| Leather | Wipe off dirt first, apply paste gently, avoid soaking, wipe off paste with damp cloth, air dry. |
| Suede | Brush off dirt, sprinkle baking soda (or mix with cornstarch), let sit overnight, brush off powder, avoid water. |
| Sneakers | Use baking soda paste on fabric and rubber soles, scrub, wipe clean, air dry. |
Extra Hacks to Boost Your Shoe Cleaning
– Add a few drops of essential oil to baking soda for a pleasant scent.
– For white sneakers, mix baking soda with white vinegar and hot water to create a powerful whitening paste.
– Use an old toothbrush for precise cleaning in tight spots.
– Avoid machine washing shoes with baking soda paste to prevent damage.
Baking soda is a versatile, natural, and affordable way to keep your shoes looking and smelling great. Whether you’re tackling stains, dirt, or odors, this simple ingredient can be your go-to shoe cleaning solution.
Give your shoes the baking soda treatment and step out in style with confidence!