The shoes are a fundamental element of our style, but often time and wear can leave unwanted marks, such as yellowing of the soles.
This annoying blemish not only ruins the look of your beloved footwear, but can also make them seem neglected.
Fortunately, there exist simple and effective solutions for restoring the soles to their original splendor and ensuring that your every step shines with elegance.
Let’s find out together how to remove that annoying yellowing and regain the beauty of your shoes!
Causes of Yellowing of Soles
The causes of yellowing of the soles of shoes can be attributed to several factors. Oxidation, exposure to air and sunlight can cause the soles to become yellow over time.
Additionally, contact with dirt, water, mud, and some chemical products may contribute to this cosmetic problem.
Use of Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural detergent and light abrasive that can effectively eliminate yellow spots from shoe soles.
- Ingredients: baking soda, warm water, container, toothbrush.
Mix the baking soda with warm water until it forms a paste.
With the help of a toothbrush, rub the paste over the entire surface of the soles. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.
Using Bleach
Bleach is an excellent ally for whitening the yellowed soles. However, use it with caution to avoid further yellowing.
- Ingredients: bleach, warm water, container, soft brush, towel.
Dilute a small amount of bleach in warm water. Dip a soft brush in the solution and gently scrub the soles in circular motions. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.
Using Toothpaste
White non-gel toothpaste can be a simple and effective method to eliminate yellow spots from shoe soles.
- Ingredients: white non-gel toothpaste, toothbrush, water, towel.
Apply white toothpaste to a toothbrush and gently scrub the soles.
Rinse the toothbrush, add more toothpaste if necessary, and continue until you see the stains disappear. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant which, combined with its whitening properties, can help clean the yellowed soles.
- Ingredients: hydrogen peroxide, spray container, water, soft brush, towel.
Spray the hydrogen peroxide on the yellowed areas and scrub with the brush. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.
Use of White Vinegar
White vinegar has degreasing properties and, together with baking soda, is a powerful stain remover.
- Ingredients: white vinegar, water, baking soda, container, brush, towel.
Mix equal parts of hot water and white vinegar in a container and add baking soda until it forms a paste.
Apply the paste to the soles and leave it to act for 45 minutes. Scrub with a brush, rinse with water and dry.
Using Commercial Shoe Whiteners
If you prefer to use commercial products, there are numerous sole whiteners available on the market that can clean your shoes.
- Always read the instructions from the manufacturer to ensure effectiveness and safety.
How to Prevent Yellowing of Soles
Prevention is always better than cure. Limiting the exposure of your shoes to direct sunlight can help prevent yellowing.
Additionally, avoiding walking in puddles or on damp surfaces and drying wet shoes immediately can make a big difference.
- Store the shoes in a cool and dark place.
- Consider purchasing shoes with “icy” soles which are more resistant to yellowing.
