How do you clean soles of white shoes?

A simple rinse with a damp towel and liquid dish soap should remove most stains. However, work carefully as white shoes show dirt and stains more prominently than other colors. Special attention should be taken when you clean soles of white shoes made from materials such as suede and leather. This way, you won't damage the delicate shoe upper.

Why do white soles turn yellow?

White objects - including your shoe soles - will turn yellow as a result of oxidation. This is simple exposure to oxygen in the air that affects many white goods. They may also turn yellow over time from contact with dirt and mud.

How do you whiten midsoles?

Midsoles are often made of rubber so stains should be easy to remove using any of the methods above. For dark stains caused by friction, simply rub a wet cloth (and if necessary, some liquid dish soap) against the stain until clean.

How do you get rid of yellow soles on Air Forces & other sneakers?

Air Forces and other popular sneakers can generally be washed in the washing machine - check the label first to be sure. If washing them by hand, mix detergent and water and rub the soles gently until they are clean.

Does baking soda whiten soles?

Yes, sodium bicarbonate has whitening properties. If you mix it with vinegar, it can effectively remove yellowing on your soles. Simply follow the tips we shared above.

Is white vinegar safe for shoes?

It depends on the shoe material. You can use white vinegar to clean rubber and canvas shoes. However, the acetic acid in vinegar may damage leather materials.

How to Whiten Yellow Soles on Shoes

Key steps

✦
Use a mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to whiten your shoe soles.
✦
Equal parts bleach and water should also do the trick.
✦
Rubbing toothpaste into the sole of your shoe should help to whiten it again.

If you own shoes that feature white soles, then you'll know the struggle of having to deal with yellowed soles. Especially with the heat and the sun, the substances in your shoe soles oxidize and turn yellowy. So, how can you restore them to their former splendor? Here we’ll share useful tips for how to whiten yellow soles once and for all.

Learning how to clean yellow soles doesn’t have to be difficult. Did you know, household products like baking soda and bleach are perfect for getting them white again?

How to whiten yellow soles on shoes: a step-by-step guide

There are three simple methods for you to whiten your yellowed shoe soles. Read on to find out which one will work best for you.

A running shoe on a red track, showing the sole of the shoe as the foot steps forward.

Method 1: How to clean yellow soles with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

✦
Make a paste using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
✦
Using an old toothbrush, rub the paste over the yellowed areas of your shoe sole.
✦
Place your shoes sole side up in direct sunlight and leave to soak.
✦
Rinse the paste off your shoe sole and check the results.
✦
If they still have some stubborn yellow marks, repeat steps 1-4.

Quick Tip: Studies in the dental field have shown hydrogen peroxide to be an effective whitener.[1] For more tips, check out our article about the ways you can use hydrogen peroxide as a cleaner in your home.

Bowl of white sugar with a metal spoon on a wooden table.

Method 2: How to clean yellow soles with bleach.

✦
In a small bowl, mix about three tablespoons of Domex Classic Thick Bleach with three tablespoons of water.
✦
Mix equal parts bleach and water.
✦
Dip an old toothbrush or equivalent soft-bristled brush into the mix.
✦
Use this to scrub the sole of your shoe, paying particular attention to the yellowed areas.
✦
Rinse thoroughly with running water.
✦
Noticed you still have some yellow marks? All you need to do is repeat steps 1-4 until the shoe is white as new again.

Bottle of Domex Ultra Thick Bleach cleaning product.

Method 3: How to clean yellow soles with toothpaste.

✦
Using an old toothbrush, rub toothpaste over the yellowed areas of your shoe sole.
✦
Add a sprinkle of water.
✦
Rub the sole again.
✦
Using a clean, damp cloth, thoroughly clean the entire sole.
✦
If there are still signs of yellow on your shoe sole, simply repeat the above steps.

Quick Tip: You can use toothpaste containing carbamide peroxide or fluoride and still get the same results. Studies have proven no significant difference in the whitening effects of different toothpaste products.[2]

Method 4: How to whiten yellow shoe soles with white vinegar.

✦
Create a whitening paste by mixing equal portions of white vinegar, baking soda, and hot water.
✦
Use a toothbrush to apply the paste onto the sole area of your shoe.
✦
Let the paste sit for about an hour, then use the toothbrush to scrub the paste off.
✦
Rinse the soles under cold, running water.
✦
Use a clean towel to dry the soles.

How long it takes to whiten shoes

In general, it can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to whiten shoes. It's important to follow the instructions for the method you are using carefully. Moreover, test any products on a small, inconspicuous area of the shoe before applying them more broadly. With the right approach, you can effectively whiten your shoes and restore their original appearance.

Pro Tip: Read our guide on how to clean sneakers and running shoes to prevent yellowing on your soles.

How to revive discolored rubber soles?

To revive discolored rubber soles and bring them back to their original color, there are several steps you can follow. Start by cleaning the soles with mild soap and warm water, scrubbing gently with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely. Next, apply a specialized rubber sole cleaner or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to the discolored areas. Scrub the solution onto the soles using a soft brush, then rinse and dry.

For stubborn discoloration, you can try using a white eraser or a magic eraser to gently rub the affected areas. Finally, protect the soles from future discoloration by storing shoes in a cool, dry place and avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat. Enjoy box-fresh soles with this simple guide on how to clean shoe soles and remove that tired yellow tint. Now you know how to whiten shoes sole, make sure you keep on top of the cleaning of your white shoes with our guide on how to clean white shoes.

Do you want to learn which household cleaning tasks cause the most stress? Then read our Heated Household data analysis.

References:

1. Carey C. M. (2014). Tooth whitening: what we now know. The journal of evidence-based dental practice, 14 Suppl, 70–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebdp.2014.02.006

2. Moran, J., Claydon, N. C., Addy, M., & Newcombe, R. (2005). Clinical studies to determine the effectiveness of a whitening toothpaste at reducing stain (using a forced stain model). International journal of dental hygiene, 3(1), 25–30. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-5037.2004.00099.x

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Frequently asked questions on cleaning white shoes

How do you clean soles of white shoes?

A simple rinse with a damp towel and liquid dish soap should remove most stains. However, work carefully as white shoes show dirt and stains more prominently than other colors. Special attention should be taken when you clean soles of white shoes made from materials such as suede and leather. This way, you won't damage the delicate shoe upper.
Why do white soles turn yellow?

White objects - including your shoe soles - will turn yellow as a result of oxidation. This is simple exposure to oxygen in the air that affects many white goods. They may also turn yellow over time from contact with dirt and mud.
How do you whiten midsoles?

Midsoles are often made of rubber so stains should be easy to remove using any of the methods above. For dark stains caused by friction, simply rub a wet cloth (and if necessary, some liquid dish soap) against the stain until clean.
How do you get rid of yellow soles on Air Forces & other sneakers?

Air Forces and other popular sneakers can generally be washed in the washing machine - check the label first to be sure. If washing them by hand, mix detergent and water and rub the soles gently until they are clean.
Does baking soda whiten soles?

Yes, sodium bicarbonate has whitening properties. If you mix it with vinegar, it can effectively remove yellowing on your soles. Simply follow the tips we shared above.
Is white vinegar safe for shoes?

It depends on the shoe material. You can use white vinegar to clean rubber and canvas shoes. However, the acetic acid in vinegar may damage leather materials.