How to bleach sneaker soles at home
The service life and appearance of all shoes depend on the quality of the sole, so special care is required for it. Sneakers with white soles are the latest trend. They are stylish, beautiful, neat.
When the first dirt appears, an unpleasant sensation arises for the owner, and those around them form the opinion that the owner of this pair is unkempt. As a rule, after several exits to the street, the white color loses its whiteness, becomes dull, grayish or yellowish, depending on weather conditions and other subtleties.
The question arises as to how to clean the white sole. There are many different methods that are actively used by the owners of these shoes. You will again be able to return the neat appearance of your favorite pair of sneakers, extend its service life, and give it a bright whiteness.
You will need tools that are available in almost any home. They are also easy to get at regular household chemicals stores.
Features of the material of sneakers
Troubles with dirty soles remain relevant for many owners of such shoes. Such a surface quickly attracts dirt, loses its whiteness, becomes yellow or gray. Therefore, it is important to know how to whiten the sole of your sneakers. You can do this yourself. Some peculiarities should be taken into account. For example, pay attention to the material of the shoe.
Often, sneakers are made from synthetics. They are quite practical in terms of durability. Shoes, as a rule, are made of synthetic materials that are resistant to various external damage and stress. It can be polyurethane, phylon, and other similar compounds. They are distinguished by good strength, elasticity, softness, for which they have earned attention from manufacturers of sports shoes.
Such materials have unique properties. They are resistant to various chemicals and other substances, aggressive environments and physical damage. At the same time, in the process of wearing, the material loses its aesthetic qualities, quickly becomes dirty under the influence of various factors, which is especially noticeable on the white surface. The material is covered with black stripes, yellow and grayish spots, which makes the product less attractive in appearance.
Often, many modern models also have a grooved sole. This significantly complicates the task of cleaning and caring for shoes. You have to regularly clean both the top and bottom so that your favorite shoes last longer.
When leaving, it is important to take into account the peculiarities of the material from which the sole is made.If shoes are made of genuine leather, use a soft cloth and gentle cleaning agents.
The rubber is easy to clean. To do this, use a sponge or an ordinary eraser, which is in every home. Regular shoe care is necessary to avoid the appearance of yellowness on the surface. You need to know the basic ways on how to clean white shoe soles. This will keep your shoes safe for many seasons.
Reasons for discoloration of the sole
White sneakers have an attractive look. They are perfect for almost any look, and are also convenient for active movement around the city. One small spot, yellowness or black stripe can darken the overall impression. Therefore, it is necessary to know the methods that will help to significantly extend the life of this product.
Synthetic materials are used in the manufacture of sports shoes. They are more flexible, durable and comfortable for different movements. Due to the heterogeneous surface structure, various dirt, dust and other contaminants can easily penetrate inside. After that, it is quite difficult to remove these stains manually.
The corrugated surface causes great difficulties for the owners. She looks brighter and more impressive. At the same time, dirt accumulates much faster. During the cleaning process, more aggressive cleaning agents have to be used.
Among the common reasons for the appearance of yellowness on the sole:
- Active exposure to ultraviolet rays.
- Use of unsuitable cleaning agents that react with rubber.
- Drying in the immediate vicinity of the heater, which triggers the corresponding yellowing processes.
When an unpleasant odor occurs, many people often wash their shoes in a typewriter. This is wrong because the material wears out faster. For this reason, yellowness may also appear. If your shoes stink, it is better to use a special bag. It can only be washed with a gentle mode.
How to bleach sneaker soles
Many people wonder how to wipe off black stripes on a white sole. Even in the most difficult and hopeless cases, the shoe can be restored to its original whiteness using the right products. You don't even have to go to dry cleaning for this. Good cleaning will help restore even the oldest pair of shoes.
Note! In some cases, it is difficult to get rid of yellow spots at home. It is recommended to seek help from specialists.
The effectiveness of the methods used directly depends on how the sole was soiled. Several options are possible:
- Acquiring a yellowish tinge under the influence of dusty and dirty particles that get in while walking. It is possible to clean the surface of shoes using special cleaning agents.
- If the sole was dried on a heater, a characteristic yellowness appears after a few days. It will be difficult to eliminate it with conventional detergents. We'll have to use a special paint. The main condition is that there should be no water in the composition.
Important! After painting, to fix the result, it is better to dry the surface with a hairdryer. The effect will be quite long-lasting with careful use. Acrylic is not washed off for a long time, keeping an attractive appearance.
If stains appear due to the accumulation of various dirt, dust or dirt, you can use the available methods. Below are the most common solutions to the problem.
Washing powder
It is a fairly common and effective method of dealing with yellowness and dirt. To restore the surface, you need to prepare a bowl of mortar.
A small amount of the powder dissolves in lukewarm water. After that, the part of the shoe that needs cleaning is immersed. It is necessary to withstand for about half an hour. After that, it is enough to clean the sole with a stiff brush.
Note! This method is only effective if you are confident in the quality of your shoes. If you are not sure that the quality of the shoes is high, it is better to refuse this method.
Baking soda
Soda is often used to clean various surfaces from contamination. This product can be found in any home. The product is completely safe for the surface, does not corrode rubber, so it is easy to use it at home.
The cleaning process looks simple enough. Apply a sufficient amount of powder to a sponge or soft cloth. After that, you need to rub the dirty surface until the required degree of cleanliness is achieved. To increase the cleaning efficiency, you can add a small amount of citric acid to the composition.
It has the necessary properties to remove even the most difficult dirt. After that, it is enough to wash the surface under running water.
Toothpaste or powder
This cleaning agent is found in almost every home. The toothpaste helps to deal well with almost any dirt. The cleaning procedure is quite simple. To get rid of yellowness and other stains, you need to slightly moisten the sole. After that, the substance is actively rubbed in until the desired result is achieved.
After finishing cleaning, you need to clean the surface. Place your shoes in a warm place to dry. Do not place the product near heaters to avoid the appearance of new yellow spots.
Acetone
Almost every housewife has a nail polish remover. Acetone is the main active ingredient with high cleaning properties. To clean the surface from contamination, it is enough to apply a small amount of the substance on a soft cloth, and then begin to actively rub in.
Care should be taken not to damage the fabric of the sneaker. At the end of the work, it is enough to rinse the surface under the tap.
Note! Apply acetone to a white cloth. Otherwise, it may shed on the sole, which will ruin the product.
Vinegar and citric acid
Vinegar is often used for the cleaning procedure. Shoes are washed first. After that, a solution is made of nine percent vinegar and water. It must be actively smeared, then rinsed and dried.
Citric acid also brightens the surface well.
First you need to clean the surface of dirt and moisten well. With a cloth, citric acid is rubbed into the surface. It is necessary to withstand it for about ten minutes. Everything is washed off and dried.
Stain remover
You can use a white stain remover to avoid damaging the sole structure. It is enough to prepare the solution. It is applied with a brush with high rigidity to the surface. It is required to withstand the composition for several hours.
Everything is thoroughly washed under warm running water. Then it is enough to dry the shoes. The result will pleasantly surprise you.
Eraser
You can use the most common eraser to clean the soles of various dirt. This is a rather difficult process that takes time and patience. The entire surface is actively rubbed with an eraser.If the surface is uneven, there will be some difficulty.
As a result, the sole will be much cleaner. You can rinse it or use additional cleaning products for better results.
Kerosene
Often used for cleaning. Differs in high efficiency. It is necessary to apply a small amount of the substance to a cotton swab, and then begin active rubbing into the surface. The sneakers will take on a crisp white look.
Ethanol
Only light dirt can be wiped off with ethyl alcohol. It can be applied to the surface with a well-soaked napkin or small cloth.
Anticleus
Allows you to quickly wash off the glue if it gets on the sole. This substance is applied. After the desired effect is manifested, it is necessary to rinse the mixture with water.
Milk and starch
This product is effective for removing small stains. These substances are mixed, applied, and then kept for several minutes. The substance can be washed off with laundry soap to remove the remaining fat. After that, it is better to wash your favorite sneakers in order to also remove the stench that accumulates due to bacteria, sweat and other things.
Melamine sponge
This is a fairly effective tool that almost every housewife has in the house. It is enough to rub the contaminated areas with a small piece of a bar. It will not be possible to completely wash the surface, but large dirt will be removed.
General sneaker care
Shoes require special care. Otherwise, it will not last as long as it could. Here is a list of recommendations:
- It is best to place your sneakers where the sun is out.
- After returning home from a walk, you need to do a light cleaning with a damp cloth. To make dirt less sticky, you can use a special cream. It is usually sold in shoe stores.
- The sole should be washed regularly to remove dirt and also to avoid cracking.
- For prophylaxis, you can treat the surface with a water-repellent gel.
- Impregnation, as a rule, is applied only to shoes, which are pre-cleaned of various contaminants, and then dried.
When wearing, care should be taken to avoid moisture and dirt. Then your favorite pair of sneakers will last for many years, and the appearance will delight you with its neatness and novelty.
Video: how easy it is to whiten the sole of sneakers
Discussions
Tin, not advice !!! It is better to buy normal products and be afraid that the sole will creep after them !!!
I personally have been using cleaners from the French manufacturer Famaco and the Japanese manufacturer Boot Black for several years. The most common universal cleaners! But the sole is perfectly cleaned! And it's better to forget about all these cheap things from supermarkets if you wear expensive sneakers. Well, or if your chickens don’t peck money, then buy it. And change your shoes every six months for a new one.