This cleaning hack costs no more than £2.50 and takes just 10 minutes, leaving shoes looking almost brand new without having to fork out for specialist cleaning products to have sparkling shoes
Between the rain, gritty pavements, muddy grass, and undrained puddles, it’s an impossible time of year to keep white trainers spotless.
As the colder months set in, those who dare to wear white trainers regularly face a constant battle with the elements. For those not sacrificing their fits or those who refuse to give up their favourite footwear, one white trainer enthusiast tried a popular cleaning hack – but has one small complaint.
Andrew Smart, writing for Yahoo News, shared that his trainers, which were otherwise well looked after, had become “duller and worn out” with the change in weather. Instead of throwing them in the washing machine or paying for professional cleaning products that were likely expensive, Andrew sought a more cost-effective solution to restore his shoes to their former glory: toothpaste.
The cleaning hack he discovered costs no more than £2.50 and takes just 10 minutes, leaving shoes looking almost brand new. Across the internet, users have been swearing by non-gel toothpaste from brands like Colgate to keep trainers looking fresh. Experts from Family Handyman noted that whitening non-gel toothpaste is an easy way to make shoes look noticeably whiter after only 10 minutes.
The process is simple: you’ll need a small amount of whitening non-gel toothpaste and an old toothbrush. Apply the paste to the dirty areas of your trainers, leave it on for around 10 minutes, and then wipe it off using a damp towel. Andrew tested the hack on his Nike Air Force Ones, applying the paste in circular motions on one shoe to compare the results. He noticed a clear improvement, particularly with scuff marks disappearing from the side of the trainer. He was impressed with the outcome, stating: “Not only did it remove dirt, but my shoes also started to look brighter and bolder.”
However, Andrew’s one complaint was that using a small amount of toothpaste was impractical. He found himself constantly stopping to squeeze out more, which interrupted the cleaning process. Learning from him it might be worth putting a large dollop of toothpaste into a bowl beforehand so that you can apply it more easily and avoid the need to stop and start.
Overall, despite this minor inconvenience, Andrew believes the hack is worth trying. It’s an inexpensive and effective way to clean trainers, especially for those who want to avoid paying for costly specialist shoe-cleaning products.