Yellowed white shoes can usually be whitened, as long as you use the right method and act early.
Why do white shoes turn yellow?
Three main causes: sweat and dirt oxidizing; leftover detergent that was not rinsed off turning yellow; and sun-drying or long storage causing the material to oxidize.
5 ways to whiten shoes
- Toothpaste: use white toothpaste (not colored), gently brush the yellowed area, leave 10 minutes then wipe off.
- Baking soda + white vinegar: mix baking soda with a little water into a paste, apply, spray a bit of vinegar, leave 15 minutes then brush.
- Citric acid: soak the yellowed part in warm water with citric acid (or lemon juice) for 30 minutes.
- Special cleaner: use a commercial white-shoe cleaner as directed.
- Proper drying: after washing, wrap the shoe surface in white tissue and dry in the shade — never in direct sunlight.
The most common cause of yellowing is actually leftover detergent. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.
Too much hassle? Leave it to LaundryHub
If your favorite shoes are badly yellowed or made of sensitive material, leave them to LaundryHub for a clean result with no risk of damage.