How to Clean Rubber on Shoes

When we own a pair of shoes that have white rubber soles, it seems inevitable for them to get dirty and yellowish no matter how well we take care of them. However, there are a few things you can try that you might find useful.

We at 5-Minute Crafts discovered a few different ways to clean the rubber soles of shoes and are now sharing the ones we think will help you the most.

1. Make a cleaning paste.

You will need:

• A dry brush (like an old toothbrush)
• Laundry detergent
• Baking soda
• A microfiber cloth
• A cloth or sponge
• Water

Instructions:

1. Make a paste by combining 1 part laundry detergent and 1 part baking soda. Mix well.
2. First, use the dry brush to clean off any dirt. You don’t need to deep clean it now — save time and energy because the paste will do the job.
3. With the toothbrush, apply the paste to the dirty parts of the shoes’ soles. Scrub until you see that the area looks clean.
4. Once you’re done, dip a cloth or a sponge in water and clean out the soapy area. Make sure that all of the solution is cleaned.
5. Dry it out with a microfiber cloth.

2. Use nail polish remover.

You will need:

• A few cotton balls
• Nail polish remover

Instructions:

1. Take the cotton balls and soak them in nail polish remover.
2. Scrub the rubber soles until they become white.

Warning: Don’t use the nail polish remover on the shoes’ fabric. It might discolor it.

3. Clean the rubber with toothpaste.

You will need:

• Toothpaste
• A toothbrush
• Water

Instructions:

1. Start by applying toothpaste to a toothbrush.
2. Rub the soles of your shoes.
3. If necessary, apply more toothpaste directly to the shoes.
4. From time to time, dip the toothbrush in water.