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Before you spend money on specialized shoe cleaners, check what you already have at home. A tube of white gel toothpaste and an old toothbrush may be enough to help clean up dirty shoes and remove surface grime.

Two white sneakers on a brown surface; the right shoe has an orange and black toothbrush placed across its laces.

This good old toothbrush trick is simple and doesn’t need much. The toothpaste can help loosen dirt and marks, while the toothbrush gives you a small, handy brush for working on problem areas.

In this guide, we will show you step by step how to clean dirty shoes with toothpaste and an old toothbrush, including how to scrub them, how long to let the toothpaste sit, and how to wipe everything clean.

We also made “Toothpaste Magic: 70 Household Items You Won’t Believe It Can Clean” if you want more clever ways to use toothpaste around the house.

Now, let’s get the few things you’ll need before you start.

Table of Contents

Materials Needed to Clean Shoes With Toothpaste

You only need four basic things for this cleaning hack:

A pair of white sneakers, a black and orange toothbrush with toothpaste, and a blue packet of cleaning wipes on a brown textured surface.

White gel toothpaste: Use a small amount for scrubbing dirty areas.
Old toothbrush: The bristles help work the toothpaste into small or hard-to-reach areas.
Dirty shoes: This hack is designed for shoes with surface dirt and marks.
Clean damp cloth: Use it to wipe away the toothpaste and loosened dirt. Rinse the cloth and wipe again as needed.

If you want to make your own toothpaste at home, we also created this DIY guide: How to Make Your Own Toothpaste.

How to Clean Shoes With Toothpaste Step by Step

This shoe cleaning hack is quick and simple. Use a small amount of white gel toothpaste, an old toothbrush, and a clean damp cloth.

Remember, don’t soak the shoes in water during the process.

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Step 1: Apply White Gel Toothpaste

A hand squeezes toothpaste from a red and white tube onto a black toothbrush over a brown speckled countertop.

Put a small amount of white gel toothpaste directly onto the old toothbrush. Start with a small amount and add more only if needed.

Step 2: Scrub the Shoes With an Old Toothbrush

A white sneaker is being cleaned with a black and orange toothbrush on a brown speckled surface.

Gently scrub the dirty areas using small circular motions. Focus on visible stains, scuff marks, and areas with built-up grime. Use light pressure, especially if the shoe material is delicate. Keep the shoes as dry as possible while you scrub.

Step 3: Let the Toothpaste Sit for 10 to 15 Minutes

White sneaker with visible damage at the front, showing a large tear in the upper material, on a speckled brown floor.

Once you’ve finished scrubbing, leave the toothpaste on the shoes for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the toothpaste some time to work on the surface dirt. Don’t add water or soak the shoes during this step.

Step 4: Wipe the Shoes With a Damp Cloth

A person cleans a white sneaker with a yellow cloth on a brown speckled surface.

Take a clean damp cloth and gently wipe away the toothpaste and loosened dirt. Rinse the cloth as needed and continue wiping until the toothpaste residue is gone. Keep the cloth damp rather than soaking wet.

Step 5: Let the Shoes Air-Dry

A pair of white sneakers with laces, placed side by side on a speckled brown surface. The shoes show slight signs of wear, including minor creases and smudges.

After wiping the shoes clean, let them air-dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Avoid soaking them or using excessive heat to speed up the drying process.

(For comparison: The shoe on the right is the clean shoe after using this hack)

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Tips for Cleaning Dirty Shoes With Toothpaste

A little care can help you clean your shoes without damaging the material. Keep these simple tips in mind:

Use white gel toothpaste: Stick with white gel toothpaste for this cleaning method.
Scrub gently: Use small circular motions and avoid applying too much pressure.
Don’t soak the shoes: Keep water to a minimum throughout the cleaning process.
Use a clean damp cloth: Rinse the cloth as needed while wiping away toothpaste and dirt.
Test first: Try the method on a small, less noticeable area, especially on colored or delicate shoes.

Does Toothpaste Really Work for Cleaning Shoes?

Toothpaste can help with surface dirt, grime, and some scuff marks, which makes it a handy option when you don’t have a dedicated shoe cleaner nearby.

The mild cleaning and abrasive ingredients found in some toothpastes can help loosen dirt when combined with gentle scrubbing from an old toothbrush.

Results can vary depending on the shoe material and the type of stain. This method is best treated as a simple household cleaning hack, not a guaranteed solution for every shoe or stain.

Always test a small hidden area first, and avoid using excessive water.

When to Use Toothpaste to Clean Dirty Shoes

This hack can be useful when your shoes have light dirt, surface grime, or small marks that need a quick cleanup. It’s especially convenient when you already have toothpaste and an old toothbrush sitting around.

For delicate materials, strongly colored shoes, or shoes with stubborn stains, check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first. A gentle approach is always better than aggressive scrubbing that could damage the material.

How to Clean Dirty Shoes With Toothpaste and an Old Toothbrush

Transform your dirty shoes with the easy toothpaste shoe cleaning hack. Find out how to make them look new again.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Ingredients

Toothpaste White gel
Old toothbrush
Dirty shoes
Clean damp cloth

Instructions

Put a small amount of white gel toothpaste directly onto the old toothbrush. Start with a small amount and add more only if needed.
Gently scrub the dirty areas using small circular motions. Focus on visible stains, scuff marks, and areas with built-up grime. Use light pressure, especially if the shoe material is delicate. Keep the shoes as dry as possible while you scrub.
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, leave the toothpaste on the shoes for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the toothpaste some time to work on the surface dirt. Don’t add water or soak the shoes during this step.
Take a clean damp cloth and gently wipe away the toothpaste and loosened dirt. Rinse the cloth as needed and continue wiping until the toothpaste residue is gone. Keep the cloth damp rather than soaking wet.
After wiping the shoes clean, let them air-dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Avoid soaking them or using excessive heat to speed up the drying process.

A Simple Way to Clean Dirty Shoes With Toothpaste

You don’t need a complicated cleaning kit to give dirty shoes a quick refresh. With white gel toothpaste, an old toothbrush, and a clean damp cloth, you can tackle surface dirt with a few simple steps.

Have you tried cleaning shoes with toothpaste before? If this worked for you, share this hack with a friend who could use it!

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