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Two white sneakers on a brown surface; the right shoe has an orange and black toothbrush placed across its laces.
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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.
Prep Time 30 minutes

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.
    A hand squeezes toothpaste from a red and white tube onto a black toothbrush over a brown speckled countertop.
  • 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.
    A white sneaker is being cleaned with a black and orange toothbrush on a brown speckled surface.
  • 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.
    White sneaker with visible damage at the front, showing a large tear in the upper material, on a speckled brown floor.
  • 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.
    A person cleans a white sneaker with a yellow cloth on a brown speckled surface.
  • 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 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.