How to Get Yellow Stains Out of White Shoes: 3 Simple Methods

Disclosure: Heads up, savvy reader! My name is Tim Schroeder. Your favorite shoe expert. Clicking on our links could lead you to fantastic finds, and it might even make my day a little brighter with a small commission. Win-win! Just so you know, the sneakerheads here at LearnAboutShoes make every effort to test and thoroughly research the products we recommend. Enjoy the article!

Have you ever looked down at your white shoes and noticed that they’re not so white anymore? Maybe they’ve got some yellow stains on them. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Yellow stains are a common problem for white shoes, but they’re not impossible to remove. In this blog post, I’m going to share three simple methods for how to get yellow stains out of white shoes.

Before we get started, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for getting yellow stains out of white shoes. 

The best method for you will depend on the type of stain and the material of your shoes. However, the three methods I’m going to share are all effective and relatively easy to do.

So, let’s get started!

What Causes Yellow Stains on White Shoes? 

Before we dive into the process of how to get yellow stains out of white shoes, let’s take a moment to understand why they crop up in the first place. After all, if you can prevent them from going yellow in the first place, you’ll save yourself the trouble of removing them later.

Various factors can cause yellow stains on white shoes, and they are often a result of a combination of factors. 

Here are some common reasons for yellow stains on white shoes:

• Sweat and Body Oils: The most common cause of yellowing on white shoes is the accumulation of sweat and body oils. When you wear your shoes, your feet sweat, and over time, the sweat and natural oils from your skin can seep into the shoe material and cause discoloration.

• Sunlight Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the white material of your shoes to yellow over time. This is especially true for materials like rubber and some synthetic fabrics that are sensitive to UV rays.

• Aging: White materials, especially on older shoes, can naturally yellow with age. This is because the materials used in shoes may not be resistant to the effects of time and environmental factors.

• Stains and Spills: Accidental spills of drinks, food, or other substances can also cause yellow stains on white shoes, particularly if the spilled substance contains pigments or dyes.

• Mold and Mildew: In humid or damp environments, white shoes are susceptible to developing mold and mildew, which can appear as yellow or greenish stains on the shoes.

• Inadequate Cleaning: Not cleaning your white shoes regularly can allow dirt and stains to build up and become more difficult to remove, leading to yellowing over time.

The great thing is that you can absolutely get those yellow stains off your trusty white shoes. Let me share some methods with you on how to make it happen.

Method 1: The Classic Baking Soda and Vinegar Treatment

Baking soda and vinegar are two household items with countless applications, including cleaning white shoes. They work wonders in tackling yellow stains while being safe and affordable.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have the following items ready:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• A soft-bristle brush
• A bowl or container
• A cloth or sponge
• Warm water

Step 2: Mix the Cleaning Solution

It’s a simple process that can make a big difference in keeping your white shoes clean and fresh.

To get started, grab a container – a plastic spray bottle works great for this. Now, you’ll want to mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. For example, you can use ½ cup of each ingredient. Pour them into your container, and it’s time to give it a good mix.

Take a moment to stir the solution well. Make sure the vinegar and water are thoroughly combined. Once that’s done, you’ve got your powerful stain-fighting elixir ready to roll. 

Time to move on and start reviving those white shoes!

Step 3: Pre-Treat Your Shoes

Now that you’ve got your trusty vinegar and water mixture ready to roll, it’s time to get those white shoes looking fresh again. 

Grab a sponge or cloth and give it a good soak in our vinegar and water solution. You want it damp, not dripping wet – just enough to do some stain-fighting without drowning your shoes in the process.

Now, take that damp sponge or cloth and gently start wiping away at the stained areas of your white shoes. 

Remember, we’re going for a gentle touch here. No need to go all “Hercules” on those stains. Slow and steady is the name of the game. 

This pre-treatment step is like the warm-up before a workout, it sets the stage for the main event, which is coming up next.

Step 4: Apply the Baking Soda

Alright, you’ve prepped those stains with the vinegar and water solution, and now it’s time to kick things up a notch. 

Grab that trusty box of baking soda from your kitchen, and let’s sprinkle a generous amount right over those yellow stains on your white shoes. It’s like a magical dusting of stain-fighting goodness.

When the baking soda meets the vinegar from our earlier solution, it’ll start to fizz and foam. That reaction is your secret weapon for lifting those stubborn stains right off your shoes. 

It’s like a mini science experiment happening right on your footwear. So, don’t be shy with the baking soda – go ahead and let it rain down on those stains. 

Step 5: Scrub with a Soft Brush

You’ll need a soft-bristle brush for this part. Gently start scrubbing that baking soda and vinegar mixture into the stained areas of your shoes. Think of it as giving your shoes a little spa treatment; they deserve it!

Patience is key here. You’ll want to scrub in a circular motion, letting the soft brush do its thing. The baking soda’s abrasiveness will work wonders at breaking down those stubborn stains. It’s like a gentle massage for your shoes, and you’re helping them shed their imperfections.

Step 6: Let it Sit and Rinse

It’s time to let those shoes have a little downtime. Find a well-ventilated area, a cozy spot on your porch or balcony, and leave your freshly treated shoes there to dry for a few hours. Think of it as their spa day, with a view!

If you’ve got some sunlight to spare, that’s even better. Sunlight has some natural bleaching properties, and it can help your shoes regain that pristine white shine even faster. So, feel free to place them in direct sunlight and let nature lend a hand in making those stains a thing of the past.

This waiting period is like the finishing touch to our shoe revival project. So, kick back, relax, and let the sun and air work their magic. 

When you come back, start rinsing the shoes and air dry again, and you’ll be greeted by a pair of white shoes that’ll make you smile from ear to ear.  

Your effort is paying off, and those yellow stains won’t stand a chance!

Step 7: Brush off the Residue 

I hope you enjoyed that little break while your shoes were drying in the sun. Now, it’s time for the next step in our shoe revival mission. 

Take that trusty soft brush once more, and gently brush off any dried baking soda residue from your shoes. It’s like giving your shoes a final touch-up after a makeover.

You’ll notice that your shoes should already be looking significantly cleaner and brighter at this point. Those yellow stains should be feeling the pressure and fading away. But don’t be discouraged if any stubborn stains just won’t budge. You can always repeat the process, a little persistence goes a long way in the battle against stains.

So, there you have it, your shoes are well on their way to looking as good as new, and your effort is truly paying off. Keep up the great work, and those white shoes will shine brilliantly in no time.

Method 2: Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda for Stubborn Stains

For those stubborn yellow stains that just won’t budge, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can be a powerful combination. 

Here’s how to use this method:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need the following:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda
• A soft-bristle brush
• A bowl
• A cloth or sponge
• Warm water

Step 2: Mix the Cleaning Solution

Start by taking two parts of good old baking soda. The stuff that’s probably sitting in your kitchen cabinet right now. No need to be super precise; just eyeball it. Now, take one part of hydrogen peroxide, the kind you might have in your medicine cabinet for cuts and scrapes.

Pour the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into your trusty bowl. It’s time to get mixing! Take a spoon or something to stir with and give it a good whirl. You want to keep at it until it turns into a nice, thick paste.

Don’t worry if it takes a bit of elbow grease. Just keep stirring until everything comes together smoothly. 

Once it’s all consistent and paste-like, you’re good to go. This is the cleaning solution that’s going to work its magic in our next step.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Now that we’ve got our trusty cleaning solution all mixed up and ready, it’s time to put it to work and banish those stubborn yellow stains from your white shoes. It’s a straightforward process, I promise!

Grab a clean cloth or sponge; either will work like a charm. Dip it into the paste you’ve created, making sure to load it up nicely. Then, gently apply the paste to those pesky yellow stains on your shoes. 

Be thorough and make sure you cover those stained areas completely. The goal here is to give those stains no chance of survival!

Step 4: Scrub Gently

It’s time for a gentle scrubbing session. It’s all about giving those stains the boot without harming your beloved kicks.

You’ll want to grab a soft-bristle brush, a real MVP in this cleaning process. Dip it into the paste, and then, with a delicate touch, start scrubbing those stained areas. Think of it as giving your shoes a little spa treatment; soft and gentle strokes are the key.

Please be cautious not to get carried away with the scrubbing. Too much vigor can actually do more harm than good, potentially damaging the shoe material. So, remember, patience and gentleness are your best friends in this step. 

Step 5: Let it Sit

After our gentle scrubbing session, it’s time to give the cleaning paste a bit of time to work its magic. It’s like a mini timeout for your shoes, and it’s a crucial part of the process.

Once you’ve applied the paste and scrubbed those yellow stains, don’t rush to wipe it off just yet. Allow it to sit on your shoes for about 30 minutes. This little waiting period is where the paste gets to do its job, breaking down and loosening up those stubborn stains.

During this time, you can catch up on a chapter of your favorite book, make a cup of tea, or simply kick back and relax. Your shoes are in good hands, and when you come back, they’ll be one step closer to their sparkling, stain-free glory. 

Patience truly pays off in the world of shoe cleaning!

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

After letting that magical cleaning paste do its thing for about 30 minutes, it’s time to give your shoes the final spa treatment they deserve.

Grab a damp cloth – it doesn’t need to be soaking wet, just damp enough to get the job done. Gently wipe off the paste from your shoes. You’ll see that the stains have loosened up and are ready to say their final goodbye.

Next, it’s time to rinse your shoes under cold running water. This step ensures that any remaining residue is washed away, leaving your shoes squeaky clean. And here’s a bonus – it’ll freshen them up nicely too!

Now, be patient just a bit longer. Let your freshly cleaned shoes air dry. Find a nice, sunny spot to place them, and before you know it, they’ll be ready to step back into the world, looking as good as new. 

You’ve worked your cleaning magic, and your shoes will surely thank you. Well done!

Method 3: Lemon Juice and Sunlight

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help remove yellow stains from white shoes. This method is effective and leaves your shoes smelling fresh and clean.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need:

• Fresh lemons or bottled lemon juice
• Water
• A soft-bristle brush
• A cloth or sponge
• Warm water

Step 2: Mix the Cleaning Solution

You have two options here – fresh lemons or bottled lemon juice. If you’re feeling all-natural and have fresh lemons on hand, go ahead and squeeze out that zesty juice. But if you’re in a hurry or just prefer convenience, bottled lemon juice works just fine.

The key here is to mix your chosen lemon juice with equal water. This magical combo does amazing things for your shoes. 

First, it dilutes the lemon juice, which is great because it can be a bit harsh on your beloved footwear. Nobody wants to ruin those favorite pairs of shoes, right?

So, when you mix lemon juice and water in equal parts, you’re creating a gentle yet effective cleaning solution that’ll keep your shoes looking spick and span. 

It’s a simple step, but it can make a world of difference in the long-term health and appearance of your footwear.

Step 3: Apply the Lemon Juice Solution

Applying this magical solution to those pesky yellow stains on your white shoes is as easy as pie, I promise.

First, grab a cloth or sponge that’s soft and gentle on your shoes. Dampen it with the lemon juice and water concoction you just whipped up. This is where the real transformation begins. The lemon juice acts like a natural stain remover, and the water ensures it’s not too harsh on your shoes.

Gently, I repeat, gently, start scrubbing those yellow stains. No need to go all hulk on them; a light touch is more than enough. You’ll be amazed at how effective this method is. It’s like a little spa day for your shoes, minus the cucumber eye masks. 

The stains will start to give way, and you’ll be well on your way to having your white shoes looking as good as new. So, keep it gentle, and let the lemony freshness work its wonders. 

Step 4: Sunbathe Your Shoes

You’ve done a great job cleaning those yellow stains with the lemon juice solution, but sunlight’s another secret weapon you can use to supercharge the process! Yes, just like humans, shoes also need a bit of sun.

Find a nice, sunny spot, preferably outdoors. Place your shoes there, basking in the sunlight. The beauty of this step is that lemon juice and sunlight make an incredible tag team. 

The sun activates the lemon juice and naturally bleaches those stubborn stains away. It’s like a double whammy for those yellow blemishes.

Leave your shoes to sunbathe for a few hours, but remember to turn them occasionally. This ensures that every nook and cranny gets some of that stain-fighting sunshine. 

You’ll be amazed at the results when you come back to check on them. Your white shoes will be looking brighter and fresher, almost like they’ve been given a new lease on life. 

It’s a simple but powerful trick in the shoe-cleaning playbook. 

So, let your shoes soak in that sunlight, and you’ll be well on your way to flaunting those pristine white kicks!

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

After your shoes have had their sunny treatment, it’s time to bring them back to their full glory. 

First, give your shoes a good rinse with cold water. This is crucial because it helps remove any lingering lemon juice and ensures your shoes won’t end up smelling like a citrus paradise. Just a quick, thorough rinse will do the trick.

Once that’s done, it’s time for a little patience. Allow your shoes to air dry completely. You might be tempted to speed up the process with a hairdryer or by placing them near a heater, but hold your horses. Heat can be too much for your shoes and may cause them to lose their shape or even damage them. So, the best approach is to let them dry naturally.

Learn How To Dry Shoes in Dryer Safely In 8 Steps here.

As they dry, you’ll see the final transformation unfold. Your white shoes will be back to looking as fresh as the day you first got them. 

And trust me, that feeling of accomplishment is oh-so-satisfying. So, rinse, let them air dry, and soon enough, your shoes will be ready to step out in style once again!

Tips for Preventing Yellow Stains on White Shoes

Now that you’ve learned how to get rid of yellow stains from your white shoes, it’s essential to take preventive measures to keep your shoes looking pristine for longer. 

Here are some tips to help you maintain your white shoes:

• Clean your shoes regularly. The more often you clean your shoes, the less likely they are to develop yellow stains.
• Use a mild soap and water solution to clean your shoes. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the material of your shoes and make them more susceptible to staining.
• Dry your shoes thoroughly after cleaning them. Leaving your shoes wet can cause them to develop yellow stains.
• Store your shoes in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing your shoes in direct sunlight or in humid conditions, as this can also cause them to develop yellow stains.
• Apply a protective coating to your shoes. There are a number of products available that can help to protect your shoes from stains and dirt.

Here are some additional tips that may help:

• Avoid wearing your white shoes in wet or dirty conditions. If you wet your white shoes, dry them off as soon as possible.
• Be careful when eating and drinking around your white shoes. Food and drinks can easily stain white shoes, so be sure to wipe up any spills immediately.
• If you get a stain on your white shoes, try removing it as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits on your shoes, the more difficult it will be to remove.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your white shoes looking their best for longer.

How to Get Yellow Stains Out of White Shoes: My Final Thought

Yellow stains on white shoes may be an eyesore, but they are not a lost cause. You can restore your white shoes to their former glory with the right methods and a little elbow grease. 

Whether you opt for the classic baking soda and vinegar treatment, the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda method for stubborn stains, or the natural power of lemon juice and sunlight, your white shoes can look as good as new.

Remember to take preventive measures to keep your white shoes looking fresh and clean for longer. With these techniques and tips, you can confidently step out in style with your pristine white shoes, free from those stubborn yellow stains. 

Now, put your newfound knowledge to the test and enjoy your rejuvenated, stain-free footwear!