Every other sports shoe is made with a rubber sole but do you know how to keep them fresh for a long time? If not then read on.
Shoes with rubber soles are designed to withstand all kinds of weather conditions such as mud and the like. However, even such a solution sometimes needs support and proper care, so it is worth washing them occasionally.
Learn how to clean rubber shoes and soles with baking soda, acetone and more. Use a few simple tricks to get your rubber soles white again.
What do you need to wash a rubber sole?
Rubber boots are in fashion. But have you ever wondered how to clean rubber boots? The process of restoring their shiny appearance is quite easy. In fact, rubber can be one of the easiest materials to clean shoes.
To effectively wash rubber soles, you will need:
- A mild detergent (can be washing powder or soap),
- soft bristle brush,
- plastic scraper,
- water,
- baking soda.
Quick instructions for cleaning rubber sneakers
Now that you have your cleaning products ready, it’s time to get to work. This method takes a bit of work, but it’s worth it in the end.
- Use a scraper to remove as much dirt as possible from the bottom and sides of the shoe. It can also be helpful to hit the bottom against something hard, such as the floor, to remove dirt from all the grooves.
- Remove any insoles from your shoes.
- Take a bristle brush and remove the remaining dirt, if possible.
- Fill the bowl with warm water.
- Add a teaspoon of laundry detergent or soap.
- Let the rubber boots soak for about 5-10 minutes.
- Take a bristle brush and scrub your shoes, inside and out.
- Dip a brush in baking soda and scrub the soles thoroughly with it to clean stubborn stains.
- Allow the shoes to dry completely.
- Put your insoles back in and enjoy your clean sneakers.
How to clean white rubber soles and shoes
Most often, you will not have a completely rubber shoe. You can have shoes made of a combination of rubber and fabric or other materials. For example, Converse brand sneakers usually come in such a combination.
Learn how to clean white rubber soles with a few simple tricks. These methods also work great for white rubber shoes and sneakers.
White sole method thanks to acetone
One of the easiest ways to get your soles back to white in a flash is to try acetone. The dirt literally rubs off.
What you need to wash a white rubber sole:
- acetone,
- swabs,
- baking soda,
- mild detergent (can be dish liquid or soap),
- A soft shoe brush (one for teeth will also do),
- cloth,
- magic eraser.
How to wash white rubber soles?
- Use a cloth to remove as much loose dirt from the shoe as possible.
- Soak a cotton ball in acetone.
- Wipe the sole of the shoe with it.
- Repeat with a new cotton swab until all the dirt is gone.
Use baking soda for better results and to restore the white color of the rubber.
Method with baking soda and washing up liquid
Another clear winner in the battle to clean rubber boots is a combination of baking soda and dishwashing liquid. These two products work great on stubborn dirt.
For this method, you need:
- dish liquid,
- baking soda and
- toothbrush.
How to do it?
- Remove loose dirt with a brush or cloth.
- Combine baking soda with a tablespoon or two of dish liquid to make a nice, thick paste.
- Dip a toothbrush into the mixture and scrub the rubber parts of the shoe.
- Wipe off the dirt with a cloth and repeat the process until the entire surface is clean.
- Rinse with water.
- Allow to dry completely.
If your soles are really dirty, you can soak them in water with dish liquid for about 10-20 minutes to soften the dirt during the scrubbing adventure.
Always wash your shoes carefully
Whether your sneakers are looking a little worse for wear or the rubber soles need some care, these methods are sure to make them look like new again.
However, remember to use everything carefully so as not to damage your footwear.
The methods described above have not been approved by the direct manufacturers, so damage to the shoe structure after a bad wash may not be covered by the product warranty.