Over time, the soles of well-loved sneakers can turn an unappealing shade of yellow. But before you relegate those vintage Jordan 1s or beloved Yeezys to the back of your closet, there are methods you can use to restore them to their original glory.
Unyellowing and whitening sneaker soles requires a bit of work, but the results can make old kicks look brand new. Strategic use of dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, gentle cleaners, and even salon products can lift years of yellow discolouration.
With the proper prep, supplies, and techniques, you can give those aged soles and midsoles a fresh facelift. We’ll walk through how to UnYellowy your Sneaker Sole? and get your timeless sneakers looking crisply white again.
Also Read:How To Keep Shoes From Dry Rotting?
List of Necessary Items for UnYellowy your Sneaker: Before we dive into the process, let’s gather all the essential items you’ll need:
- Brush
- Hair oxidizer
- Cling film
- Toothbrush
- Liquid soap
- Sole cleaning solution
Step 1: Clean the Sole Begin by preparing your sneakers for the restoration process. Follow these steps:
a. Take a toothbrush and apply a small amount of liquid soap to it.
b. Gently scrub the sole of your sneakers to remove any dirt and grime.
c. Rinse off the applied soap with water, ensuring the sole is clean.
d. Allow the shoe to air dry completely.
Step 2: Apply Hair Oxidizer Now, it’s time to apply hair oxidizer to whiten the sole.
Follow these instructions:
a. Use a brush to evenly apply hair oxidizer to the sole.
b. Roll out cling film and wrap it around the sole of your sneakers, ensuring it adheres snugly.
Step 3: Sun-Drying Harness the power of the sun to enhance the whitening process. Here’s what to do:
a. Place your sneakers in direct sunlight for half an hour.
b. After the initial 30 minutes, flip your sneakers to expose the other side for an additional half-hour.
Step 4: Washing After 30 Minutes After sun-drying, it’s time to remove the oxidizer and finish the restoration:
a. Carefully remove the cling film.
b. Using a toothbrush and water, gently rinse off any remaining hair oxidizer from the sole.
Step 5: Assess the Results Take a moment to admire the transformation.
If your sneakers haven’t reached your desired level of whiteness, don’t worry; you can repeat the entire procedure to achieve your desired results.
How long it takes to whiten shoes
The time it takes to whiten shoes can vary, but typically it may take a few hours to a day or more. It depends on the method you use and the extent of yellowing on the shoes.
Some methods, like using an oxidizer and sunlight, can work in as little as half an hour, while others, such as using whitening agents, might require more time. Be patient and follow the instructions carefully for the best results.
How to revive Discolored rubber soles?
Reviving discolored rubber soles is easy! Here’s how:
- Clean the Soles: Start by cleaning the rubber soles with warm, soapy water and a brush. Scrub gently to remove dirt and grime. Rinse them thoroughly.
- Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the discolored areas on the rubber soles. Let it sit for about 15-30 minutes. The baking soda helps lift stains.
- Scrub Again: After letting the baking soda paste sit, use your brush to scrub the soles again. This time, focus on the areas with the paste.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the soles with clean water to remove the baking soda residue. Pat them dry with a clean cloth.
- Sunlight: Place your shoes in direct sunlight for a few hours. Sunlight can help bleach out remaining discoloration and restore the rubber’s natural color.
- Repeat if Needed: If the discoloration persists, you can repeat these steps until you achieve the desired results.
Remember, patience is key, and not all discoloration may come off completely, but these steps should significantly improve the appearance of your rubber soles.
Faqs
How do you get yellow out of sneaker soles?
Use dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and gentle cleaners to lift yellow stains from soles. Baking soda or denture tablets also help remove yellowing.
How do you Unyellow and restore yellowed shoe soles?
Whitening methods like peroxide, UV light, salon products, and dish detergent can unyellow and restore vintage sneaker soles.
Can you whiten yellowed sneakers?
Yes, you can whiten and unyellow sneakers using ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and detergent along with techniques like UV light or professional whitening.
How do you whiten the bottom of sneakers?
Cleaning the soles with dish soap, peroxide whitening, salon products, or DIY cleaners using baking soda can help lift stains and whiten the bottoms of sneakers.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to revive the whiteness of your sneaker soles. This easy-to-follow guide will keep your kicks looking fresh and clean.
If you found this tutorial helpful, please consider giving it a thumbs up, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback. Your sneakers will thank you!