Co-authored by:
Rio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
2025
how to clean shoes with a Toothbrush
The quickest way to clean your dusty, dirty shoes is to use a toothbrush. You may have heard about this before, or you may be a little confused, but in our article today, you will find a detailed description of how to clean shoes with a toothbrush, which will make you more proficient in cleaning shoes with a toothbrush.
Article summary
- Brush off loose dirt from the shoes with a cloth.
- In a bowl, mix 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of detergent with 1 cup (240 mL) of water.
- Dip a brush into the mixture and scrub the shoes repeatedly.
- Remove any soap residue with a cloth or sponge.
- Allow to air dry.
Scrubbing the Soles of Your Shoes
1 Use a damp cloth to remove dust or dirt from the soles of your shoes. Dampen a cloth or paper towel and remove the dust stuck to your shoes. Pay special attention to large piles of dirt. Do this process well before using the brush so that the piles of dirt do not cause trouble when using the brush. If you are sure, clean shoes with a toothbrush.
2Prepare a mixture of detergent and water in a small bowl. Mix 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of laundry detergent with 1 cup (240 ml) of water. You can use any type of container, such as a plastic bowl or Tupperware container, just make sure the container is clean and that you don’t mind mixing it.
- Bleach can damage your canvas shoes, so it’s best to use a mild laundry detergent.
- To avoid damaging your shoes, clean them with a toothbrush.
3Dip a toothbrush into the mixture bowl and scrub the bottom of the shoe. You can apply as much pressure as you want when scrubbing the bottom with the toothbrush, especially on particularly dirty areas. Usually, after 10 scrubs or when the toothbrush looks dirty, dip it in the container again and start scrubbing again. Continue this process until you are sure it is clean.
Warning: Detergents are harmful to leather. If your shoes are leather, do not apply any detergent to the outside of the shoe.
4 Wipe off the soles of your shoes with a clean cloth and let it air dry. When you are sure it is clean, wipe the shoe thoroughly with a clean cloth. This removes the residue of the mixture from the shoes and helps them dry faster. Let the shoes dry thoroughly. In this case, you can use the “Fastest Way to Dry Shoes Overnight.”
- Shoes should be worn completely dry, or else they may slip.
Cleaning Canvas and Mesh Shoes
1 Mix 1 teaspoon of detergent with 1 cup of water in a bowl Do not use bleach on canvas or mesh shoes. To avoid damage, use a mild detergent that you already have in your house. Choose a bowl that you do not mind making the mixture in.
2 Dip a toothbrush in the mixture and scrub the shoes. Pay attention to the shoe soles, and rub the brush in a circular motion over the dirt. Apply force if necessary. Dip the brush into the mixture repeatedly and clean every part of the shoe.
Tip: Pay special attention to the toes of your shoes, as these tend to get the dirtiest.
Clean shoes with a toothbrush.
3 Use a sponge to remove any remaining mixture. Soak a clean sponge in clean, cool water. Then wipe the entire shoe with the sponge, making sure there is no soap residue on your shoes. If you are not satisfied with the cleaning, mix the solution again and clean shoes with a brush.
4 Let the shoes air dry away from sunlight. Make sure the shoes are completely dry before wearing them. Wet shoes can develop a bad odor and get dirty quickly. So dry your shoes in a place with good air circulation or light exposure.
- Direct sunlight can damage the material of the shoes.
- Drying shoes in a dryer can cause them to shrink or warp.
Things You’ll Need
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References
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About This Article
Co-authored by:
Shirley Jones Luke
Shoe Care Specialist and writer
Co-authors: 7
Updated: March 23, 2025