I Tried This Viral TikTok Hack to Whiten Leather Shoes and It Surprisingly Worked

My go-to spring and summer attire has been easy dresses and white sneakers for the previous few years. It’s simple, comfortable, and put together—until, of course, the white trainers get dirty and the soles turn yellow for no apparent reason.

Upon seeing this video, I was excited to try Babs’s infallible method of cleaning white leather shoes on TikTok.

Shoe-Whitening Ingredients

According to Babs, all you need are the following ingredients along with your dirty white trainers, of course.

1. Two bowls, basins, or sinks
2. Stain remover laundry spray
3. Laundry detergent
4. Warm water
5. Baking soda
6. A soft-bristled toothbrush
7. Volume 40 hair developer (with a brush)
8. Paper towels

Step 1: Remove the Laces and Soak

I could choose from a large selection of white shoes, all in dire need of assistance. However, I chose to wear a pair of all-white leather Adidas trainers for my first attempt. I was hesitant to use this technique on any canvas or cloth until I saw the finished piece.

I followed the directions and took off the laces, giving them a quick spritz of stain remover before putting them in a dish with some warm water and laundry detergent. I then left them to soak while I finished the procedure.

Step 2: Fill a Sink or Basin with Warm Water and Laundry Detergent

I soaked my trainers in warm water and laundry detergent in my sink, just like in the video, while my laces were getting ready for a bath.

One thing to note is that I was wondering if this would still work because I recently switched to laundry sheets. In hot water, the sheets instantly dissolved, leaving the water frothy and sudsy. This implies that if you’re in the same situation, there’s no need to run out and buy liquid detergent.

Step 3: Scrub Your Trainers with Baking Soda

I applied a generous layer of baking soda to the soles of my trainers as the next step. I used a moist toothbrush and a little water as I scrubbed until it was thoroughly caked.

It didn’t seem to turn into a paste as it does in the video, so I wonder whether I used enough, but it seemed to function just fine.

Step 4: Tackle the Soles with Hair Developer

I’ve never used hair developer because I’m a natural redhead. However, given that it’s used to lighten hair, I reasoned that it would also work to lighten shoes.

I followed the instructions and gently wiped it over the bottoms of my shoes before wrapping them in paper towels. I placed them in a bright position and hoped for the best, but sadly, London hasn’t had a lot of direct sunlight lately.

The Result: It Worked!

My shoes were unquestionably brighter and whiter a few hours later. Even if they don’t appear exactly as brand-new as they do in the video, they still look far better than they did previously. Likewise with the laces!

The sole drawback? I completed the process a few hours ago, and both objects are still somewhat wet. Therefore, if you’re searching for a fast fix, bear in mind that it can take a few days for your clothes to dry out and become suitable for wearing again.

If not, this is a terrific method to give your white shoes a new lease on life and get rid of any stains that were making you look for a replacement. I may even apply it to a couple more pairs.