If you have ever looked down at your shoes with disgust, only to discover that your once pristine white sneakers have now taken on an unpleasant yellow hue then this can be an embarrassing and unwelcome surprise, but the good news is there’s a reason why it happens.
Here, we’ll explain why white shoes tend to turn yellow and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Top 7 Common Causes of Yellowing White Shoes:
White shoes often turn yellow over time due to a variety of factors, from environmental exposure to sweat and moisture accumulation. It’s important to know the common causes of yellowing white shoes so you can take steps to protect your footwear from discoloration and stains. Here are seven common causes of yellowing white shoes:
Sun Exposure:
Direct sunlight can cause the color in your white shoes to fade and turn yellow over time. The more often your shoes are exposed to the sun, the quicker this effect will occur. The best way to prevent your shoes from yellowing due to sunlight is to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Sweat:
Perspiration can cause white shoes to turn yellow, especially when it accumulates for extended periods of time. To prevent this, always make sure your feet are dry before wearing your shoes and inspect the insoles and soles of your shoes regularly for signs of perspiration.
Exposure to Salt Water:
Salt water can cause the color in white shoes to fade and turn yellow, so it’s best to avoid wearing them when swimming at the beach or when taking part in other activities that involve contact with salt water.
Improper Storage:
Storing your shoes in humid or wet conditions can cause them to discolor and turn yellow. To prevent this from happening, make sure you store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Accumulated Dirt:
Dirt and grime that accumulates on the surface of white shoes can cause them to look dull and stained over time. Regularly cleaning your shoes with a mild soap and water solution can help to prevent this from happening.
Improper Cleaning:
Using harsh detergents or abrasive scrubbing when cleaning your white shoes can cause them to turn yellow. To avoid this, be sure to use only mild soaps and water when cleaning your shoes, and always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Age:
As white shoes age, they are more prone to yellowing due to the breakdown of the material over time. To help keep your shoes looking new for longer, regularly inspect them for any signs of wear and tear and replace them when necessary.
Proven Strategies to Maintain Whiteness in Your Shoes:
Avoid Direct Sunlight:
Direct sunlight can cause the color in your white shoes to fade and turn yellow. It’s best to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not being worn. The best places to store them are in a closet or drawer, or even in a shoe bag.
Clean Regularly:
Regularly cleaning your shoes with a mild soap and water solution will help prevent dirt and grime from accumulating on the surface of your shoes, which can cause them to look dull and yellow over time.
Use Natural Cleaners:
Natural cleaners like white vinegar and baking soda are great for cleaning your shoes without harsh chemicals, which can cause yellowing.
Use a Shoe Protector:
A shoe protector such as a waterproof spray or cream can help to protect them against dirt, water and other elements that can cause discoloration.
Avoid Contact with Salt Water:
Salt water can cause the color in white shoes to fade and turn yellow, so it’s best to avoid wearing them when swimming at the beach or participating in other activities that involve contact with salt water.
Rotate Your Shoes:
Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can cause them to wear out more quickly, which in turn can lead to yellowing. To prevent this from happening, give your shoes a break and rotate between different pairs.
Use Shoe Inserts:
Inserts such as gel or foam can make wearing uncomfortable shoes more bearable and help to absorb sweat, which can cause discoloration.
How to Remove Yellow Staining from White Shoes:
If your white shoes have already started to turn yellow, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to remove the staining and restore the original whiteness of your shoes. Here are some methods you can try:
Apply a Stain Remover:
You can buy a specialized shoe cleaner that is designed to remove yellow staining from white shoes. Simply follow the instructions on the bottle and allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes before rinsing with water.
Use Whitening Toothpaste:
Whitening toothpaste can be used to remove yellow staining from white shoes as well. Apply a small amount of toothpaste onto the stained areas, scrub gently using an old toothbrush and then rinse with water.
Use Bleach:
Bleach can be used to remove yellow staining from white shoes, but it is important to read the instructions carefully before using it. Mix a small amount of bleach in warm water and soak the stained areas for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
Apply Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice is a natural whitening agent and can be used to remove yellow staining from white shoes. Simply apply some lemon juice onto the stained areas, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with water.
Try Washing Soda:
Washing soda can also help to remove yellow staining from white shoes. Mix a small amount of washing soda with warm water and soak the stained areas for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
Conclusion:
To wrap it up, discoloration of white shoes is a common phenomenon and can be caused by many factors, some of which are easily avoidable. Noticing the early signs of yellowing and taking quick action to restore the color is essential in prolonging the life of your shoes.
Ultimately, more attention needs to be paid when it comes to drying, storing, cleaning, and caring for your white shoes to prevent them from turning yellow. So always remember: prevention is better than cure! Now go out there and put your best foot forward, with beautiful bright white shoes that you’ll want others to take notice of!
