TikTok's Genius Hack To Clean White Sneakers Features A Surprising Tool

So, you've unearthed your white sneakers from your closet for the summer months, only to find that they look very ... lived-in. The soles are scuffed, and dirt and dust have marred the upper exterior. What do you do?

Fortunately, TikTokers from around the world have shared their shoe cleaning tips and tricks to help us restore our kicks to their original glory. Influencer Lillian Babaian, for example, shared a video of herself cleaning her Adidas sneakers and returning them to their traditional bright, white shade. Most of the tools she used were ones that you may already have around your home, including dishwashing soap, a toothbrush, and a towel. You can even use lemon juice to clean your white sneakers. One tool however, made quite the difference — a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

According to One Good Thing, the magic eraser is tough on stains because it is made of melamine foam, an extremely abrasive substance. Once it loosens dirt and grime on a sneaker, it absorbs and traps the stains. This is likely why Babaian only needed to use dishwashing soap, and no other chemicals, to clean her shoes.

If you want to do an even deeper clean of your sneakers, you may need to look into Miguel and Grace Showlorios' videos. The TikTok duo has over 3.3 million followers, all thanks to their superb shoe cleaning tips.

In an interview with GQ, self-proclaimed "shoe doctor" Miguel Showlorio shared his top products and tips for cleaning sneakers. He first takes out the laces, then submerges the shoes in water with a squirt of his most trusted cleaner, EBkicks' sneaker soap. He rubs the laces with his hands to remove dirt and stains. Next, Showlorio inserts shoe trees, or shoe supports with springs, into the sneakers to restore their original shape.

From there, the shoe doctor squirts more of the sneaker soap onto a brush or sponge, and scrubs the entire shoe in circular motions. If the sneakers need a very deep clean, Showlorio hand washes the insole if it is removable, and uses a dishwasher scrubber to wash deep into the inner toe. Very stubborn stains may require a small amount of acetone nail polish remover and a toothbrush. Note that acetone can damage certain materials, including suede and leather, per Patin-A. Once you are satisfied with your sneakers, throw them in the washing machine with the shoe-trees still inserted. After air drying, your sneakers should look as good as the day you bought them.