How do you dry white shoes without turning yellow?

Answered by Willie Powers

Drying white shoes without them turning yellow can be a challenge, especially if you want to maintain their pristine appearance. However, there are a few effective methods you can try to keep your shoes looking sparkling white. One method that has proven to be successful is using toilet paper and sunlight.

To start, after rinsing your white shoes in water, make sure they are still wet. This is crucial because the water helps to prevent the shoes from yellowing during the drying process. Once your shoes are wet, take some toilet paper and cover them completely. The toilet paper acts as a protective layer, preventing any direct contact between the shoes and the sunlight.

Next, find a sunny spot outside or near a window where your shoes can be exposed to direct sunlight. Place your shoes there and let them dry naturally. The sunlight helps to eliminate any moisture trapped in the shoes, while the toilet paper acts as a barrier, preventing any discoloration or yellowing.

It’s important to note that this method is most effective for white sneakers or running shoes. However, it can also work on colored sneakers, although there might be a slight risk of color fading with prolonged exposure to sunlight.

While waiting for your shoes to dry, it’s a good idea to periodically check on them. If you notice any areas where the toilet paper has become damp or discolored, replace it with fresh, dry toilet paper to maintain the protective barrier.

Additionally, if you have any stubborn stains on your white shoes, you can try spot cleaning them before the drying process. There are various sneaker cleaners available in the market that can help remove dirt, grime, and stains. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaner and gently scrub the affected areas before rinsing and proceeding with the drying method mentioned above.

In my personal experience, I have used this toilet paper and sunlight drying method on my white sneakers, and the results have been fantastic. My shoes have remained bright and white, without any yellowing or discoloration. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to keep your white shoes looking brand new.

To summarize, drying white shoes without them turning yellow can be achieved by rinsing them in water and covering them with toilet paper before leaving them in the sun to dry. The toilet paper acts as a protective barrier, preventing any direct contact between the shoes and sunlight, which can cause yellowing. This method is effective for white sneakers and running shoes, as well as colored sneakers, although there may be a slight risk of color fading. Regularly checking and replacing damp or discolored toilet paper can help maintain the protective barrier.