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White sneakers can lose their fresh look surprisingly quickly. A few walks outside can leave the soles grey, while small scuffs and dark marks can make an otherwise clean pair look worn out. Before reaching for a specialist cleaner, there is a simple household option you may already have in the bathroom. Plain white toothpaste can sometimes help lift light marks from certain sneaker surfaces, particularly smooth rubber. The trick is not to cover the whole shoe or scrub as hard as possible. A small amount, gentle brushing, and a damp cloth are usually all that is needed. But toothpaste is not suitable for every material, and using it incorrectly could do more harm than good. From preparing the surface to cleaning the rubber soles, these five simple tricks show how the method can be used carefully. Start by brushing away dust and dirt with a dry soft-bristled toothbrush. Rubbing can push remaining dirt into the surface during cleaning. This trick works best on smooth rubber. White midsoles and soles can easily pick up dark marks from roads and floors. Gentle brushing can sometimes remove these marks. Coloured toothpaste may leave traces on the shoe. Gel formulas are also not the best choice for this cleaning trick. Every sneaker reacts differently. Before cleaning a visible section, try the method on a small hidden area. But it should not be treated as a cure-all for dirty sneakers. Materials such as suede and nubuck need specialised care. Deep stains may also require a proper shoe-cleaning product.
