Tips on Restoring Old White Uniforms and Shoes

School year 2014-2015 has began for some students. Hope the tips below can help moms who are still preparing for the opening of classes next week. 

As parents, we find ways on how to lessen our expenses like letting our kids reuse their old uniforms and shoes. There is no need to buy new ones if they still fit. Through this way we can save a lot of money and teach our kids frugality. 

To make old white uniforms and shoes look new and ready to use again, here are my practical tips.

White Uniforms

Soak yellowish or grayish white uniforms in a basin with water, detergent, and white distilled vinegar for 15-3o minutes. Acetic acid of vinegar removes stains, discoloration, and enhances the cleaning power of detergent. Hand wash the uniforms until they turn white again. Rinse with water, wring or spin, and hang them outside, most preferably exposed to direct sunlight.   

Yellowish or Grayish Plain White Canvas Shoes

Do the procedure above using an old toothbrush to remove excess dirt and stains. But don't expose it to direct sunlight when drying to avoid making the fabric weak. Based on my experience, prolonged exposure to sunlight turns white canvas shoes yellowish or grayish again. Make sure to air dry instead,  not tilted please, to avoid water marks on the exterior.

Old Plain White Rubber or Leather Shoes

Rub the exterior using plain white toothpaste with little water using a microfiber cloth. Remove the suds and dirt using clean cloth or wet wipes. Then air dry. Yes, believe me! It will make your white rubber and leather shoes very white and clean! The baking soda on toothpaste does the trick. I remember doing this during my nursing student days.

If the interior is very dirty, brush it thoroughly using detergent or dishwashing liquid solution. Rinse it immediately in running water. But don't do this on the exterior because it can make your shoes chip off. Then do the above-mentioned procedure on the exterior. Indirect warmth and good ventilation is the best way to dry them.

Old Black Shoes

Wipe the dust or dirt using dry cloth. Apply shoe polish, baby oil, or cooking oil on the exterior. Don't forget to brush or wipe them with dry cloth to make them even more sparkly!