How to Clean White Shoes (Complete Guide for Every Material)

White sneakers are always in style; they are classic, can be worn with virtually anything, and, most importantly, stay clean, which is why knowing how to clean white shoes is essential. However, let’s face it, they get dirty pretty quickly. For instance, dirt, dust, mud, and scrapes can quickly ruin the aesthetic of the sneaker with only one wear on the shoes.

Fortunately, you don’t need to purchase new shoes every time your shoes begin to lose their luster. By utilizing some basic cleaning methods consistently, you can restore your sneakers to their original look and keep them looking like new.

In this guide, we will provide a complete overview of all of the following: basic sneaker-cleaning techniques, specific cleaning techniques for different materials, how to remove stains, how to remove odours, and how to take care of your sneakers afterwards.

Cleaning Essentials for White Footwear

Gather all the items you need before starting to work on your shoes so you can finish the job uninterrupted.

Common Household Items

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
• Dishwashing soap or laundry detergent
• Toothpaste (plain, non-gel, white)
• Cool water and warm water

Tools

• Old toothbrush or soft cloth
• Shoe brush
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Mixing bowl for cleaning solution

Optional Supplies

• Stain remover
• Magic eraser
• Shoe protector
• Gloves (if you use harsh chemicals)

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Preparing to clean white shoes properly aids in cleaning effectiveness

• Remove laces and insoles – For a deeper clean and to ensure an even clean.
• Knock off loose dirt – By clapping the soles together or using a brush for debris removal.
• Insert shoe trees or rolled-up paper inside shoes – Helps the shoes maintain their shape and also helps you to get deep into creased areas of the shoe.

How to Clean White Shoes by Material

Different kinds of materials need different treatment techniques. Using the wrong technique could result in damaging your shoe.

1. Canvas Shoes

Since canvas is highly absorbent, stains will generally set immediately.

Method (Baking Soda + Vinegar)

• Mix 1 tbsp. of baking soda with 2 tbsp. of vinegar and warm water.
• Use an old toothbrush to apply the mixture to the shoes.
• Lightly scrub in a circular motion.
• Allow to air dry and then remove excess.

Alternative Method (Peroxide Mix)

• Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and warm water.
• Apply it to the shoes and let them sit for about 30 minutes.

Note: Always allow your shoes to air dry (do not place in sunlight or use a heater).

2. Leather Footwear

Cleaning leather footwear easily is straightforward; it does require caution, as leather can be damaged if exposed to excessive moisture.

Steps

• Mix warm water and several drops of dish soap together.
• Using a soft and damp sponge or brush, gently wipe off dirt.
• Use a clean, damp cloth to remove residue.
• Allow shoes to air dry completely before wearing.

Optional: If your leather footwear is stained, a vinegar solution can be used to help remove the stain after drying.

Do Not: Submerge leather footwear in water and/or place it in a washing machine.

3. Suede & Nubuck Shoes

Cleaning your suede shoes is very difficult and requires gentle care.

Here is the step-by-step process

• Utilize a suede cleaning brush or soft toothbrush
• Use a small quantity of suede cleaning solution
• Brush with the direction of the nap (sue)+
• Wipe with a clean cloth to remove excess; allow drying thoroughly.

4. Mesh & Fabric Shoes

Mesh is great for breathability because they allow air to circulate, but it can trap dirt.

Here’s how to clean them properly

• Remove any dirt/lint from the shoe using a soft-bristle brush
• Mix baking soda and warm water together to make a sudsy solution.
• Gently scrub in circular motions until all visible dirt has been removed.
• Wipe off excess baking soda solution to the extent possible.
• Allow to air dry.

5. Rubber Soles

Rubber soles tend to show the most dirt.

There are three methods to clean rubber soles

• Baking soda + vinegar paste scrubbed with water and rinsed thoroughly
• A Magic Eraser fairly quickly cleans
• Soap + water gently washes away small amounts of dirt and scuff marks.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

Explore simple household alternatives that can effectively remove stains from your shoes without needing specialized cleaning products.

Guide to Cleaning with Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the best and least expensive cleaners.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1/2 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide
• 1/2 tablespoon of warm water

Directions

• Apply the paste on top of the stain.
• Scrub gently.
• Let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Rinse off and repeat until the stain is removed.

Guide to Cleaning with Toothpaste

Toothpaste can also be used as an alternative, quick-fix cleaner.

Directions

• Use white, non-gel toothpaste.
• Use a toothbrush to apply toothpaste to the stain.
• Scrub the stain in a circular motion.
• Allow it to sit for 10 -15 minutes.
• Wipe the stain with a damp cloth.

How to Clean White Shoelaces

Dirty shoelaces can mess up sneakers that are otherwise perfectly clean.

• Hand Washing Method – Soak your shoelaces in a bucket of warm, soapy water, scrub off the stains, and allow them to air dry.
• Bleach Method (For Stubborn Stains) – Fill a bucket with warm water and add 1 part bleach to 5 parts warm water. Soak the shoelaces for 5 to 10 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
• Machine Washing Method – Place your shoelaces inside a mesh garment bag. Use a mild detergent when you wash them.

How to Remove Stubborn Stains & Yellowing

Learn targeted techniques to tackle deep-set stains and restore brightness to fabrics that have become dull or yellowed over time.

• Tough Stains – Make a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing off with warm water.
• Yellow Stains – Rewash clothes with hot water before using diluted lemon juice for a natural whitener.

For deep stains like coffee or paint, you will probably have to treat them several times before the stain is gone.

How to Deodorize White Sneakers

Odors are the result of the buildup of bacteria on shoes.

Baking Soda Method

• Sprinkle inside shoes
• Let it sit overnight
• Shake off the excess

When to do this

• Weekly for shoes that are used regularly
• Monthly for leather shoes

Machine Washing White Shoes (Do’s & Don’ts)

What you can and cannot do when machine washing white shoes:

When to machine wash

• Use for fabric, canvas, or nylon shoes

How to machine wash

• Remove the shoelaces and insoles from the shoes.
• Put shoes in a mesh laundry bag.
• Add towels to help reduce noise while washing the shoes.
• Use cold water on the gentle cycle to wash the shoes.

What to avoid

• Do NOT machine wash leather or suede shoes, or wash shoes with hot water or during a spin cycle.

Important

• Always let shoes air-dry; do NOT put shoes in the dryer.

Read More: Best Sneaker Brands

Drying & Aftercare

Air dry your shoes in a shaded area with plenty of air movement.

• Air dry in an area away from sunlight or heat.
• Use paper inside shoes to keep their shape while they are drying.
• Spray protective spray on shoes when they are completely dry

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Maintaining your white shoes does not have to be a pain. With a little attention to detail and the proper maintenance practices, you can increase the lifespan of your white shoes and keep them looking like new, whether they are everyday sneakers or high-performance running shoes.

It is important to consistently use whatever method you choose for cleaning your white shoes to maximize their life. If you follow the practices outlined in this guide, your white shoes will always look clean and ready for anything!

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