Keeping your white shoes in pristine condition isn’t as hard as it sounds. Here’s the ultimate guide on how to clean white shoes.
Whether you’re making a quick dash to the store or heading out for a night on the town with your friends, white shoes are a timeless style that matches every outfit. What’s stopping you from grabbing those white shoes? That potential accidental step in an unavoidable puddle? Though getting your white shoes a little dirty can add a sprinkle of edge to your look, there’s nothing like that fresh-out-the-box white. You had a beautiful, pristine pair of white sneakers once and you will again! We promise it’s not impossible to keep this wardrobe staple clean. Read on to check out our pro tips and tricks to learn the best way to clean white shoes so they’re as good as new.
Everything You Need for Cleaning White Shoes
White shoes are possible with proper and regular cleaning. Before tackling the grime, there are a couple of items you’ll need:
- Dish soap
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Magic Eraser
- Laundry detergent
- Paper towels
- Mesh bag
- Cloth
Cleaning White Shoes Tip: Make sure to remove the laces before beginning so you have easy access to every part of the shoe.
How to Clean Leather Sneakers
Welcome to how to clean white shoes 101. Before you start the cleaning process, be sure to check the label of your shoes to make sure there aren’t special instructions to consider. White leather doesn’t hold onto dirt as much as mesh or cloth-based shoes so out of all the materials, it’s the easiest to clean. First, grab a toothbrush. Not only are toothbrushes great for reaching the dirt hiding in the crevices of your teeth, but their bristles are also good for cleaning white shoes too. Add a small amount of dish soap to a bowl of warm water to create a soapy cleaning solution. Work the toothbrush in circular motions. You’ll want to dry brush first then dip the brush into soapy water, and go gently over the entire shoe. Scrub, scrub, scrub! Dry brushing loosens the dust and dirt. When it’s time to rinse, dampen the cloth and wipe. Stuff the sneakers with paper towels to maintain their shape and absorb any excess water.
How to Clean White Canvas Shoes
Canvas can be a little difficult to clean because dirt really works its way into the fabric. Cleaning white canvas shoes is similar to leather. First, dry brush to loosen grime, don’t forget the sole or tongue. In a small bowl, mix baking soda and white vinegar together. Once a paste forms, dip the toothbrush in the solution and apply it. Baking soda is good to use on stubborn stains. Think of it as a face mask for shoes. Before wiping the mixture off, allow it to harden. Once dry, wipe with a cloth or paper towel. Cleaning White Shoes Tip: For pesky spots that won’t budge, like grass stains, try using bleach then allow it to soak for at least 5 minutes before washing with hot water and dish soap.
How to Clean Mesh White Sneakers
Mesh white shoes are a stain magnet because they naturally absorb virtually any substance they come into contact with. Cleaning mesh sneakers is not much different from cleaning leather, but keep in mind, its delicate knit fabric can snag or damage easily so you must brush away grit lightly with warm soapy water. The best way to clean white shoes without damaging the interior is to avoid completely submerging them. Once the rinsing process is complete, use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the shoe.
How to Clean Shoe Soles
Now it's time for the finishing touch! Keeping soles clean is nearly impossible unless we could magically walk on a dirt-free floor. To remove scuffs or specks of dirt from white rubber soles, work a small amount of cleaning paste into the sole with a damp cloth or toothbrush where its fine, mildly abrasive texture is great at lifting scuff marks and grime without damaging the rubber. Rinse and wipe clean once the scuffs have lifted. It's best to save this step for last, in case any drips land on the upper part of the shoe you've already cleaned.
Shoelaces Care
Your crisp white kicks can’t be paired with dirty, dull shoelaces. Laces may drag on the ground, making it easy for them to look dingy, especially when they’re made of absorbent material like cotton. Washing your shoelaces by hand gives you more control during the cleaning process. First, remove the laces from your shoes and soak them in a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixture or a bleach solution mixed with water. Let them soak, then allow them to dry under the hot sun until the paste naturally cracks or shakes off. Toss the laces in the dryer after! To avoid tangled laces, place them in a mesh bag before washing then let them air dry.
How Long is the Cleaning Process?
Rubber soles need some TLC too! The time the cleaning process will take depends on the materials your shoes are made out of. We recommend planning for at least an hour, which doesn’t include drying time. We may not be planning to leave our homes anytime soon but at least our shoes will be sparkling when we finally do. Whether your shoes are canvas, mesh, or leather, we’ve got you covered on how to clean white shoes.