Seven Ultimate Ways - How to Clean White Shoes

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Olyvia Smith

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Everyone hesitates before they buy something white. It's an age-old question. What if it gets dirty?

When you buy a pair of white shoes, it's even more concerning. After all, they're hardly practical.

One accidental step, your white shoes are stained or scuffed for life. Or are they? Regardless of what you may think, it is possible to keep your white shoes as sparkly and pristine as the day you bought them.

How? You only need to know how to clean them properly. White sneakers, whether for men or women, are pretty easy to clean. Moreover, you don't need to buy fancy cleaning supplies.

Instead, you can use small staple items you probably already have in your home. Let's explore these seven ultimate ways to clean your white shoes. With the hacks in this article, you can rid your white sneakers of all kinds of grub and stains.

Cleaning Tools List

Before we learn how to clean white canvas shoes or sneakers, let us look into the cleaning tools. To clean your white shoes effectively, you will require a few essential cleaning tools. Here is what you need.

  • Toothbrush: Ideal for scrubbing small and hard-to-reach areas.
  • Spray-On Protector Repellent: Helps protect shoes from future stains and water damage.
  • Baking Soda: A natural and effective cleaning agent for removing stains and odors.
  • Shampoo: Mild shampoo can be used to clean certain materials like leather and suede.
  • Bleach: Effective for cleaning and whitening heavily soiled areas (use with caution and on appropriate materials only).
  • Dishwasher: Mild dish soap is suitable for cleaning mesh and canvas shoes.
  • Soft Cloth: Useful for wiping and applying cleaning solutions.
  • Paper Towels: Handy for drying and blotting excess moisture.
  • Eraser Sponge: Great for removing tough stains and marks from different shoe materials.
  • Gentle Wipes: Convenient for quick clean-ups and maintaining cleanliness on the go.

By gathering these tools and materials, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any dirt or stains on your white shoes. Now, let's delve into the specific cleaning methods for different shoe materials.

 Clean your shoes

The Seven Best Ways to Clean Your White Shoes

White shoes are the ultimate fashion staple. They're very versatile as they can be matched with any outfit. In the eighties, pairing white sneakers with denim was all the rage.

Now, the eighties are making a comeback, and you don't have to compromise fashion for practicality. For example, white shoes can be practical. They simply require regular cleaning.

Luckily, there are many ways you clean white shoes. However, the method you choose depends on a couple of things.

For one, how bad is the stain? If it's awful, try bleaching (Method 4). Oily, ink and alcohol stains are the worst of the lot. On the other hand, food and sweat stains are much easier to clean.

Secondly, what type of shoes do you have? This question is fundamental as specific hacks don't work efficiently on some materials.

For example, white mesh sneakers are challenging to clean with regular cleaning pads and require a stiff-bristled toothbrush. We've elaborated on this in the next section. For now, let's get into our cleaning hacks.

Cleaning Tools List

 

Before we learn how to clean white canvas shoes or sneakers, let us look into the cleaning tools.

To clean your white shoes, you will require a few cleaning tools. Here is what you need.

  • Toothbrush
  • Spray-on protector repellent
  • Baking soda
  • Shampoo
  • Bleach
  • Dishwasher
  • Soft cloth
  • Paper towels
  • Eraser sponge
  • Gentle wipes

1. Try Soap and Water

Use Soap to clean shoes

This is the most obvious way to go about things; chances are you've already tried this. However, have you tried it effectively?

Here's how to clean white shoes using soap and water:

  • Pour two teaspoons of dish soap into 240 ml of warm water.
  • Stir the solution until everything's dissolved. (However, be mindful; you want the water to be soapy yet clear).
  • Dip an old toothbrush into the mixture.
  • Start brushing the stain gently. (Use circular motions).
  • Repeat the process until the stain is entirely out and the shoe colour looks even.

This method requires a lot of patience. If you're short on that (as many of us are), it's best to use another way. 

You can use this hack for all kinds of white shoes, including white sneakers, fabric shoes, and white leather loafers.

2. Use Magic Erasers

What’s a magic eraser? It’s a common name for Melamine foam, a resin with a foam-like texture. It’s a very versatile cleaning tool, so you should definitely keep one around the house.

Additionally, using magic erasers is very straightforward. You just need to add some water and rub the stain/scuff until it fades. Make sure the foam is damp, or else you can damage the shoes.

However, it’s better to use magic erasers with white sneakers for men. White sneakers for women are generally less sturdy and resilient. The foam has a rough texture that may scuff women’s shoes.

 

3. Mix Baking Soda and Detergent

Using baking soda to clean is a timeless hack. Baking soda gets stains out of carpets, clothes, curtains, and even light-colored shoes.

 Using Baking Soda to clean shoes

So, what do you have to do?

Follow these steps:

  • Firstly, collect your ingredients. You need baking soda (one third) and laundry detergent (two thirds).
  • Mix the two, but don’t add any water. The mixture should be dry and powder-like.
  • Pat the powder onto the shoes with the back of a spoon.
  • Let the shoes rest for at least an hour or two.
  • Brush the powder off, and rinse the shoes with warm water.
  • Lastly, put the shoes in the washing machine. Use the lowest/delicate wash setting.

This is a neat hack for white fabric shoes. However, if you use vegan waterproof footwear, like Loom, there are two extra steps. To maintain the hydrophobic qualities of such a pair of shoes, remember to remove the laces and inner soles. Also, let the shoes air dry instead of machine dry.

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If you do that, your pair of Loom will be clean in no time. They’re actually one of the easiest types of shoes to clean because the antimicrobial material prevents mold and sweat buildup. 

4. Use Bleach for Heavy Stains

Bleach is like the knight in shining armor for tough stains. It has excellent results in cleaning both white shoes and clothes.

But─remember to use bleach very carefully. It’s a potent chemical, and too much exposure can cause skin redness, burning, and breathing difficulties.

Therefore, you have to wear gloves, and you must be in a well-ventilated room.

If you’ve done this, here’s how to clean white sneakers using bleach:

  • Mix bleach (one part) with warm water (five parts). (Warning: don’t use more bleach than this or you’ll turn your shoes slightly yellow).
  • Use a sponge or toothbrush to loosen surface stains. You can use a lot of pressure but focus on the soiled areas.
  • Now, dampen a small microfiber towel in warm water.
  • Squeeze out excess water from the towel.
  • Gently dab the towel over the shoes. If you’re cleaning sturdier shoes like boots, you can run them under the water tap.
  • Finally, let the shoes dry for five to six hours in a well-ventilated room.

Afterward, your shoes will undoubtedly look brand new.

5. Micellar Water Helps Too

Using Micellar water to clean shoes

Micellar water is traditionally a makeup removing product. However, you can use it for many other creative purposes, cleaning white shoes being one.

There are only two steps to this method. Firstly, pour some micellar water onto a clean cloth. Secondly, rub the cloth on your shoes until they’re clean.

It’s that simple. Micellar water is a great hack for white leather, suede, or rubber shoes.

The water absorbs all dirt and leaves a spectacular white finish. Therefore, it’s an excellent hack for shining white shoes as well.  

However, be warned; it doesn’t work well for deeper stains like oil or ink.

6. Let’s Not Forget About White Toothpaste

Last but not least, white toothpaste is a classic shoe-cleaning hack. Again, it’s very straightforward. 

You just have to squeeze some toothpaste onto an old toothbrush and start rubbing your shoes. (Stay away from gel and colored toothpaste as they can stain your shoes).

Of course, you should concentrate on dirty areas. But─make sure all areas are covered evenly. When you’re done, let the shoes dry for 15-20 minutes.

In the end, just wipe the toothpaste off with a soft, damp cloth. However, you must ensure that you use non-gel toothpaste as colored toothpaste can stain your white shoes.

Then, apply white toothpaste to your shoes and let them dry for a few hours before dusting them off with a brush. Never use colored gel-based toothpaste or leave them on the shoes for longer.

 

7.   Baking Soda and White Vinegar

You can clean your white canvas shoes with baking soda and white vinegar solution by rubbing the vinegar onto the shoe with a soft cloth. Next, mix one tablespoon of warm water with a spoonful of white vinegar.

Mix them thoroughly to form a paste. Apply the paste to your shoes with the help of a toothbrush.

Use circular motions to remove dirt thoroughly. Leave the shoes for several hours. Then, use a dry brush to remove the dried paste before rinsing with warm water.

4 DIY Cleaning Solutions Made From Household Items

By utilizing household items, you can maintain the cleanliness of your white shoes without spending extra money on specialized cleaning products. Here are some DIY solutions to keep your shoes looking pristine. 

Baking Soda and Vinegar

A combination of baking soda and white vinegar works wonders for cleaning white shoes. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of white vinegar and one cup of warm water.

Use a brush to apply this mixture to your shoes and scrub gently. Rinse with water and let the air dry.

Toothpaste

White (non-gel) toothpaste can be an excellent cleaner for your shoes. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a toothbrush and scrub the stained areas. Wipe off the excess toothpaste with a damp cloth and allow the shoes to air dry.

Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties. Mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a paste. Apply this paste to the stained areas of your shoes, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently with a brush. Rinse with water and let the shoes dry in a shaded area.

Mild Dish Soap

Mild dish soap mixed with warm water can effectively clean your shoes. Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the soapy water to your shoes, scrubbing gently to remove dirt and stains. Rinse with clean water and allow your shoes to air dry.

Steps to Clean White Shoes

Here are the steps for cleaning your white shoes.

Step 1: Remove the Dirt

The first step of cleaning your white shoes is removing loose dirt. But before you start scrubbing, make sure you remove the shoelaces to access every part of the shoe.

Take the shoes outside to remove mud. First, knock the bottom of the shoes together to remove caked mud. Next, use a dry brush with soft bristles to brush off loose dirt.

Make sure to brush the rubber soles and the shoe edges. If you're cleaning mesh shoes, you must only use soft bristles as the mesh is a delicate and soft fabric. Gently use a soft-bristled brush to remove the dirt.

Step 2: Use a Cleaning Solution

The next step is to use the cleaning solution. For example, you can use any of the DIY solutions such as a baking soda and white vinegar paste or a baking soda and detergent mix to clean your shoes.

Mix the two cleaning agents in a bowl to form a paste. Dip a toothbrush into the paste and apply it all over your white shoes. Gently scrub to remove stains and dirt.

Let the paste stay on the shoes for hours. When the paste dries off, it becomes hard. Remove the hardened paste by using a brush. Next, use a soft cloth or a paper towel to wipe off excess paste.

Then use your diluted bleach mix or a bleach pen to remove dark stains. Leave the mixture on the shoes for five minutes before wiping it off with a soft, damp cloth. Then wash the shoes with warm water and a detergent.

Step 3: Clean Rubber Soles

The next step of the cleaning process is to remove the marks of dirt from the shoe soles. Dampen a soft cloth with water to wipe off the shoe soles. You can mix detergent with warm water for a thorough clean. Let the soles air dry before you wear them.

Step 4: Time for Finishing Touches

Dampen a soft cloth to scrub the edges of the sole at the base of the shoes. Or use a toothbrush to clean off the edges.

Do not submerge your shoes in water as it will ruin the interiors, damaging the shoe's shape. Instead, stuff the shoes with paper towels to maintain their shape. This will also speed up the drying process.

Let the shoe air dry for a few hours before applying a spray-on dirt-repellent to keep your shoes clean. 

Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning White Shoes by Material

Different types of shoes require different cleaning techniques. For example, you cannot use a hard brush on mesh shoes as they have a delicate fabric.

Similarly, you cannot clean your loafers with a soft brush. For this reason, we have a shoe-cleaning guide for different types of white shoes.

Mesh Shoes

Mesh is an incredibly soft fabric that requires gentle care to avoid damage. Follow these steps for a thorough cleaning.

  1. Pre-Clean: Use a soft brush to remove any excess dirt.
  2. Clean: Mix mild dish soap with warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the shoes.
  3. Rinse: Rinse the shoes with cold water.
  4. Discoloration Treatment: If you notice any discoloration, spray the spot with diluted white vinegar and let it dry for an hour.
  5. Dry: Let the shoe air dry away from direct sunlight to prevent any damage to the mesh fabric.

Running Sneakers

Running sneakers are typically made from durable materials but still need careful cleaning.

  1. Remove Dirt: Use a shoe brush to remove mud, dirt, or gunk.
  2. Apply Cleaner: Use a sponge or a soft cloth to apply a minimal amount of cleaner. A detergent and baking soda mixture can be effective for this.
  3. Tackle Stains: For stubborn stains, use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Clean the stains using a circular motion with a brush until they lighten.
  4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse with water and let them air dry.

White Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes are easy to clean and maintain.

  1. Remove Dirt: Use a brush to remove loose dirt.
  2. Homemade Cleaning Agent: Make a cleaning agent using mild soap and lukewarm water. Apply this mixture all over the canvas fabric.
  3. Soak: Let the solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
  4. Baking Soda Paste: Apply a thick paste of baking soda and white vinegar. Let it dry completely.
  5. Remove Paste: Once the paste is dry, brush off the hardened mixture. Wipe with a dampened soft cloth to remove any residue.
  6. Dry: Allow the shoes to air dry completely.

Leather Sneakers

Leather sneakers require specific care to avoid damaging the material.

  1. Pre-Clean: Use a dry cloth to wipe off any loose dirt or dust.
  2. Toothpaste Method: Apply white (non-gel) toothpaste directly onto the shoes. Gently scrub with a toothbrush.
  3. Rinse: Rinse the shoes with warm water.
  4. Dry: Let the shoes air dry away from direct heat sources.

Suede Shoes

Suede is a delicate material that needs special care:

  1. Pre-Clean: Use a suede brush to remove loose dirt and raise the nap of the suede.
  2. Stain Removal: For stains, use a white eraser or a suede-specific cleaning block. Gently rub the stained area.
  3. Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of white vinegar with water. Dampen a cloth with this solution and gently wipe the suede.

Dry: Allow the shoes to air dry, then brush them with a suede brush to restore the nap.

White Soles

White soles usually get scuff marks. It is challenging to clean mud and scuff marks from the soles.

But here's a tip. Use a wet magic eraser or sneaker wipes to clean off the soles. For specks of dirt, use white nail polish.

White Shoelaces

Once you clean your shoes, you can't use your dirty shoelaces. While white shoelaces are readily available, you can still clean your current shoelaces to continue using them with white sneakers.

All you need is rubber gloves, diluted bleach, water, and laundry detergent.

You can use warm water and diluted bleach to clean all-white shoelaces. Wear your rubber gloves when you use the bleach solution as it can harm your skin.

To thoroughly clean your white shoelaces, fill a bowl with warm water and add bleach. Then, soak your white shoelaces for five minutes.

After five minutes:

  1. Remove the laces from the bleach solution.
  2. Thoroughly rinse them with water and a detergent.
  3. Air-dry the shoelaces or keep them in the sun; they're good as new!

5 Common Cleaning Mistakes and Solutions to Avoid Them

Cleaning white shoes requires careful attention to avoid damaging them.

By being aware of these common mistakes and their solutions, you can ensure your white shoes remain in excellent condition without causing any unintended damage.

Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Using Harsh Chemicals

Using harsh chemicals like bleach on delicate materials such as mesh or suede can cause severe damage and discoloration.

Solution: Avoid harsh chemicals and use mild cleaners or natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar. These alternatives are gentler and effective in cleaning without harming the material.

Excessive Scrubbing

Excessive scrubbing can wear down the fabric of your shoes, leading to tears and weakened material.

Solution: Use gentle motions and the appropriate brushes for different materials. A soft-bristle brush works well for mesh, while a suede brush is ideal for suede shoes. This approach prevents damage and prolongs the life of your shoes.

Not Rinsing Thoroughly

Failing to rinse off cleaning agents can leave residue on your shoes, causing discoloration and buildup over time.

Solution: Always rinse your shoes thoroughly with clean water after applying any cleaning solution. This step ensures no residue is left behind, keeping your shoes fresh and clean.

Ignoring Material-Specific Care

Each shoe material requires different care. Using the wrong product can ruin your shoes, such as applying water to suede, which can cause damage.

Solution: Always use material-specific products and methods. For example, use a suede cleaner for suede shoes and a gentle soap for leather. Understanding the needs of each material helps maintain their integrity and appearance.

Drying in Direct Sunlight

Drying shoes in direct sunlight can cause fading, warping, and material deterioration.

Solution: Let your shoes air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Use paper towels to help absorb moisture and maintain shape. This method prevents sun damage and keeps your shoes in top condition.

Aftercare Tips for Keeping Your Shoes Clean

Once your white shoes are clean, maintaining this cleanliness is essential to keep them looking fresh and new.

By following these aftercare tips, you can maintain the cleanliness and longevity of your white shoes, ensuring they look their best for as long as possible.

Tip 1: Regular Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your white shoes helps prevent dirt and stains from setting in. After each wear, a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth can make a significant difference. For deeper cleaning, use the appropriate methods and tools for the specific material of your shoes.

Tip 2: Use a Shoe Protector

Use a stain-repellent or a waterproofer before you wear your new white shoes. A spray-on protector repellent can create a barrier against dirt, water, and stains. This is especially useful for materials like canvas, suede, and leather. 

Apply waterproofing every week to protect your shoes from mud stains. Also, remember to use the right product, as every shoe material is different.

For example, you can use a stain repellent or a waterproofer on your white canvas shoes. But using beeswax, oils, or protective creams is a better choice for your leather shoes. 

Tip 3: Proper Storage

Store your white shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat and sunlight can cause discoloration and damage to the material. Using shoe trees can help maintain the shape of your shoes and prevent creases.

Tip 4: Avoid Harsh Environments

Avoid wearing your white shoes in harsh environments where they are likely to get dirty or stained, such as muddy or wet areas. If you know you'll be in such conditions, consider wearing a different pair of shoes and changing into your white shoes later.

Tip 5: Immediate Stain Treatment

If your white shoes get stained, treat the stain as soon as possible. Use a mild cleaner, baking soda, and water paste to gently scrub the stain. Quick action can prevent the stain from setting and becoming more challenging to remove.

Tip 6: Rotate Your Shoes

Rotating your shoes can help reduce wear and tear. Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can lead to quicker deterioration. By rotating, you give your shoes time to air out and recover between wears.

Tip 7: Avoid Washing Machines

Do not machine wash your white canvas sneakers. Canvas sneakers use soft cotton fabric. If you wash your canvas shoes in the washing machine, the shoes' interior will get damaged. As a result, it will ruin the shape of your canvas shoes.


Things you Should Keep in Mind While Cleaning your White Shoes:

There you have it, folks. You’ve gone through all seven ways to clean your white shoes.

However, there are still some things you should know. What are they?

Let’s find out.

- Always Take Care of Your White Shoes

If you’re going to buy white shoes for men or women, you have to care for them right out of the box. That means keeping them in a dust-free area, appropriately covered.

 Best waterproof white sneakers for outdoors

These days there are micro dust particles everywhere. These particles aren’t visible, but over time, appear prominently on white surfaces, including white shoes. Therefore, you should store your shoes in a box with shoe covers.

To go the extra mile, you can spray the shoes with a sneaker protector. Sneaker protectors are liquids (readily available at shoe stores) used to protect shoes from liquids, stains, and dirt.

However, waterproof shoes like Loom footwear don’t really need such protectors. Loom sells spectacular white shoes for women and men, which are resilient in all outdoor conditions. Shoes designed for outdoor purposes are already pretty resistant to liquids, stains, and dirt.

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- Consider Your Shoe Type

As promised, here’s a quick guide on how to clean what type of shoe:

 

Shoe Materials

Cleaning Methods

Leather, rubber, or plastic shoes

Magic erasers for deep stains and micellar water for normal ones.

Fabric shoes

All types of methods work on these. However, if the fabric has mesh, be careful. As mentioned, don’t use any cleaning tool except a toothbrush

Patent leather and faux leather shoes

Baking soda or toothpaste

Wedges

Soap and water usually work for these

Athletic shoes (white sneakers or joggers)

Baking soda and detergent for regular stains

- Don’t Scrub

It’s better to rub or brush your white shoes. Scrubbing any shoes, especially leather, suede, or rubber shoes, can cause scuff marks.

Consequently, you have to be gentle with your movements and apply pressure gradually. Sneaker experts say you should always begin cleaning the shoes’ fabric. Afterward, you can move onto harder surfaces like the insoles.

Speaking of, when you’re cleaning your shoes, always remove the insoles and wash them separately. Insoles absorb the most sweat and dirt, so you need to wash them properly. 

Never Put Your Shoes in a Washing Machine

Washing your shoes in a washing machine is a hot debating topic. Some people have successfully machine-washed their shoes, while others have stories of disintegrated shoes.

But what is the outcome? Should you put your shoes in a washing machine? Sometimes, our shoes have an extremely delicate fabric such as cotton mesh. A machine wash can ruin the mesh, disintegrating the shoes.

However, some stronger fabrics and materials can withstand a machine wash. But if you're unsure about the material strength, we suggest that you do not put your shoes in a washing machine.

Instead, gently clean them using our seven ultimate shoe cleaning tips to remove dirt, mud, and stains.

Loom Sneakers for Men

FAQs

To help you further, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cleaning and maintaining white shoes. 

How often should I clean my white shoes?

It's best to clean your white shoes regularly, at least once a month, to prevent dirt and stains from setting in. However, if they become noticeably dirty sooner, clean them as needed.

Can I put my white shoes in the washing machine?

While some canvas and mesh shoes can be machine-washed, it's generally safer to clean your shoes by hand. Machine washing can be harsh and may damage certain materials or cause them to lose shape.

What is the best way to dry my white shoes?

Always air-dry your white shoes in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause discoloration and warping. Stuffing your shoes with paper towels can help them maintain their shape and absorb excess moisture.

How do I remove yellow stains from my white shoes?

Yellow stains can be removed using a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar or lemon juice. Apply the paste to the stained areas, let it sit for a while, then scrub gently and rinse thoroughly.

Can I use bleach on my white shoes?

Bleach can be used on some materials like canvas, but it should be diluted and used with caution. Test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause damage or discoloration. Avoid using bleach on delicate materials like suede or mesh.

Conclusion

To sum it up, these were the seven ultimate ways to clean your white shoes. If you use these hacks and consider these tips, your white shoes will undoubtedly look brand new. As mentioned, always take care of your white shoes.

Even if they weren't expensive, you could keep them in optimal condition for years with regular maintenance. Therefore, you can keep your fashion staples without worrying about ruining them. 

 

Olyvia Smith

Author

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