white shoes are a must-have in any wardrobe, but scuffs, stains, and dirt can easily diminish their bright appearance.
However, cleaning white shoes isn’t as straightforward as tossing them in the washing machine and dryer, as this can potentially damage the sneakers.
To ensure your favorite footwear stays fresh and clean, we have tested and verified these methods for cleaning white shoes made from different materials such as canvas, leather, or mesh. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can effectively clean your white shoes, including the shoelaces, and restore them to their original, new-like condition.
Top Methods for Cleaning White Shoes
Here are our recommended techniques for cleaning white shoes:
baking soda and vinegar:
This approach is particularly effective for lightly dirty white canvas shoes.
Combine baking soda and vinegar to create a cleaning paste, then apply it to the shoes and scrub gently. Rinse off the paste and let the shoe air dry.
Soapy water:
For white leather shoes, mix water with liquid Dish Soap to create a soapy solution.
Dip a cloth or sponge into the mixture and gently clean the shoes, focusing on stained areas. Wipe off the soap with a clean damp cloth and allow the shoes to dry naturally.
laundry detergent:
If your white shoes are made of mesh or cloth material, a mixture of warm water and laundry detergent is recommended.
Create the solution and use a cloth or sponge to clean the shoes, paying extra attention to any visible dirt or stains. Rinse off the detergent with Clean Water and let the shoe air dry.
Bleach:
When dealing with deep stains like blood or grass, a bleach pen can be highly effective.
Apply the bleach pen directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth. For white shoelaces, prepare a mixture of bleach solution and water, then soak the laces in them for a short period.
Rinse off the laces thoroughly and allow them to dry.
Toothpaste:
Almost any type of shoe can be cleaned with this method.
Take an old toothbrush and apply white toothpaste to it. Scrub the shoes gently in a circular motion to remove dirt and grime.
Once cleaned, wipe off the toothpaste residue with a clean damp cloth and let the shoes dry.
By utilizing these methods, you can effectively clean your white shoes and rejuvenate their appearance, regardless of the material they are made of.
How to Clean White Canvas Shoes with Vinegar
To keep your white canvas shoes, like Converse All Stars or Vans sneakers, looking pristine, follow these steps for cleaning:
Remove Loose Dirt:
Start by untangling and taking off the shoelaces so that you have easy access to all parts of the shoes.
Shake the shoes outside to loosen large chunks of dirt or mud. Use a dry toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the shoes, ensuring you reach the rubber soles and outer edges of the tongue to remove any remaining loose dirt.
Clean Shoes with Baking Soda and Vinegar:
Create a paste by mixing baking soda and white vinegar in a small bowl.
Dip the toothbrush into the paste and apply it all over the shoes, gently scrubbing to remove dirt and stains. Let the mixture dry and harden on the shoes.
Once completely dry, brush off the larger dried bits and wipe off the remaining residue using a soft cloth or paper towel. For stubborn stains like grass or blood, use a bleach pen specifically on those spots, leaving it for about five minutes before washing off the solution with hot water and liquid detergent.
Clean Rubber Soles:
To tackle scuff marks or streaks of dirt on the white soles of the shoes, use a Mr.
Clean Magic Eraser.
Wet the sponge eraser with water and scrub all sides of the rubber soles.
Dampen a clean cloth or paper towel with water and wipe off the shoes. Allow them to air dry completely before wearing.
How to Clean White Leather Shoes
To give your white leather shoes a fresh and brand-new look, follow these instructions:
Clean White Shoes with Soapy Water:
Begin by removing the shoelaces.
Use a dry toothbrush to brush off any loose dirt from the shoes. Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap into a cup of warm water.
Dip the toothbrush into the soapy water and gently scrub all parts of the shoes.
Clean Soles and Let Dry:
To remove scuffs or stains, use an eraser sponge (as described in the previous method).
Use a damp cloth to wipe off the shoes. After cleaning the shoes, stuff them with white paper towels to absorb any moisture and help maintain their shape as they dry.
Make sure they are completely dry before wearing them.
How to Clean White Mesh Shoes with Laundry Detergent
Refresh your white mesh sneakers using these tips:
Brush Away Dirt:
Remember that mesh is a delicate fabric, so be gentle while cleaning.
Use a soft-bristled, dry toothbrush to softly brush away excess dirt from the outside of the shoes.
Clean Shoes with Soapy Water:
Create a soapy cleaning solution by adding a small amount of liquid laundry detergent to a bowl of warm water.
Use a soft cloth to work the solution into circular motions, applying it to the shoes. Periodically rinse the cloth with warm water to avoid spreading dirt or stains.
For stubborn spots like grass stains or ground-in dirt, use the toothbrush and soapy water or a bleach pen to gently scrub the mesh fabric.
Rinse Shoes and Let Dry:
When rinsing your mesh shoes, refrain from submerging them in water to prevent damage to the interiors or alteration of their shape.
Instead, use a clean damp cloth to wipe down the exterior. Fill the shoes with white paper towels to help them maintain their shape, and allow them to air dry completely before wearing.
How to Clean White Shoelaces with Bleach
Follow these steps to thoroughly clean your white shoelaces using bleach.
Ensure you wear rubber gloves to protect your hands when working with bleach.
Remove and Soak Shoelaces:
Take off the laces from the shoes and place them in a white mesh lingerie bag.
Soak the bag in a bleach solution for about five minutes. Clorox recommends using 3 tablespoons of bleach for every gallon of water.
Use a small plate to keep the bag submerged if necessary.
Wash Laces:
Remove the laces from the bleach solution and wash them in the washing machine using regular detergent.
Let the shoelaces air dry.
How to Bleach White Shoes
If you want to brighten up your white shoes quickly and effectively, using bleach is an option.
For small, dark stains, use a bleach pen. If you prefer an all-over clean, dilute liquid bleach with water. Mix 1 part bleach with 4 parts water and wear protective gloves. Gently scrub the shoes with the bleach solution using a toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry.
Cleaning White Shoes with Toothpaste:
To give your white sneakers a quick wash using toothpaste, follow these steps.
Opt for an all-white toothpaste, preferably one with baking soda.
Use an all-white toothpaste and a toothbrush to gently scrub the shoes all over.
After scrubbing the entire surface, let the toothpaste sit on the shoes for 15 minutes.
Use a damp washcloth to wipe away the dried toothpaste.
*The information is for reference only.