Buzz
Revitalize your old and stained white sneakers with these simple steps. New Africa/ShutterstockImportant Points to Remember
- Canvas shoes are simple to clean and often machine washable, making them easy to care for during regular use.
- For machine-washable white shoes, remove the laces, soak them in a mixture of water and baking soda, then wash them with mild detergent in cold water. Let them air dry.
- For shoes that can't go in the washing machine, create a soaking solution with baking soda, laundry detergent, and water. Use a brush to scrub the stains and eliminate odors, then rinse and let dry in the air.
Nothing beats the look of fresh white shoes, but maintaining their pristine appearance can be a real challenge — especially when they’re exposed to everyday messes like mud, pollen, and general dirt.
While some people opt for inexpensive white shoes, others are willing to spend big on theirs. For example, the Air Jordan 1 Mid 'Triple White' shoes were originally priced at $110 (plus tax) when they dropped in 2020, and now they’re valued at about $160! Protecting this kind of investment by keeping your shoes spotless is definitely worth it.
However, cleaning white shoes requires some know-how. A careless move can cause them to become yellowed, over-bleached, or inconsistently cleaned. Nobody wants that! Here are some reliable, proven techniques for restoring your white shoes to their former glory.
5 Essential Tools for Cleaning Shoes
A shoe tree helps maintain the shape of your finest footwear.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockBefore diving into cleaning your shoes, here are a few tools that can simplify the task:
- Shoe tree: A shoe tree preserves the structure of your shoes, preventing creases and wrinkles, particularly in leather. Not only are they useful for regular use, but they also help absorb moisture, crucial for extending the life of your footwear.
- Shoe brush: Shoe brushes are essential for brushing off dirt, dust, and debris. Depending on the type of brush—such as horsehair brushes for polishing or stiffer bristles for scrubbing—they can handle various materials.
- Microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths are perfect for wiping down shoes and applying polish, especially for delicate materials like leather. They remove dust and smudges without leaving any scratches.
- Melamine sponge: Known as Magic Erasers, these sponges can tackle stubborn stains and scuffs with ease.
- Deodorizing shoe spray: This spray helps keep shoes smelling fresh by eliminating odors and bacteria caused by regular use.
How to Clean White Leather Shoes
A few common household items are all you need to clean primarily leather white shoes.
Soap and Magic Eraser
You’ll need the following: a toothbrush, a soft cloth, an eraser sponge (like the Magic Eraser), paper towels, liquid dish soap, and 1 cup (236 milliliters) of warm water.
- Start by removing the shoelaces.
- Use the toothbrush to brush off any loose dirt. In the warm water, add a small amount of liquid dish soap (three to four drops). Swirl the toothbrush in the soapy water, then carefully scrub the shoes.
- Wet the eraser sponge and gently rub out any visible marks.
- Dampen the clean cloth and wipe down the soles.
- Once your shoes are cleaned to your liking, use a shoe tree. If you don’t have one, crumple up some newspaper and stuff the shoes. This will soak up moisture and help maintain their shape.
Micellar Water
Another excellent option for cleaning white leather shoes is using micellar water, a type of makeup remover.
Dampen a clean white cloth with the 'water' and use it to wipe down the shoes. This method also works for rubber or suede shoes, though it may not be effective on tough stains like oil.
Baking soda and white vinegar
Gather these materials: baking soda, white vinegar, water, and a soft brush or cloth.
- Combine one tablespoon of baking soda, two tablespoons of white vinegar, and a cup of water.
- Dip the soft brush or cloth into the mixture and gently scrub the leather in circular motions.
- Use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess residue.
Toothpaste
A non-gel white toothpaste can be an effective solution for cleaning your leather shoes.
- Apply a small amount of non-gel white toothpaste to a soft brush or cloth.
- Gently scrub the leather in circular motions.
- Allow it to sit for about 10 to 20 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth and dry the shoes with a clean cloth.
These Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid 'Triple White' shoes retail for approximately $160. No one wants them to get dirty.How to Clean White Canvas Shoes
You can wash canvas shoes in the washing machine unless they feature leather or suede details. Here are a few ways to clean your canvas shoes.
Washing machine
- Start by removing the laces and soaking them in a mixture of water and baking soda.
- Place the fabric shoes inside the washing machine.
- Add a small amount of mild laundry detergent.
- Set the machine to the gentlest cycle with cold water.
- Once finished, air dry the shoes and laces, then re-lace them.
Baking soda and laundry detergent
If machine washing isn’t an option, gather these household items: baking soda, laundry detergent, a bucket, and an old toothbrush or a cleaning brush.
- Bang the soles together to shake off dirt, or use a brush to sweep it away.
- Prepare a mixture in a bucket with 1 cup (236 milliliters) of baking soda, a drop of laundry detergent, and 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water.
- Take out the shoelaces and soak the shoes and laces in the bucket for about an hour.
- After soaking, scrub away any stains with the brush, remembering to clean the inside to eliminate odors.
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Let both the shoes and laces air dry, then re-lace them.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice works as a natural bleaching agent that can help lift stains and brighten colors.
- Directly apply freshly squeezed lemon juice to the stained spots.
- Leave them in the sun for about an hour.
- Rinse with water and let them air dry.
Castile soap
For a mild cleaning option, consider using castile soap, a highly concentrated solution known for its gentle properties.
- Combine a few drops of castile soap with warm water.
- Use a soft brush to gently scrub your canvas shoes.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the shoes to air dry.
Cleaning canvas shoes is pretty straightforward. You can even toss them in the washing machine for convenience.
New Africa/ShutterstockTips for Cleaning White Shoelaces
After putting so much effort into making your shoes shine, you certainly don’t want your shoelaces to look dull in comparison. Here are a few ways to ensure your shoelaces stay bright white as well:
- Remove the shoelaces: Always take the laces out before cleaning your shoes. This ensures the laces get a thorough cleaning.
- Use a mesh laundry bag: When using a washing machine, place the laces inside a mesh laundry bag to prevent them from tangling.
- Rinse thoroughly: If you’re washing your laces by hand, rinse them well with cold water to get rid of any leftover soap, bleach, or baking soda. Not rinsing properly can make the laces feel stiff after drying.
If your shoelaces just won't return to their original whiteness, you can always replace them with new, fresh white laces.
Is White Toothpaste Only Effective on Leather Shoes?
White toothpaste is a popular method for cleaning various types of shoes. Just ensure it’s completely white—avoid gels or colored pastes, as they can stain your shoes. To use this hack, apply some toothpaste to a toothbrush, scrub the shoes, paying extra attention to the toughest spots. Let the toothpaste sit for about 20 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine: Proceed With Caution
Using a washing machine to clean your shoes is a convenient option, but the results aren’t always perfect. While the machine can refresh your shoes, and you may even be able to clean multiple pairs at once, it's not foolproof.
This method doesn’t work well for all shoe materials—suede, for example, should not go in the machine. Even with suitable materials, there’s always the risk that the shoes could get damaged or come apart during the wash.
Bleach as a Cleaning Agent
Bleach is another option, particularly effective for removing stubborn stains, but it should be used with caution. This powerful chemical can irritate the skin, cause breathing issues, and more if not handled properly. Always use bleach in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves while using it.
- To clean white shoes using bleach, mix five parts warm water with one part bleach. Be cautious not to add too much bleach, as it can cause yellowing of the shoes.
- Use a toothbrush or sponge soaked in the bleach solution to loosen dirt and stains.
- Soak a microfiber towel in the solution, then wring it out to remove excess liquid.
- Gently blot the shoes with the towel, and then rinse the shoes with a cloth soaked in warm water.
- Let the shoes dry in a well-ventilated area.
Sunlight as a natural bleaching agent
If you prefer a natural way to bleach your shoes, consider using sunlight. After cleaning your shoes, place them in direct sunlight to enhance their whitening effect.
Cleaning Tips to Extend the Longevity of Your Shoes
- Clean shoes regularly: Consistent cleaning helps prevent dirt and grime from accumulating, which can wear down the materials of your shoes. Make sure to wipe down your shoes after every use, particularly if you step in dirt or mud.
- Use appropriate cleaning products: Choose cleaning solutions that are designed specifically for your shoes' material (e.g., leather cleaner for leather, suede brush for suede). Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric or leather.
- Address stains immediately: Deal with stains as soon as they appear to avoid them setting into the material.
- Avoid soaking shoes: Excess water can harm most shoe materials, especially leather and suede. If your shoes get wet, dry them at room temperature with paper towels or newspaper inside, and stay away from direct heat sources like radiators or hair dryers.
