White sneakers are a wardrobe staple for many people, but they can be tricky to keep clean. Stains and dirt accumulate quickly on the bright white fabric, making them look dingy and old. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to get your white shoes looking like new again! In this complete guide to cleaning your white sneakers, we’ll cover everything from simple spot treatments to deep-cleaning processes that will make your shoes shine once more. You’ll learn helpful tips for keeping your sneakers clean as well as the best products and materials you need to remove stubborn stains or discolouration.
With just a few extra steps in your regular shoe care routine, your favourite pair of white kicks will stay looking fresh all year round!
How to Clean White Leather Sneakers
White leather shoes can be particularly tricky to clean. If your shoes are made of leather, there are a few things you should know before you get started:
- Always use a special leather cleaner to avoid damaging the material.
- Use a suede brush for gentle cleaning and buffing.
- For tough stains, use a leather conditioner or neutral-coloured shoe polish after you’ve cleaned them with the cleaner.
What You’ll Need
- Soft Cloth
- Cleaning Solution
- Suede Brush
- Warm Water
Directions
Begin by removing any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the shoe using a soft cloth. Gently brush away any caked on mud or dirt with the cloth until the sneaker looks relatively clean.
Next, prepare a solution of warm water and specialized leather cleaner according to package directions.
Dip an unused soft cloth into the solution and gently scrub away at any stains or discolouration on the surface of the shoe. Avoid saturating it too much as this could damage its material over time.
Once all visible dirt and stains have been removed, use a suede brush to buff the surface of the shoe. This will help restore its original lustre as well as remove any dirt particles that may be stuck in the leather.
Finally, apply a leather conditioner or neutral-coloured shoe polish to protect and nourish the material. Be sure to let your shoes air dry completely before wearing or storing them.
With these simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your white leather sneakers looking like new for years!
How to Clean White Canvas Sneakers
People love canvas shoes because they are highly breathable and long-lasting. They are also relatively easy to clean with some basic supplies. Follow the instructions below to wash your white sneakers at home.
What You’ll Need
- Soft Scrub Brush
- Cleaning Solution
- Bucket or Basin
Directions
First, use a soft scrub brush to remove any dirt that has accumulated on the surface of the shoe. Make sure you are gentle and don’t press too hard against the shoe’s fabric to avoid damaging it.
Next, prepare a solution of warm water and cleaning solution in a bucket or large basin. Soak the bristles of your brush in the solution and then gently scrub away at dirt and stains that remain on the shoe.
If you have particularly deep stains, you can use an old toothbrush with some extra cleaning solution to get them out.
Finally, rinse the shoe off with a cloth and warm water and then allow to completely dry before wearing or storing it away. If your shoes smell, read our guide on deodorization.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to keep your canvas sneakers looking like new in no time!
How to Treat Deep Stains on White Shoes
In some cases, even with regular cleaning, deep stains may remain on the surface of your white shoes. If this happens, there are a few treatments you can try:
Baking Soda Paste – Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the stain. Gently scrub the paste in a circular motion and then let it sit on the stain for up to an hour before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
Bleach – For tougher stains, you can use a bleach solution for spot cleaning. Start by mixing 1 part bleach with 10 parts water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently dab the stained area. To avoid any skin irritation, be sure to wear rubber gloves and thoroughly rinse the shoe afterwards.
White Vinegar – White Vinegar is an effective natural cleaner that can be used on most fabrics. Plus, its easily found in many households. Dilute vinegar in water and use a soft cloth to scrub away at the stain. Rinse with warm water and allow to completely dry.
These common household items can be used to spot treat a wide variety of materials from leather, canvas, suede and more. We also recommend using these products when cleaning waterproof shoes such as Vessi’s.
Cleaning Shoes in a Washing Machine
Although hand washing is the preferred method for cleaning white shoes, depending on the material they can also be washed in a washing machine on a delicate cycle. Be sure to place them in a mesh laundry bag so they don’t get damaged during the wash.
You should also avoid adding other items with your shoes as this could cause discolouration. Furthermore, never put any shoes in the dryer as this could damage them.
What Kinds of Shoes Can Be Machine Washed?
Most types of canvas shoes, as well as some sneakers and athletic shoes, can be safely washed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. You should avoid putting any leather, suede or other delicate materials in the washing machine. To be safe, always check the care label before putting your shoes in the washer to make sure they are appropriate for machine washing.
How to Clean Rubber Soles
Rubber soles are a common feature on many shoes, and they can be tricky to clean. Start by wiping them down using a damp cloth or magic eraser and some mild soap. For tougher stains, you can use a soft brush with some shoe cleaner to get the dirt out.
Once the sole is completely clean, rinse it with warm water and then dry it with a cloth to prevent any discolouration.
In conclusion, white sneakers can be tricky to clean as they tend to show dirt and stains easily. However, with the right supplies and instructions, you can keep your white shoes looking good as new for years to come! For more tips, check out our guide on cleaning rubber boots.
Cleaning White Shoelaces
White shoelaces can also get dirty and dingy over time. To restore them to their original colour, simply wash them in warm water with some laundry detergent or baking soda.
If the laces are particularly stained, you can use a small amount of bleach as well. Rinse the laces off thoroughly and then hang them up to dry before replacing them in your shoes.
To learn more tips and tricks, read our in depth guide for cleaning shoelaces.
Additional Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Sneakers
At Shoewash Supreme, we understand how tedious and frustrating it can be to clean white sneakers. That’s why we’ve put together our best cleaning tips to help you through the process.
Let Your Shoes Dry Properly
After cleaning and rinsing your shoes, make sure they are completely dry before you put them away. The drying process should take at least a few hours, so if possible try to leave them in a well ventilated area overnight.
Additionally, be sure to avoid direct sunlight as this may cause the white soles to turn yellow. For more details on this process, check our guide for oxidation on white shoes.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners
When cleaning your shoes, avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasives as these may damage the material. Instead, opt for gentle soaps and solutions that are specifically designed for the material you are working with.
Wash Your Shoes Regularly
The best way to keep white shoes looking clean is to regularly wipe them down with a damp cloth after each wear. This will help remove any dirt and debris that may have built up on the surface and will also help prevent deep stains from forming.
Treat Stains Sooner Than Later
Try to treat any stains as soon as possible. This will help keep them from setting in and make it easier to remove. For times when you’re in a pinch, you can clean your sneakers with house hold items such as liquid dish soap, mild laundry detergent, baking soda and white vinegar.
If you are having trouble removing a stain, consider seeking out professional cleaning services for assistance.
Use Shoe Trees When Cleaning
Try to use shoe trees when cleaning your white shoes. Not only do these help to keep the shape of the shoe, but they also absorb any moisture that may have been left behind after washing and drying.
This will help prevent mould from forming and will make sure your shoes stay in top condition for years to come! Alternatively, you can stuff the inside of your shoe with paper towel for a similar effect.
Conclusion
Taking the time to properly clean and maintain your white shoes is essential for keeping them looking good as new. With the right supplies, detergents, baking soda, vinegar and a few other household items you can easily keep your white sneakers in pristine condition.
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives when cleaning rubber soles and use shoe trees when drying off wet shoes to help prevent mould from forming. Be sure to also wash shoelaces regularly with laundry detergent or bleach if needed.
Finally, always treat stains immediately so that they don’t set in permanently over time! Following these tips will help ensure that your white kicks stay bright and beautiful for years to come! Thanks for reading our complete guide to cleaning your white sneakers! For more shoe cleaning tips, read our guide on what to avoid when cleaning sneakers!
