The easiest way to clean white sneakers so they look brand new
I wear my all white Puma sneakers almost every day. They are comfortable, supportive and go with almost any outfit. This makes them my ideal go-to shoes and the best travel shoes. In recent months I have taken my white sneakers to bustling London, rainy Scotland and cold San Francisco. And while my shoes allowed me to travel the world in comfort, my once pristine white shoes are now dishwater gray.
Sporty, dirty white sneakers are not always the bold fashion statement I want to make. Instead of throwing away my shoes and opting to buy another $60 pair, I can just clean them much cheaper and keep them looking as good as new. I cannot permanently remove fold lines, but I can remove dirt, scuffs and other signs of wear. Here are the steps I use to clean dirty white shoes and make them look new again.
Read more: Here’s how to clean your dirty running shoes without ruining them
What you need to get started cleaning your white shoes
You need very few materials to get your white shoes back in tip-top condition, and these items are probably lying around the house. This is what you need:
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- White vinegar or baking soda
- Mild detergent or shoe cleaner
- Water
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Magic Eraser or a similar cleaning sponge
- Three bowls
- Bleach
- Toothpaste (optional)
How do you clean your white shoes?
You can use different methods. If you follow these steps, you can freshen up your white shoes and make them look new again.
Step 1: Remove accessories and bleach laces
Start by removing shoelaces and any inserts from the shoes. Set shoes aside because you’ll start bleaching laces.
To prepare the solution, mix 1/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water in a large bowl. I recommend that you use oxygen-based bleach, which is safe for both white and colored laces. Place the laces in the bowl with the mixture and let them sit for up to an hour. In the meantime, you can complete the following steps.
Step 2: Remove loose particles
Back to the shoes. Use a dry, soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently brush any loose dirt or grime from the sides and bottom of the shoes. I recommend doing this step over a trash can for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Spot clean the exterior
For tough stains, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water or baking soda and water in the other bowl. Either mixture works just as well as the other, and which one you choose really depends on what you have more readily available.
Apply this solution to the outside of the shoes and scrub gently with a clean brush or cloth.
Step 4: Wash
Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with water in another bowl. You can also use a store-bought shoe cleaner for this step. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the entire shoe surface, working from the top to the sides and then to the bottom.
Bonus tip (for fabric shoes only): If the shoes are still discolored, you can try toothpaste on the fabric parts. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the stains, scrub gently with a brush, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Rinse and dry
Use a clean, soft cloth to remove any mixture residue. Allow the shoes to air dry naturally, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
While they dry, remove the laces from the bleach solution. Rinse the laces thoroughly in cold water and then wash them by hand or in the washing machine.
Step 6: Don’t forget the soles
For rubber soles, you can use a Magic Eraser to brighten them and remove any remaining scuffs.
Step 7: Replace accessories
Once the shoes and laces are completely dry, replace the clean shoelaces and any other accessories you removed from the shoes. Voila. Now your shoes look like new (or at least as good as new).
How often should you clean your white shoes?
The frequency with which you clean your shoes depends on how often you wear them and the conditions in which they are worn, but here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Always wipe your white shoes with a cloth dampened with water after wearing them in the rain or as soon as you notice any discolouration.
- Store your shoes indoors in a dry place to prevent discoloration or mold formation.
- Perform a light cleaning about every two weeks.
- Clean thoroughly once every six weeks.
All of these tips will ensure that they don’t become stained over time, making them harder to clean and keeping your shoes wearable for longer.
Can you wash white shoes in the washing machine?
Hand washing shoes is usually the best practice, but some white sneakers and shoes are safe to put in the washing machine. To check this, you will find the washing label which is usually located on the underside of the tongue. It should tell you whether you can machine wash or not.
Shoes made of leather, suede, rubber and vinyl should never be put in the washing machine. Cotton, nylon and polyester shoes are normally machine safe, but if you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and opt to hand wash them.
For more cleaning tips, check out our guides on the best way to clean a yoga mat and how to clean your workout clothes.
