A Comprehensive Guide on How to Clean White Shoes

January 16, 2025

Clothes have never gone out of style, but brands like white shoes. White shoes, whether they’re slick leather sneakers or plain canvas pairs, can add some serious socks to any outfit. They are a neutral colour so they go with almost any of the pieces you wear together. But then keeping them spotless isn’t easy. The regular maintenance that makes sense on white footwear often brings dirt, stains, and scuffs to the forefront. 

Simple ways and available materials make this a comprehensive guide to teaching you the art of cleaning white shoes effectively. From women’s white shoes or men’s white shoes, these tips guarantee that your footwear is fresh and bright through day and night!

Step-by-Step Guide: Cleaning White Shoes at home 

While it does seem complicated, white shoes don’t have to be difficult to clean. So let’s look at some simple steps you can do. Follow these simple steps to restore your shoes to their original glory:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need: 

• Baking soda 
• White vinegar 
• Laundry detergent 
• A soft-bristled brush (or an old toothbrush) 
• A clean cloth 
• A small bowl 
• Mild toothpaste 

Step 2: Prep Your Shoes

• Remove the laces and insoles to clean them separately. 
• Gently brush off loose dirt and dust from the shoe surface with a soft brush. The brush should be dry to prevent further smudges. 

Step 3: Choose a Cleaning Method

The cleaning method you need to choose may depend on a few factors. Depending on the material and level of stains, choose one of the methods below: 

Clean White Shoes with Baking Soda & Vinegar 

A natural and effective solution for cleaning white shoes at home is as follows: 

1. Mix the Solution: Put in your cleaning solution, which is 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl, and combine until it tingles.
2. Apply the Mixture: Apply the paste onto the shoes using a soft brush and concentrating on the stain locations.
3. Scrub Gently: Gently scrub in circular motions, ensuring you cover all dirty spots. Gradually you’re going to see the dirt and stains coming off.
4. Wipe Clean: Paste residue may be removed from the shoes using a damp cloth. If you don’t want to start in the same place you finished, this is vital.
5. Air Dry: Drying the shoes out in a cool shaded area is allowed. Before you let it dry, make sure that all the stains and paste residue come off. Not paying attention here might create new stains that are harder to take off. 

This method works wonders for canvas sneakers and white gym shoes. 

Clean White Shoes with Laundry Detergent 

If the white shoes that you need to clean are made up of fabric or mesh material, here’s an excellent option to get them clean: 

1. Prepare the Solution: Add and mix a few drops of liquid laundry detergent with warm water.
2. Apply to the Shoes: Dip a soft brush into the solution and gently scrub the surface of the shoes. This is almost like a painting motion.
3. Focus on Tough Stains: For stubborn spots, apply the detergent directly and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This loosens the dirt and spots.
4. Rinse and Dry: Dry the soap residue with a damp cloth and leave shoes to air dry. If you don’t want to catch a cold, don’t wear them until they are dry. 

It is also the best way for machine washable white shoes on how to wash. For those, simply put them in a mesh laundry bag, then throw them into the washing machine.

How to Clean White Shoes with Toothpaste? 

The humble toothpaste is one of the most underrated cleaning agents in our houses. White shoes are not the only thing that toothpaste can be used for—it makes a great stain remover too. Let’s see how you can use that for your cleaning purposes - 

1. Choose the Right Toothpaste: For best results use non-gel white toothpaste, and use it in place of any colours you are trying to remove, so you don't leave behind new stains.
2. Apply to Stains: Get a small amount of toothpaste out and onto the stained areas of your shoes. Imagine anything the size of the tip of your finger is a droplet.
3. Scrub Gently: To work the toothpaste into fabric or material use a brush in circular motions.
4. Wipe Clean: Simply dampen a cloth and remove the toothpaste if that doesn’t work, then repeat. 

However, this works best for leather white sneakers. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning White Shoes

You don’t have to do whatever you want with your white shoes while cleaning them. To ensure the longevity of your white shoes, avoid these common pitfalls: 

1. Using Harsh Chemicals: It can easily be damaged with bleach and stronger cleaning agents; they are known to cause yellowing. Keep it mild with baking soda and detergent.
2. Skipping the Spot Test: Before cleaning test your cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area and then clean. That way, even if you have a bad reaction to your cleaning agent, at least you don’t throw the whole shoe onto the fire.
3. Submerging Non-Washable Shoes in Water: Water should not be used to soak certain materials — like leather and suede. Clean with just enough moisture. Use minimal moisture to clean these surfaces.
4. Drying in Direct Sunlight: Sunlight can cause discoloration and weaken adhesives. Always air dry in a shaded area.
5. Ignoring the Laces: Dirty laces can ruin the overall look of clean shoes. Wash them separately with soap and water.

Essential Tips and Tricks to Keep Your White Shoes To Look Like New One

1. Protect with a Water-Repellent Spray

Applying a protective spray designed for shoes can help prevent stains and water damage, especially for suede and leather pairs. 

2. Clean Regularly

Don’t wait for stains to set. Wipe down your white shoes for women and men after each wear to maintain their brightness. 

3. Use Magic Erasers for Quick Fixes

Magic erasers can remove scuffs and dirt from rubber soles, keeping your shoes looking fresh. 

4. Store Properly

When not in use, store your white sneakers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent yellowing. 

5. Replace Insoles When Needed

Worn-out insoles can affect the overall appearance and hygiene of your shoes. Consider replacing them periodically. 

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t have to be a terrible feat to maintain your white shoes looking clean. Using these easy and efficient methods, it should be proven that your footwear remains clean, fresh, and style-lasting longer. Whether it is canvas sneakers, leather white shoes for men, or delicate white shoes for women, these tips are for all types and materials. 

White sneakers and footwear are stunningly offered by Metro Shoes for every purpose. They are intended to withstand long and look as 'fashionable' as day one. After reading this guide along with my other guides you’ll know what to do to keep your shoes in shape and feel confident and stylish whether the season is cold or not.