How to Clean White Shoes at Home

Keeping your white shoes actually white after several uses is a universal fashion struggle. We’ve all been there — you buy a gorgeous pair, and within a few minutes, they’re already sporting scuffs and dirt. Luckily, there are ways to bring them back to their glory days. Discover easy-to-follow tips on how to clean white shoes at home. This covers everything from cleaning tips per shoe type to keep your footwear looking fresh and fabulous.

How to Clean White Leather Shoes 

Knowing how to clean your white leather shoes will keep your footwear looking good for years. Follow these simple steps:

1. Remove Shoelaces

Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with warm water in two small bowls to create a soapy water solution. Soak shoelaces in one bowl for a few minutes. Use a toothbrush to scrub away dirt from the shoelaces.

2. Brush Shoes

Dip the brush into the other bowl and gently scrub the shoes. Apply pressure to remove any stains.

3. Clean Soles

Eliminate stains using an eraser sponge. Wet it with water and scrub around all sides of the sole. Once done, stuff your shoes with white paper towels inside to eliminate any moisture and maintain your shoes’ shape as they dry. Use a damp cloth to wipe the outer part of your shoes and let them air dry.

How to Clean White Mesh Shoes

Mesh shoes can seem tricky to clean, as dirt and grime can enter the mesh’s crevices. The good news is that it’s easier than you think. Here’s how to clean your white shoes, according to Nike.

1. Create the Cleaning Solution

Mix mild soap and a small amount of laundry detergent in a bowl with lukewarm or cool water. Avoid using hot water, as it can compromise your shoes’s color. You may also be tempted to use bleach, but it’s best not to mix it with the main cleaning solution. Too much bleaching can cause discoloration or damage to your footwear over time.

2. Brush Away Dirt

Use a shoe brush or a clean toothbrush to remove dirt from your footwear’s upper part. Tap the shoes together on the floor to dislodge clumps of dirt from the sole. 

3. Remove Shoelaces

Soak your shoelaces in a bowl with water and liquid detergent. Leave it for a few minutes before massaging it. Rinse with cold water. 

4. Stuff With Paper

Stuff shoes with crumpled paper towels or newspaper to retain their shape.

5. Brush Last Time

Dip your brush in the soapy liquid and brush the shoes in the same direction as the knit pattern. Avoid putting too much pressure on the mesh. Once everything is cleaned up, proceed to the sides and the soles.

6. Check Your Shoes

Wipe the soap residue with a clean cloth. If you’re still unsatisfied, repeat the brushing method a few times.

7. Let It Dry

Once you’re done cleaning, pat it dry and leave it outside for air drying. Avoid putting it in the dryer or using a hair dryer to speed up the drying process, as heat can cause damage to your footwear’s adhesive.

How to Clean White Suede Shoes

Here’s an easy way to clean your white suede shoes.

1. Brush Dirt

Before anything else, make sure your shoes are moisture-free. Suede shoes should be dry prior to cleaning to avoid rubbing in more dirt. Using a suede brush or nail file, brush the dirt gently. If you encounter scruff marks, apply elbow grease then brush with more pressure to remove the dirt particles.

2. Use Rubber

Use a suede rubber or eraser to remove tougher stains. If you don’t have one, try using a pencil eraser. Apply with more pressure but avoid going all-out to avoid potential damage.

3. Use White Vinegar or Baking Soda

This classic stain remover can help you remove stains that are harder to remove with rubber. Dampen a washcloth and lightly dab the stain. If this doesn’t work, apply baking powder and liquid soap to the stain and let it sit overnight. The next day, remove it using a paper towel.

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes are great for everyday use. If you use them regularly, clean them about every two weeks or weekly. Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove Dirt

Use a soft brush to scrub your white shoes gently. The intention is to tackle surface dirt, so avoid going overboard.

2. Choose a Cleaner

You can either use toothpaste with baking soda as an ingredient or a mixture of 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Use a clean toothbrush to scrub away the dirt.

3. Wipe

Use a clean, damp washcloth to remove the residue. Let your footwear airdry.

For stubborn dirts, you can follow this more comprehensive guide:

How to Clean White Shoes That Turned Yellow

White shoes can turn yellow if there’s leftover detergent or after prolonged sun exposure. However, yellowing can also occur from regular wear and tear. You can use the abovementioned tips to clean your shoes or have them professionally cleaned depending on your footwear type. This is especially important if you use your shoes daily. Investing in professional cleaning will be worth it.

Can I Clean White Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Some shoes can be cleaned in a washing machine, except those made of rubber, leather, suede, vinyl, sports shoes or footwear with rubber or metal cleats. If your shoes have embellishments like sequins or beading, hand-washing them would be better. Always read the label’s cleaning instructions before putting your shoes inside the washing machine.

Here’s a step-by-step process of cleaning white shoes using a washing machine:

• Remove shoe laces and manually scrub them.
• Remove and wash insoles by hand or sprinkle them with baking soda, let them sit overnight, and brush them off the next day.
• Brush the soles with a soft brush.
• Place shoes in a mesh garment bag.
• Put the bag inside the washing machine along with towels to balance the load.
• Use liquid detergent and a delicate, cold water cycle.
• Air dry your shoes and reinsert soles afterward.

Keep Your Shoes Sparkling White

There you go — may these cleaning methods help you keep your footwear looking its best. Make sure to stay consistent. Regular maintenance, even just a quick wipe-down after each wear, can go a long way in preventing dirt from setting in.