White shoes look fantastic when new, but over time they can become dirty and stained. Luckily, removing these unsightly spots is simple with everyday cleaning products you likely already own in your house.
For best results when cleaning white sneakers or leather shoes, begin by unlacing and brushing off loose dirt from both surfaces. Next, create your cleaning solution: either plain water, detergents for shoes, or both.
Table of contents
1. Soap and Water
Leather, canvas, and rubber shoes all benefit from getting the same thorough cleaning routine. Combine one teaspoon of dish soap with warm water in a bucket or sink, using either a brush or cloth to scrub them before wiping down their soles and sides with clean cloths.
- If they have tough stains that need treating with white eraser sponges–available at many stores–following package directions may also work effectively; this method usually works best on other shoe types than suede or flyknit designs.
- If you own fabric sneakers, experts suggest treating them first with a protectant spray that allows the fabric to breathe while simultaneously preventing stains and repelling water.
- Make a paste out of equal parts baking soda and vinegar, dip your toothbrush in it, and start to scrub your shoes. While this method may not work as effectively on leather or mesh shoes, light stains may still come off.
When finished be sure to stuff them with paper towels or newspaper to maintain their shape; or add laundry detergent for additional cleaning power.
2. White Vinegar
White sneakers are an indispensable wardrobe essential, yet they’re often vulnerable to unsightly stains. From grass stains and scuff marks to accidental drops of ice cream and general wear and tear from outdoor adventures, keeping white shoes looking new can be one of the toughest challenges when it comes to footwear maintenance. But with the right methods and materials at your disposal, you can easily restore their clean, white appearance.
To implement this fast and simple cleaning hack, a few household items will come together.
- Combine one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of vinegar in one cup of water until you achieve a paste-like consistency.
- Next, use an old toothbrush to apply this paste directly over any spots on your shoes with circular motions ensuring coverage throughout.
- Finally, leave them outside in bright sunlight for three to four hours to let the formula take its full course.
Sunlight can make the whitening process much faster, so your sneakers should come out looking their best ever. After air drying them out, use a suede brush to restore their velvety texture – this ensures your white shoes are ready for any adventure ahead
For added peace of mind, invest in a high-quality shoe protection spray that provides a protective shield that keeps liquids and stains at bay from your white sneakers.
3. Baking Soda
White shoes often fade with time, but you can restore their original shine with a quick DIY cleaning solution made up of baking soda and white vinegar. This method works on sneakers, loafers, and slippers made of any material as a preventative measure to keep them looking brand new
- Combine equal parts baking soda and white vinegar in a small bowl until they form a paste-like mixture, then apply to the shoe, paying particular attention to areas with stains or discolorations.
- Scrub the shoes gently with a toothbrush before letting them air-dry in sunlight for best results.
One non-chemical way of cleaning white shoes without using chemicals is using toothpaste, which also does an amazing job of removing scuff marks and dirt. This approach works particularly well on leather shoes since bleach can break them down over time.
Be sure to use all-white toothpaste that contains baking soda, then stuff the shoes with paper towels after each application for moisture absorption and shape retention. Do this every few weeks until your shoes remain spotless – or invest in protectant spray or oil-absorbing powder as protection from future scuffs and marks.
4. Bleach
White shoes are a trendy fashion statement, yet can be difficult to keep looking their best. Luckily, however, these stylish kicks can be easily maintained using common household products.
- First, use a soft brush to brush away loose dirt from the surface of your shoes.
- Next, mix together a solution of mild laundry detergent and water in a container large enough for both shoes.
- Soak a brush or cloth in this soapy solution, then scrub away at rubber soles and tongues where stains tend to collect most often.
- Upon finishing this step, rinse your shoes out with fresh clean water to flush away any remaining detergent and prevent discoloration or damage to their finish product.
When dealing with especially stubborn stains, bleach can help brighten and clean your shoes more effectively. Just be sure to follow all safety instructions related to your shoe material as excessive bleach use could turn white fabric shoes yellow over time.
Idealistically, white shoes should be thoroughly cleaned every two weeks in order to prevent dirt build-up and staining from building up over time. Frequent cleaning sessions will help detect issues like rust or water stains so you can address them immediately before they worsen further.
When selecting any cleaning solution, always test a small hidden area first to ensure no harm or discoloration results from using it on your white footwear.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is also another method for managing your white shoes. With just a few ingredients and some time, you can restore their appearance – cornstarch, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar or baby wipes can work wonders at brightening and whitening without using harsh chemicals or washing machines.
According to Jennifer Rodriguez, Chief Hygiene Officer at Pro Housekeepers, a quick DIY solution can do wonders for white sneakers and other footwear that needs deep cleaning.
An effective combination is to mix a tablespoon of baking soda with half-teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and some warm water in a bowl until you create a paste – then dip your brush or toothbrush in it and scrub away.
Once your shoes have been scrubbed clean, pour any leftover solution onto them and allow them to soak in direct sunlight for three to four hours.
This time allows sunlight to lighten any blemishes while the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda help remove dirt and grime from fabric fibers. If necessary, repeat this process a few times until your shoes appear spotless; once finished rinse well and dry completely.
6. Lemon Essential Oil
Canvas sneakers and leather sandals both become dulled over time, but don’t despair: this can easily be restored by cleaning with everyday household products.
To properly clean white shoes made of cloth or leather, you will require some household items – namely a toothbrush, paper towels, liquid dish soap and warm water.
- Start by untieing the shoelaces and brushing off any loose dirt with the toothbrush, before dipping your toothbrush in dish soap to scrub your shoes before rinsing off and leaving to dry afterwards.
Alternative methods of cleaning white shoes include using a bleach pen to tackle small, dark stains; soaking shoes in a solution made up of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide or even toothpaste; or applying cornstarch on oily stains to absorb excess oil. A nail polish remover pad may also come in handy to erase scuff marks on the soles.
If you want to avoid scuffing your shoes, it is best to wear them only in locations free from dirt or dust and store them with shoe covers in an airtight location.
FAQS
For canvas shoes:
Baking soda and vinegar: Make a paste of 1 tablespoon baking soda, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, and 1 cup warm water. Apply the paste to the shoes with a soft-bristled brush and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse the shoes with clean water and let them air dry.
Dish soap and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1 cup of warm water. Dip a soft-bristled brush in the soapy water and scrub the shoes. Rinse the shoes with clean water and let them air dry.
For leather shoes:
Baking soda paste: Make a paste of 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1/2 tablespoon of water. Apply the paste to the shoes with a soft-bristled brush and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wipe the shoes clean with a damp cloth.
Lemon juice and olive oil: Mix 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Apply the mixture to the shoes with a soft cloth and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wipe the shoes clean with a damp cloth.
Remove the laces and insoles from the shoes.
Pre-treat any stains with a stain remover.
Make a cleaning solution of warm water and dish soap.
Dip a soft-bristled brush in the cleaning solution and scrub the shoes.
Rinse the shoes with clean water and let them air dry.
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