How to Clean White Shoes: and Keep Them White

Don’t panic just yet. We are here to show you exactly how to clean white shoes, whether you are rocking canvas, leather, or mesh kicks. With a few household ingredients and a little elbow grease, your shoes will look brand new in no time.

Why Do White Shoes Turn Yellow?

It is frustrating when your crisp white sneakers start looking dingy or yellow. This oxidation usually happens for a few specific reasons.

• Sun exposure: Leaving shoes in direct sunlight can cause a chemical reaction in the fabric or rubber.
• Detergent residue: Using the wrong kind of detergent or not rinsing them thoroughly leaves soap behind that turns yellow as it dries.
• Sweat and dirt: accumulated body oils and dirt can oxidize over time, creating stubborn yellow stains.

If your shoes have already turned yellow, don’t worry. The cleaning methods below are designed to reverse this and brighten the material.

How to Clean White Shoes by Material

Different materials require different tactics. Whether you have sturdy leather or delicate mesh, we have a method that works.

Canvas

Canvas shoes, like Vans or Converse, are durable and forgiving. You can scrub them relatively hard without damaging the fabric.

What You Need

• Mesh laundry bags.
• Soft shoe brush or old toothbrush.
• Baking soda.
• Dish soap.
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (optional).
• Clean cloths.
• White paper towels.

Instructions

1. Remove the laces: Take the laces off and toss them in a mesh laundry bag. You can wash these with your regular laundry load.
2. Dry brush: Use a dry brush to knock off any loose mud or dirt clumps. This prevents the dirt from turning into mud when you add water.
3. Make your solution: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of white vinegar and a cup of warm water. Add a drop of dish soap. It might fizz a little, which is normal.
4. Scrub the fabric: Dip your brush into the paste and scrub the canvas in circular motions. Let the mixture sit on the shoes for about 10 minutes to dry slightly.
5. Clean the soles: While the paste sits, scrub the rubber soles with a Magic Eraser or a stiff brush.
6. Rinse and dry: Wipe the shoes clean with a damp cloth. Stuff them with white paper towels to help them hold their shape and absorb water. Let them air dry in a warm spot, but keep them out of direct sunlight.

You can also wash canvas shoes in the washing machine. Place the lace-free shoes in a mesh bag and run a gentle, cold cycle with mild detergent. Never put them in the dryer, as the heat can melt the glue.

Leather

Leather sneakers look great but can easily get scuffed. The goal here is to clean them without soaking the leather, which can damage the material.

What You Need

• Mesh bag (for laces).
• Soft shoe brush.
• Microfiber cloths.
• White non-gel toothpaste.
• Old toothbrush.
• Dish soap.
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
• White paper towels.

Instructions

1. Prep the shoes: Remove the laces and wash them separately. Use a soft brush to dust off the exterior of the shoe.
2. Wipe down: Dampen a cloth with cool water and wipe the entire shoe to remove surface dust. Do not soak the leather.
3. Spot treat with toothpaste: Apply a small amount of white, non-gel toothpaste to scuffs and stains. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the area in circular motions until the stain lifts.
4. Soap scrub: Mix a few drops of dish soap into a cup of warm water. Dip a cloth or sponge into the suds and wipe down the rest of the shoe.
5. Tackle the soles: Use a damp Magic Eraser to scrub the rubber sidewalls and soles instantly bright white.
6. Rinse and dry: Wipe away all soap and toothpaste residue with a clean, damp cloth. Dry the leather immediately with a dry towel, then stuff the insides with paper towels and let them air dry completely.

If you prefer, you can use a dedicated commercial leather cleaner. Just skip the toothpaste step and follow the instructions on the bottle.

Mesh

Mesh is a breathable fabric, which means it catches dirt easily. It is also delicate, so you need to be gentle to avoid snagging the material.

What You Need

• Mesh laundry bags.
• Soft-bristled shoe brush.
• Dish soap.
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
• Microfiber cloth.
• White paper towels.
• Bleach (optional for extreme cases).

Instructions

1. Remove hardware: Take off the laces and toss them in the wash. Remove the insoles if possible.
2. Dry brush: Very gently brush the mesh with a soft brush to remove dust.
3. Create a bath: Mix warm water and a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. You want the water to be soapy but not thick.
4. Gentle scrub: Dip a soft cloth or soft brush into the water and scrub the mesh in circular motions. Avoid hard scrubbing, which can fray the fabric.
5. Rinse: Wipe the soap away with a damp cloth dipped in fresh, cool water. Repeat until no soap bubbles appear.
6. Dry: Stuff the shoes with paper towels to absorb moisture and let them air dry away from the sun.

For tough stains on white mesh, you can add a tiny amount of bleach to your water. Use a ratio of one part bleach to five parts water. Wear gloves and be careful, as too much bleach can yellow the fabric.

The Baking Soda and Vinegar Hack

This method is perfect for tough stains on canvas or durable tennis shoes. The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar bubbles up to lift deep-set dirt.

What You Need

• Baking soda.
• Distilled white vinegar.
• Hot water.
• Old toothbrush.
• Small bowl.

Instructions

1. Mix the paste: In a bowl, combine one tablespoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and one tablespoon of hot water. It will fizz; continue mixing until it forms a paste. If it is too runny, add a pinch more baking soda.
2. Apply the paste: Use an old toothbrush to coat the canvas areas of the shoe with the paste. Apply a thick layer over stains.
3. Let it set: Leave the shoes in a warm, dry area for about 3 to 4 hours. The paste needs to dry and harden completely.
4. Crack it off: Once dry, clap the shoes together outside to knock off the dried paste.
5. Brush and wipe: Use a dry brush to remove the remaining powder. If any residue remains, wipe it off with a damp cloth.

FAQs

Can Toothpaste Remove Yellow Stains From Shoes?

Yes, white toothpaste is excellent for removing yellow stains. Ensure you use a non-gel whitening toothpaste without colored dyes. Apply it to the stain, scrub gently with a toothbrush, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Can You Clean White Shoes With Dish Soap?

Yes, dish soap is one of the best cleaners for shoes. It is gentle enough for mesh and canvas but strong enough to cut through grease and remove tough stains. Mix it with warm water for a simple, effective cleaning solution.

How Do I Clean White Shoelaces?

The easiest way is to put them in a mesh bag and wash them with your regular laundry. If they are extremely dirty, soak them in a bowl of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of bleach or baking soda for 30 minutes before washing. Air dry them to prevent shrinkage.

How Can I Whiten My Shoes Without Bleach?

You don’t need bleach to get bright shoes. A paste made of baking soda and white vinegar is a powerful natural whitener. Alternatively, hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda works wonders on canvas and mesh without the harshness of chlorine bleach.

How Do I Clean the White Soles of My Shoes?

The rubber soles take the biggest beating. To clean them, use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser dipped in water. If you don’t have one, mix equal parts baking soda and laundry detergent, scrub the soles with a stiff brush, and rinse clean.

Is It Bad to Bleach White Shoes?

It can be risky. Undiluted bleach can turn white fabrics yellow and weaken the glue that holds your shoes together. If you must use bleach, dilute it heavily (one part bleach to five parts water) and rinse it out very thoroughly.

Can Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Shoes?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is a safer alternative to bleach. Create a paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, apply it to the shoes, and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. It effectively lifts stains and brightens dull fabric.

Can I Put White Shoes in the Dryer?

No, you should never put shoes in the dryer. The high heat can warp the rubber soles, shrink the fabric, and melt the adhesive glue that holds the shoe together. Always air dry your shoes in a warm, ventilated area.

Tips for Keeping White Shoes White

• Pre-treat immediately: If you spot a stain, clean it right away. The longer dirt sits on white fabric, the harder it is to remove.
• Use a protector spray: Before you even wear new shoes, spray them with a stain and water repellent (like Scotchgard). This creates a barrier against dirt and liquids.
• Avoid the elements: Skip the white kicks on rainy days or when walking through muddy grass. It sounds obvious, but prevention is easier than cleaning.
• Store them properly: Keep your shoes in a box or a shoe closet away from direct sunlight. Dust and sun exposure are the primary causes of yellowing over time.
• Spot clean with Micellar water: For leather or rubber soles, keep a bottle of Micellar water handy. It is great for quickly wiping away surface scuffs without a full deep clean.

Keep Them Fresh

We used to avoid buying white shoes because we were terrified of ruining them. But now that we know how easy they are to clean, we wear them everywhere. With these simple tips, your sneakers can stay crisp and bright all year long.

Remember to check your shoe’s material before scrubbing, and never underestimate the power of a simple magic eraser. Now, go enjoy your fresh kicks!