How to Clean White Shoes So They're Good as New

cleaning white shoes — You can renew your dingy and dirty white sneakers in just a few easy steps. New Africa/Shutterstock

Key Takeaways

Canvas shoes are easy to clean. Many are suitable for machine washing, making them low maintenance for regular wear.
To clean machine-washable white shoes, remove laces and soak them in water with baking soda. Then, wash shoes in the machine with mild laundry detergent and cold water before air-drying.
For shoes that are not machine washable, use a mix of baking soda, laundry detergent and water to soak. Scrub with a brush, focusing on stains and inside odors, before you rinse and air-dry.

Nothing looks sharper than bright white shoes, but it can be a real trial to keep them that way — especially when your white shoes face everyday threats like mud puddles, pollen and regular old dirt.

While some people only shop for bargain white shoes, others drop serious money on theirs. For example, Air Jordan 1 Mid "Triple White" Shoes retailed for $110 plus tax when they were released back in 2020 (now they retail for about $160!). So it pays to protect the investment and keep those kicks clean.

However, when cleaning white shoes, it's important to know what you're doing. A misstep can leave them looking yellowed, overly bleached or unevenly clean. No one wants that! Here are some tried-and-true, totally tested methods for cleaning white shoes.

Contents

5 Useful Tools for Cleaning Shoes
How to Clean White Leather Shoes
How to Clean White Canvas Shoes
Tips for Cleaning White Shoelaces
Is White Toothpaste Only Effective on Leather Shoes?
Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine: Proceed With Caution
Bleach as a Cleaning Agent
Cleaning Tips to Extend the Longevity of Your Shoes

5 Useful Tools for Cleaning Shoes

Before you start cleaning your shoes, here are a few tools that can make the job easier:

Shoe tree: Shoe trees maintain the shape of your shoes while preventing creases and wrinkles, especially in leather shoes. While they are useful for regular use, they also aid in moisture absorption, which is crucial for maintaining the longevity of shoes.
Shoe brush: Shoe brushes clean dirt, dust, and debris from shoes. Different types of brushes, like horsehair brushes for polishing and stiff bristle brushes for scrubbing, are useful for various materials.
Microfiber cloths: A microfiber cloth is useful to wipe down shoes and apply polish. It’s particularly effective for delicate materials like leather, removing smudges and dust without scratching the surface.
Melamine sponge: Commonly known as a Magic Eraser, these sponges can effectively remove tough stains and scuffs.
Deodorizing shoe spray: This product can keep shoes fresh by eliminating odors and bacteria that can build up with regular wear.

How to Clean White Leather Shoes

A few household items are all that's necessary to clean white, primarily leather shoes.

Soap and Magic Eraser

Gather the following: a toothbrush, soft cloth, an eraser sponge (like the Magic Eraser) paper towels, liquid dish soap and 1 cup (236 milliliters) of warm water.

First, remove the shoelaces.
Use the toothbrush to get rid of loose dirt on the shoes. In the cup of warm water, mix in a small amount of liquid dish soap (three or four drops should do). Now, swirl the toothbrush around in the soapy water. Then scrub the shoes carefully.
Wet the eraser sponge with water and gently buff out any unsightly marks.
Dampen the clean cloth and wipe down the soles.
Once everything's clean to your standards, use a shoe tree. Alternatively, wad up newspapers and stuff the shoes. This will absorb the moisture from the inside and help preserve their shape.

Micellar Water

Another great option for cleaning white leather shoes is using a makeup remover called micellar water.

Pour the "water" on a clean white cloth and use the cloth to wipe the shoes. This also works on rubber or suede shoes, but really tough stains, such as oil, won't respond to this method.

Baking soda and white vinegar

Round up your materials: baking soda, white vinegar, water, and a soft brush or cloth.

Mix one tablespoon of baking soda, two tablespoons of white vinegar and a cup of water.
Dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution and gently scrub the leather in circular motions.
Wipe away any residue with a clean cloth.

Toothpaste

A white, non-gel toothpaste can effectively get your leather shoes clean.

Apply a small amount of non-gel white toothpaste to a soft brush or cloth.
Gently scrub the leather in circular motions.
Let it sit for about 10 to 20 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth and dry it with a clean cloth.

These Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid "Triple White" Shoes retail for around $160. Nobody wants them to look dirty.
Nike

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes

You can toss canvas shoes in the washing machine unless they have leather or suede detailing. Here are a few different methods for cleaning canvas shoes.

Washing machine

Take the laces out and soak them in a solution of water and baking soda.
Then, place the fabric shoes inside the washing machine.
Add a small amount of laundry detergent, the milder the better.
Run the machine using cold water on the gentlest cycle available.
Once done, air dry the shoes and laces, then lace them back up.

Baking soda and laundry detergent

If you can't machine wash your shoes, gather the following household materials: baking soda, laundry detergent, a bucket, an old toothbrush or some type of cleaning brush.

Bang the soles together to get rid of dirt, or brush it off using the toothbrush/brush.
Fill the bucket with 1 cup (236 milliliters) of baking soda, one drop of laundry detergent and 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water.
Remove the shoelaces and soak both shoes and laces in the bucket for about an hour.
Remove them from the bucket and scrub any stains using the brush. Remember to scrub the inside to get rid of any stinky odors.
Rinse them thoroughly with clean water. Air-dry both the shoes and the laces, then lace them back up.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice acts as a natural bleach, helping to remove stains and refers the color.

Apply freshly squeezed lemon juice directly to the stained areas.
Let it sit in the sun for about an hour.
Rinse with water and air-dry.

Castile soap

For a gentle option, try castile soap, a highly concentrated cleaning solution.

Mix a few drops of castile soap with warm water.
Use a soft brush to scrub the canvas shoes.
Rinse with clean water and let them air-dry.

Tips for Cleaning White Shoelaces

After you spend all your effort getting your shoes to sparkle again, you don't want your shoelaces to look dingy in comparison. Here are a few ways to guarantee you get bright white shoelaces, too:

Remove shoelaces: Always remove the shoelaces from the shoes before cleaning them. This allows you to clean the laces thoroughly.
Use a mesh laundry bag: If you're using a washing machine, place the shoelaces in a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling.
Rinse thoroughly: If you're handwashing your shoelaces, rinse them under cold water to remove any soap, bleach or baking soda residue. Failure to do so might make your laces feel stiff when they dry.

And if you can't return the laces to their former glory, you can simply replace your white shoelaces.

Is White Toothpaste Only Effective on Leather Shoes?

White toothpaste is a popular shoe-cleaning hack that works on various shoe types. Whatever you do, make sure it's completely white because gels and toothpaste with colors will stain the shoes. To clean using this product, squeeze some paste onto a toothbrush. Then, scrub the shoes, lending extra elbow grease to the really dirty spots. Let the toothpaste dry for 20 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp, clean cloth.

Washing Shoes in the Washing Machine: Proceed With Caution

Using the washing machine to clean your shoes is simple, but it doesn't always yield successful results. The washing machine can make your shoes feel fresh again, and you can even wash more than one pair at a time.

However, it isn't the best option for every shoe material (like suede, for example). And even when it is the right material, you still run the risk of shoes being damaged and breaking apart in the washing machine.

Bleach as a Cleaning Agent

Bleach is another option, especially for shoes with serious stains, but approach with caution. This chemical is very strong and can cause skin irritation, trouble breathing, etc. if used inappropriately. When working with bleach, definitely do so only in a well-ventilated room, while wearing gloves.

To clean white shoes with bleach, mix five parts of warm water with one part of bleach. Too much bleach will cause the shoes to yellow, so don't overdo it.
Next, loosen up dirt and stains with either a toothbrush or sponge, dampened with the bleach mixture.
dip a microfiber towel into the solution, then wring it out to remove extra liquid.
Blot the shoes with the towel, then rinse the shoes with a cloth soaked in warm water.
Allow the shoes to dry in a room with plenty of ventilation.

Sunlight bleaching

If you prefer a more natural bleaching option, try using the sun. After you lean your shoes, let them dry in direct sunlight for an added whitening effect.

Cleaning Tips to Extend the Longevity of Your Shoes

Clean shoes regularly: Regular cleaning prevents dirt and grime from building up, which can weaken shoe materials over time. Wipe shoes down after each wear, especially if you step in dirt or mud.
Use the right cleaning products: Use cleaners that are specific to the material of your shoes (e.g., leather cleaner for leather shoes, suede brush for suede). Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric or leather.
Remove stains immediately: Address stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting into the material.
Don't soak shoes: Excessive water can damage most shoe materials, particularly leather and suede. If your shoes get wet, dry them at room temperature using paper towels or newspaper stuffed inside, and avoid direct heat sources like radiators or hair dryers.

This article was created in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bleach to clean my white shoes?

While bleach can be effective, it's risky and can damage the fabric if you do not dilute it properly. Instead, try gentler cleaning methods first to avoid potential damage.

How can I protect my white shoes to keep them cleaner longer?

Applying a water-repellent spray can protect your shoes from stains and water damage, extending their clean appearance. It's best to apply the spray following the manufacturer's instructions for optimal protection.