White shoes look amazing—until they get dirty. Whether it’s sneakers, canvas shoes, or leather kicks, they seem to attract stains like a magnet.
But don’t worry! With the right cleaning techniques, you can keep your white shoes looking fresh and bright.
In This Guide, You’ll Learn:
✔ Best Cleaning Methods for Different Materials
✔ DIY Hacks to Remove Stubborn Stains
✔ How to Keep Your White Shoes Cleaner for Longer
Let’s restore your white shoes to their original glory! 👟✨
🔹 General Tips Before You Start
🟢 Check the Material: Different shoes require different cleaning methods.
🟢 Remove Laces & Insoles: Wash them separately for best results.
🟢 Brush Off Dirt First: Use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove surface dust.
🟢 Spot Test First: Before applying any cleaner, test on a small, hidden area.
Now, let’s get into the best methods for each shoe type!
🔹 How to Clean White Canvas Shoes
Best For: Converse, Vans, Keds, or any fabric-based sneakers.
Method 1: Baking Soda & White Vinegar (Most Popular DIY Trick)
✔ What You Need:
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
✔ How to Clean:
1️⃣ Mix baking soda and vinegar in a bowl (it will fizz).
2️⃣ Use a toothbrush to scrub the mixture onto the fabric.
3️⃣ Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
4️⃣ Air-dry your shoes (avoid direct sunlight to prevent yellowing).
💡 Pro Tip: For deeper stains, repeat the process or let the mixture dry on the shoes before brushing it off.
Method 2: Machine Wash (Easy & Effective)
✔ What You Need:
- Mild laundry detergent
- Mesh laundry bag (optional)
- Old towels (for cushioning)
✔ How to Clean:
1️⃣ Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag (or pillowcase) to protect them.
2️⃣ Add old towels to prevent banging in the machine.
3️⃣ Use cold water and a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
4️⃣ Air-dry (never put them in the dryer!).
⚠ Warning: Machine washing works well for fabric shoes but can weaken glue on certain brands.
🔹 How to Clean White Leather Shoes
Best For: Nike Air Force 1s, Adidas Stan Smiths, dress shoes, and luxury sneakers.
✔ What You Need:
- Mild soap (dish soap or baby shampoo)
- Warm water
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Magic eraser (for scuff marks)
✔ How to Clean:
1️⃣ Mix mild soap with warm water.
2️⃣ Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently wipe the surface.
3️⃣ Use a magic eraser to remove scuff marks and deep stains.
4️⃣ Wipe with a clean damp cloth and let air-dry.
💡 Pro Tip: Apply a leather conditioner after cleaning to prevent cracking.
🔹 How to Clean White Mesh Shoes
Best For: Running shoes, trainers, athletic sneakers.
✔ What You Need:
- Hydrogen peroxide (or mild soap)
- Baking soda
- Soft brush (toothbrush works great!)
✔ How to Clean:
1️⃣ Mix 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide + 1 tbsp baking soda into a paste.
2️⃣ Use a toothbrush to gently scrub the mesh.
3️⃣ Let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth.
4️⃣ Air-dry completely before wearing.
⚠ Avoid soaking mesh shoes in water—it weakens the material.
🔹 How to Remove Yellow Stains from White Shoes
Sometimes white shoes turn yellow, especially after improper cleaning. Here’s how to fix it!
Method: Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda
✔ What You Need:
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- ½ tbsp hydrogen peroxide
- A few drops of warm water
✔ How to Clean:
1️⃣ Mix into a thick paste.
2️⃣ Apply with a toothbrush and let dry completely in the sun.
3️⃣ Brush off the dried paste. Shoes will look noticeably whiter!
🔹 How to Keep White Shoes Clean for Longer
✔ Spray with a Water & Stain Repellent – Protects against spills and dirt.
✔ Avoid Wearing Them in Rain or Mud – Water stains can be hard to remove.
✔ Wipe Off Dirt Immediately – The longer stains sit, the harder they are to clean.
✔ Store Shoes Properly – Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a white shoe polish or toothpaste for quick touch-ups on leather shoes!
🔹 Final Thoughts: Keep Your White Shoes Looking Fresh!
White shoes don’t have to stay dirty! With these easy cleaning methods, you can keep your sneakers, canvas shoes, and leather kicks looking brand new.
Quick Recap:
✔ Canvas Shoes? Use baking soda & vinegar or machine wash them.
✔ Leather Shoes? Wipe with soap & water, use a magic eraser for scuffs.
✔ Mesh Shoes? Try hydrogen peroxide & baking soda for gentle cleaning.
✔ Yellowing? Use hydrogen peroxide paste to whiten them again.
Now it’s your turn! What’s your favorite trick for cleaning white shoes? Drop your tips in the comments! 👇