Martina McKeough

I like white shoes and sneakers but I don’t like dirt. This means I used to be really wary of buying anything in that color as I thought my footwear would just look like a brown muddy streaked mess. However over the years I’ve learned how to keep white shoes looking white so I thought it was worth talking about my methods.

I don’t want you to think that keeping white sneakers or canvas trainers bright and spotless is an uphill battle. It doesn’t have to be when you use the right household ingredients and do some basic shoe maintenance.

Here are 10 tried and tested methods that I’ve used over the years to keep my white footwear clean and protected from day to day grime.

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Machine Washing Sneakers Safely

Can you wash white sneakers in the washing machine? Well yes in theory you can but you need to be careful when you are doing this so you avoid damage.

The easiest way to do this first of all is to buy sneakers that can be machine washed. This saves any worry about whether you will ruin your footwear.

If you don’t know then I tend to stick to these rules:

Sneakers You Can Wash in a Washing Machine

These materials generally hold up well with proper care:

• Canvas sneakers – Vans or Converse
• Synthetic mesh sneakers – Nike Flyknit, Adidas Ultraboost, running shoes
• Fabric or cloth sneakers – Some lifestyle or casual brands use textile uppers that clean well

Sneakers You Should Avoid Washing in a Machine

These can warp, degrade, or fall apart:

• Leather sneakers –Nike Air Force 1s, Stan Smiths etc… Water can dry out and crack the leather
• Suede sneakers – Puma Suede, Clarks Wallabees. Water stains can ruin the texture
• High-end designer or luxury sneakers – These tend to have more delicate glues and materials
• Shoes with lights or batteries – The electronics will be damaged by the water
• Sneakers with glued-on embellishments – Rhinestones, metallic overlays, or decorations can fall off or melt

If you do have white sneakers that you are going to wash in the machine also follow some basic instructions to make sure they don’t get damaged.

Remove their laces and insoles and clean then separately.

Place your shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them in the washing machine drum.

Use a cold gentle cycle with mild detergent.

Don’t but them in a dryer instead air dry them to keep them looking good.

Being able to wash white sneakers is a game changer and means that my trainers look good for so much longer and takes minimal effort.

Clean White Shoes With Baking Soda and Vinegar

I’ve talked about creating baking soda and vinegar foot soaks but what about using this DIY method to combat stains.

It really does work well especially on canvas shoes or on breathable mesh type fabrics.

To whiten your shoes do the following:

• Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, and 1 cup warm water.
• Use a toothbrush or soft cloth to apply the paste.
• Scrub gently in circular motions.
• Let it dry completely, then brush off the residue.
• Use clean water and a toothbrush to remove any of the leftover paste.
• Let your shoes air dry away from direct sunlight.

Use Toothpaste to Whiten Shoes Instantly

Toothpaste is another great household product that I sometimes use to whiten shoes. Just remember that whatever you do you need to use ordinary white toothpast and not the gel colored pastes.

White toothpaste is a mild abrasive and is great for targeting scuff marks on your shoes or yellowing.

How to Use:

• Apply a small amount of toothpaste directly to the stains.
• Use an old toothbrush to scrub the affected area.
• Leave it on for 10–15 minutes before wiping off with a damp cloth.

This method is ideal for quick touch-ups before heading out.

Use Jason Markk’s Shoe Cleaning Kit

Learning how to clean white shoes doesn’t have to be all about household products. There is one tool in my arsenal that is shop bought that I know works well and has been specially formulated to clean shoes and that is Jason Markk’s shoe cleaning foam.

This product is unusual because it doesn’t just work on canvas but also on leather and suede as well. All you need to do is dip the brush that the kit comes with into some water and put a little of the cleaner on it.

When you put the mixture on your shoes it creates a lather to clean dirt and grime off your shoes. When you have finished I usually wipe off the excess product and then let my shoes dry before wearing.

This product has loads of positive reviews so it is tried and tested. Just make sure you check exactly what materials it can work with before buying it.

Spot Clean White Leather Shoes

Unlike canvas shoes leather needs a little extra care so you need to avoid anything too abrasive and opt for gentler cleaning methods.

A really simple method just uses mild soap and warm water.

Mix a small amount of dish soap into warm water. The dip your cloth into the water and use it to wipe away any stains or marks on your shoes. Never saturate leather shoes with water as they will dry and crack.

When you are done dry any damp areas with a towel and then use a leather conditioner to keep your shoes supple.

Use a Magic Eraser for Scuff Marks

I always have magic erasers in the house for getting rid of marks on walls and paintwork but did you know they are good for shoes was well? They work particularly well on rubbers soles and leather and they are really simple to use.

All you need to do is lightly we the eraser and then rub it over the scuffed or dirty areas on your shoes. Usually it just lifts off the stain with ease.

Wipe the area clean with a dry cloth and that problem should be gone. Plus if you wash the eraser under the tap to remove the dirt and let it dry you can use it again.

It’s fast, mess-free, and incredibly effective way of removing surface-level grime.

Use Micellar Water for Surface Cleaning

Micellar water isn’t just for your face, it works on shoes too, especially white trainers made from knit or mesh.

Just dampen a cotton pad with some micellar water and gently wipe it over your shoes surface and let it dry.

This is a great travel hack as you can carry a small bottle in your gym bag or suitcase for on-the-go touch-ups.

Protect White Shoes With a Water and Stain Repellent

If you have sense you will take precautions with your white shoes before you wear them and use a good shoe protector spray on them first.

Prevention is better than cure and a shoe protector spray is great at repeling water, dirt and stains so shoes remain clean for longer.

Make sure your shoes are clean before you use the pray and hold the can 6-8 inches from your footwear and spray them evenly.

Let them dry for 24 hours before wearing them outside. To keep your shoes looking pristine reapply this every few weeks especially in rainy weather.

Sun-Dry Shoes to Whiten Naturally

Most people aren’t aware that the sun acts a a natural bleaching agent especially for clothes and canvas shoes. If my husband ever gets a curry stain on a shirt or top that is difficult to remove I wash it and then place it in the sun to remove it entirely. So I started doing this with certain types of white shoes as well.

Usually I clean and dry them first and then place them in direct sunlight for a few hours. The UV rays help to lift any stains and whiten the fabric.

Just beware of doing this too often especially with leather or synthetic shoes as they can crack. As a bonus the sun also helps with eliminating odors as well.

Store White Shoes Properly to Prevent Yellowing

Even if your shoes are clean, poor storage can ruin them. Here’s how to store them correctly:

• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Use silica gel packets or moisture absorbers inside the shoe box.
• Stuff shoes with paper or shoe trees to keep their shape and prevent creases.
• Avoid storing them in plastic, which can trap moisture and cause yellowing.

I’ve invested in good shoe storage and keep mine in my dressing room on shelves and at the bottom of my wardrobes. To make sure moisture doesn’t get them I also add a small moisture catcher into the area where they are stored to prevent them from getting mold.

Bonus Tips to Keep White Shoes Cleaner for Longer

If you want to know how to keep white shoes looking white also use a little common sense.

I avoid wearing mine or rainy days or anywhere that I know will be muddy.

I also clean my shoes immediately after I get in so that I don’t let the stains set. Rotating shoes is a good idea as well as it allows any moisture from sweat to dry out.

Do this and your shoes will last for much longer.

Ready To Buy White Shoes Now?

If you want to know how to keep white shoes looking white then hopefully my simple low-cost products and tips have been a help.

White shoes and sneakers don’t have to be a pain to keep clean provided you make regular cleaning part of your routine. A little effort goes a long way in making them last longer and looking good every time you wear them.

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