Last Updated on January 14, 2026 by Martina McKeough
I love white sneakers because they are really versatile and timeless but boy is it a challenge to keep them looking clean. Dirt scuff marks and stains seem to appear out of the blue and suddenly my box fresh sneakers look old, worn and dull. However over the years I’ve taught myself how to clean white sneakers so they look like new again.
I’m going to give you some of the best tips you can use at home to help you clean your canvas, mesh and even leather sneakers so they look almost as good as the day you got the,
However just one quick point. Every sneaker is different and if you are in any way worried about how any of these cleaning methods could turn out then do a small patch test first somewhere inconspicuous first. Nobody wants to ruin a pair of good trainers! So let’s dive in to some of my fave sneaker cleaning hacks.
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Can You Put White Sneakers In The Washing Machine?
In theory you can put most white sneakers in the washing machine but there are exceptions. Leather or suede sneakers are a good example of sneakers that are more likely to get ruined in a washing machine.
In fact any sneakers that have a harder exterior structure are more prone to damage so I would tread carefully before placing anything like that in a machine.
Canvas or mesh style sneakers are more likely to get you better results.
The great thing about a washing machine is it takes so much of the hard work out of cleaning which is why it is my preferred method to clean white sneakers if I can.
If you are going to use this method take some basic steps first.
- Remove Laces and Insoles: Take out the laces and insoles to prevent tangling and ensure a thorough clean. These can be washed separately or replaced if they are particularly dirty.
- Brush Off Loose Dirt First : Use a soft shoe brush to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the shoes before attempting to clean them.
- Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: Place the sneakers in a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the wash cycle. I use a shoe bag from Amazon.
- Add Towels: Add a few towels to the washing machine to balance the load and prevent the shoes from banging against the drum
- Cold Water: Use cold water to prevent colours from fading and to protect the shoe materials
- Gentle Cycle: Select a gentle or delicate cycle to minimize agitation and reduce the risk of damage.
- Mild Detergent: Use a mild, non-bleaching detergent to clean the shoes without harsh chemicals that could degrade the material.
- Air Dry: Never use a dryer as the heat can warp and damage the shoes. Instead, stuff the shoes with paper towels to help them retain their shape and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
Additional Tips
Before machine washing, treat any particularly stubborn stains with a gentle stain remover or a paste made of baking soda and water. I’ll talk later about some methods to clean shoes without washing them and the products to use.
Also check the manufacturers instructions first which you can usually find on their websites which will give more specific cleaning instructions. If these say don’t use a washing machine then avoid this method unless your trainers are old and you don’t mind possible damage.
How To Clean White Shoes Without Washing
Whilst washing machines should only be used on some white sneakers I revert to my secret weapon if I’m worried about my trainers getting ruined and that is Jason Markk Cleaning Care for Sneakers. This product is my absolute favorite for getting sneakers clean,
Jason Markk Sneaker Cleaner uses a blend of natural soaps derived from coconut and jojoba oils, which are gentle yet effective at breaking down dirt and stains without damaging the materials of your sneakers. This ensures a thorough clean while maintaining the integrity of the shoe.
The cleaner is safe to use on a variety of materials commonly found in sneakers, such as leather, suede, canvas, nubuck, nylon, and more. This versatility means you can confidently use it on different parts of your white sneakers, knowing it won’t cause discoloration or damage.
I’ve found that this cleaner is excellent at getting rid of stubborn stains and ground-in-dirt making my white sneakers look brighter and cleaner.
Plus it is so easy to use. You just apply a small amount to a brush add water and it creates a lather that you gently work into your sneakers. This is why I come back to this product again and again.
How To Whiten Your Shoe Laces
I always whiten my shoe laces separately and there are a number of easy ways that you can do this. I pick the simplest first which is cleaning with washing detergent and if that doesn’t work I try toothpaste or hydrogen peroxide.
The good thing about shoe laces is that they are easily replaceable so if they look really bad I simply throw them away and buy a new pair.
Using Laundry Detergent and Toothbrush
Materials Needed: Mild laundry detergent, warm water, an old toothbrush.
Steps:
- Fill a bowl with warm water and add a small amount of mild laundry detergent.
- Submerge the shoelaces in the soapy water and let them soak for 15 minutes.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub any stubborn stains.
- Rinse the laces thoroughly with clean water.
- Allow them to air dry.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Paste
Materials Needed: Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, an old toothbrush.
Steps:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon of baking soda to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the shoelaces using the toothbrush, focusing on stained areas.
- Let the paste sit on the laces for 30 minutes.
- Rinse the laces thoroughly with warm water.
- Allow the laces to air dry.
Toothpaste Method
This method doesn’t work just on shoe laces I’ve also used it to clean pull cords in bathrooms as well!
Materials Needed: White non-gel toothpaste, an old toothbrush, water.
Steps:
- Apply white non-gel toothpaste to the shoelaces. Don’t use colored toothpaste!!!
- Use the toothbrush to scrub the laces, focusing on any stained areas.
- Let the toothpaste sit on the laces for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse the shoelaces thoroughly with water.
- Allow them to air dry.
How To Clean Your Shoe Soles
Obviously you need to pay attention to your shoe soles just as much as your uppers so here are my tips to help get them looking pristine as well.
As before make sure you have removed as much dirt and debris as you can first and then use one of these three methods.
Laundry Detergent and Water
Materials Needed: Mild laundry detergent, warm water, a brush or sponge.
Steps:
- Mix a small amount of laundry detergent with warm water.
- Dip a brush or sponge into the soapy water.
- Scrub the soles, focusing on stained areas.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a cloth.
I tend to use this method first as it is relatively easy and effective. For more stubborn stains or marks I move on to a magic eraser.
Cleaning Shoe Soles With a Magic Eraser
Materials Needed: Magic eraser (such as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser), water.
Steps:
- Wet the magic eraser with water.
- Squeeze out any excess water.
- Rub the magic eraser on the dirty areas of the soles.
- Continue until the soles are clean, then wipe with a dry cloth.
I have loads of these magic erasers as home as they are so useful for getting marks off walls but they also work really well on certain shoes. They don’t cost very much and have so many uses so get one for your cleaning cupboard.
Rubbing Alcohol
Materials Needed: Rubbing alcohol, a cloth or cotton balls.
Steps:
- Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a cloth or cotton ball.
- Rub the soles with the alcohol-soaked cloth.
- Continue until the dirt and stains are removed.
- Wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
Rubbing alcohol is also really good at getting mold off shoes and cleaning screens so I always have some in my home.
How To Whiten White Sneakers With Baking Soda
Finally if you don’t want to use a washing machine or the Jason Markk cleaning product there is another DIY method that works for whitening your sneakers. For this you need:
Materials
- Baking soda
- White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (optional)
- Water
- An old toothbrush or a small cleaning brush
- A small bowl
- A clean cloth or paper towels
Steps
Mix 1 tablespoon of the baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. For extra cleaning power either add a 1/2 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar.
Use an old toothbrush or a small cleaning brush to apply the baking soda paste to the dirty areas of your sneakers. Scrub gently in circular motions to work the paste into the fabric or surface of the shoe. Allow the paste to sit on the sneakers for about 15-30 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to break down dirt and stains.
Just a little trick I’ve learned. If you place your sneakers in direct sunlight after applying the baking soda it increases the whitening effect. I have a bright conservatory where I place them and it makes a real difference.
Rinse the sneakers with clean water to remove the baking soda paste. Ensure all the paste is washed off to avoid leaving any residue.
Pat the sneakers dry with a clean cloth or paper towels. Let them air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight which can cause discoloration.
So these easy methods of how To Clean White Sneakers So They Look Like New should do the trick and turn your grubby sneakers into something significantly whiter and brighter. You can try them at home and let me know how you get on.
However if you want to stop your white sneakers from getting dirty in the first place don’t forget to use a shoe protector on them to prevent the grime. Again Jason Markk does a shoe protector that works with almost all types of sneakers and this will save you having to clean your trainers so often.
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