How To Keep White Shoes Looking Clean

Do you know how to keep white shoes looking clean? I know I find that looking after white shoes can be a full time job as opposed to other colors but it is worth it especially in the summertime when the color is perfect for the season.

Over the years I’ve learned some tricks and tips that can help them stay looking good for longer. Here are some of my simple hacks that you can use to keep your white shoes looking box fresh when you are wearing them every day.

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Keep White Shoes Clean By Buying The Right Type of Shoes

Over the years I have become much better at choosing the right types of shoes that work for me and usually that means picking something practical rather that just looking at trends.

I know that if I am picking a pair of white shoes it always make sense to pick materials that are easy to clean which means that I tend to stick to leather or synthetic leather. This is because a damp cloth and some mild soap will usually keep them clean.

I know that materials like canvas, mesh and knitted or woven fabrics are substantially harder to keep looking good. Whilst it is still possible to clean them it is harder because these types of fabric tend to absorb the dirt more easily. This means I need to use more heavy duty cleaners to keep them looking good.

Veja Campo Sneakers are my current go to because the leather and rubber makes them easier to clean.

The Best Products for White Shoe Care

If you do buy white shoes some simple products can really make a diference in helping you clean them or keeping them looking good.

How To Protect Shoes From Stains With a Shoe Protector Spray

The first thing I use with all of my shoes is a good shoe protector like Crep Protect. This isn’t that expensive and makes a big difference.

Shoe protectors help keep my white shoes and sneakers looking good because they create a barrier against dirt, stains, and moisture. They also help to prevent scuffs and discoloration which makes my shoes easier to maintain.

Jason Markk Shoe Cleaner

If you have been reading my blog for a while you will know that I regularly rave about Jason Markk shoe and sneaker cleaner foam.

Spraying the foam and gently rubbing it on your shoes with the brush they supply helps to shift stains and dirts without ruining or discolouring your shoes.

This is a real game changer and an essential if you are serious about looking after your shoes and sneakers especially ones that are made from canvas or suede.

Magic Erasers

I use magic erasers around my house for general cleaning but did you know they can also work well on footwear?

Rubbing these on white rubber or leather can usually get rid of scuff marks and ground in dirt.

Just make sure you do a small patch test first but I find they are a simple and easy tool that works really well for cleaning. Just wet them slightly and rub over the dirt and it disappears in front of your eyes.

Daily Habits to Prevent Dirt on White Shoes

Keeping up good habits also helps with how my shoes look. These are free and easy things you can do that make a big difference. My favorite tips are:

Avoid Muddy, Wet or Dusty Areas

Common sense says wear your white shoes in areas where they are less likely to get dirty.

If it is wet I often avoid wearing them because that can cause problems. I also avoid wearing them on grass or on muddy, dirty or dusty paths.

I tend to stick to wearing mine on sidewalks, in the car and running errands around town.

Rotate Your Shoes

Wearing your shoes day after day is a sure fire way to kill them fast.

Sweat, dirt and grime will just accumulate and they will never get a chance to dry out making them smell.

Rotating the shoes that you wear each day means that you give them a chance to properly dry out and allow the sweat to evaporate.

I also like to stick a shoe deodorizer ball inside my footwear to keep them smelling fresh as an extra help.

Wipe Down Your Shoes Regularly 

A really bad habit is to come home each day after being outside and throwing your shoes in a corner and forgetting about them until the next morning.

When I take my shoes off I dust any dirt or debris off them and give them a wipe with a damp cloth before any dirt sets in. If your shoes are canvas just do the dusting on the canvas area and wipe down the soles and rubber parts of the upper.

This means they are less likely to need a full clean as often.

Store Your Footwear Properly

Finally once they have been wiped down put them away somewhere in a clean and dry place away from dust and sunlight (which can turn them yellow).

I have a shoe storage cupboard as well as shelves in my closet that work really well. Never pile shoes on top of one and other and also make sure that any closets you have are well ventilated to prevent mold on your footwear.

Best Cleaning Methods for White Shoes

Of course you can’t have white shoes without knowing some easy methods to clean them. Here are some of my favorite tips for keeping them looking good.

Cleaning by Hand with Mild Soap

For easy cleaning I tend to mix some warm water with a mild dish soap and use a cloth to wipe away any dirt.

Always spot test these methods first in an inconspicious place on your shoes in case it causes any problems. Remember Jason Markk shoe cleaning foam is always the better alternative if you are worried about what cleaning might do to the shoe material.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

Another method you can use if you don’t want to have products with harsh chemicals is baking soda and vinegar. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in a small bowl and stir until it forms a thick paste.

Apply the paste to the problem stain with a toothbrush or soft cloth and let is sit for 15 minutes. You may need to gently work in the product into the stain in a circular motion.

Wipe off the past with a damp cloth and then allow your shoes to air dry away from sunlight.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

You can do the same by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. Stir until a thick paste forms and then follow the steps above to get a similar result.

Use a Non Gel Toothpaste

Ordinary white gel toothpaste can also help brighten scuffed areas of shoes. I use this primarily on the rubber areas or on leather to help get rid of marks.

Although this method can work on other materials it is more risky and also messy so I prefer to stick with professional shoe cleaning products.

Diluted Bleach

Another method to use with caution is to 1 part bleach mixed with 5 parts water.

When this is scrubbed into white shoes it can help to clean and brighten them. However as bleach is quite powerful is can also cause discoloration (yes even on white fabric) so I try and avoid this method unless I am not worried about how my cleaning will turn out and willing to sacrifice my shoes.

Machine Washing

Lots of canvas and mesh shoes can be washed in cold water in a machine which makes keeping them clean so much easier.

Before you do this always make sure that you check the washing instructions first and place your footwear into a shoe washing machine bag to protect them.

Use a gentle wash cycle and a mild washing detergent as well if you can to minimise problems.

Clean Your Shoelaces Separately

By the way if any of your white shoes have laces make sure they are taken off and cleaned separately.

I usually remove mine and put them in a small bowl of warm soapy water to clean them. If they are really dirty I leave them in the water for 15 minutes and then givem them a scrub with a brush.

Finally I rinse them and leave them to dry naturally before putting them back on my shoes.

Learning how to keep white shoes looking clean isn’t that difficult when you know how but it does mean taking time to protect and store them as well as following a good cleaning routine. If you bother to take the time they should look good for longer and see you through the summer months without a problem.

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