How to Clean White Shoes (Using 3 Most Effectives Methods)

Cleaning white shoes can seem tricky, but knowing the right steps is simple. White shoes, whether sneakers, dress shoes, or casual slip-ons, catch dirt and stains more than darker shoes. However, their bright and clean appearance is a popular choice for many.

Here are the three best methods for cleaning white shoes.

How to Clean White Shoes with Baking Soda

Cleaning your white sneakers doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Baking soda, a common household item, can be a miracle for brightening those white shoes. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use baking soda to clean your shoes effectively:

Materials Needed

1. Baking soda

2. Water

3. A small bowl

4. A soft brush or an old toothbrush

5. A clean cloth or sponge

6. Optional: White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (for tougher stains)

Steps for Cleaning Shoes with Baking Soda

1. Remove any loose dirt by gently tapping the shoes together. Take out the laces to ensure you can clean every part of the sneakers.

2. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of water. Adjust the quantity as needed, maintaining a 2:1 ratio of baking soda to water. Aim for a paste-like consistency, not too runny and not too thick.

3. Dip your brush or toothbrush into the baking soda paste. Gently scrub the surface of your sneakers. Pay special attention to stained areas. Be gentle to avoid damaging the shoe material.

4. Once you’ve covered the sneakers in a layer of the baking soda paste, leave them to sit for about 30 minutes. This allows the baking soda to break down the dirt and stains.

5. After the waiting period, rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water. If you have a sponge, you can use it to help remove the paste.

6. Make a new mixture for stubborn stains. Use 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar (or hydrogen peroxide), and 1 cup of water. Apply this mixture to the stains and scrub gently.

7. Rinse off after about 30 minutes. Pat down the shoes with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess water.

8. Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Once dry, put the laces back in.

How to Clean White Shoes with Toothpaste

Using toothpaste to clean shoes is a handy and effective method. It works especially well for white shoes. Toothpaste is used for cleaning and whitening teeth. It can also work wonders on your white shoes. It helps remove stains and restore their brightness. Below are the guides on how to use toothpaste to clean your white shoes:

Materials Needed

• White, non-gel toothpaste (avoid colored toothpaste as it may stain)

• An old toothbrush or a soft brush

• A clean, damp cloth

• A small cup of water

Steps to Clean Shoes with Toothpaste

1. Remove excess dirt by gently tapping the shoes together. Take out the laces so you can clean every nook and cranny.

2. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the brush. Apply toothpaste directly onto the stains or dirty areas for targeted cleaning.

3. Gently scrub the toothpaste into the fabric, rubber, or sole of the shoes using the brush. Focus on stained areas, but you can also go over the entire surface for an even clean.

4. Allow the toothpaste to sit on the shoes for 10-15 minutes. This gives the toothpaste time to penetrate the stains.

5. Using a damp cloth, wipe off the toothpaste from the shoes. Make sure to remove all the toothpaste residue.

6. If stains persist, you may repeat the process. Rinse the shoes with a clean, damp cloth to ensure all toothpaste is removed.

7. Pat the shoes with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture. Allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Once the shoes are completely dry, re-lace them

How to Clean White Shoes with Detergent

Cleaning white sneakers can be done using a mild detergent. It’s expedient to choose the right type of detergent. This will ensure it’s gentle on the shoe materials and tough on stains. Liquid laundry detergent is usually the best choice. It’s formulated to be gentle on fabrics, which is ideal for most sneaker materials like canvas, mesh, and synthetic fabrics.

Materials Needed

• Mild liquid laundry detergent (preferably one that is colorless and bleach-free)

• A small bowl

• Warm water

• A soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush) or a soft cloth

• A clean, dry cloth or towel

Steps to Clean Sneakers with Detergent

1. Before starting, tap your sneakers together to remove any loose dirt or debris. Take out the shoelaces to ensure you can clean the entire surface.

2. Mix a few drops of the mild liquid laundry detergent in a small bowl with warm water. Stir the mixture until you see some suds.

3. Dip the soft-bristled brush or cloth into the soapy mixture. Gently scrub the surface of your sneakers in a circular motion. Pay special attention to stained or heavily soiled areas.

4. You can use the same soapy mixture to clean the soles. Scrub more vigorously here, as the soles can usually withstand tougher cleaning.

5. After scrubbing, take a clean, damp cloth to wipe off the soap from the sneakers. Make sure to remove all soap residues, as leftover detergent can attract more dirt.

6. Use a dry towel to pat down your sneakers, removing as much moisture as possible. Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight because it could discolor your sneakers.

7. Once they’re completely dry, put the laces back in.

How to Clean White Leather Shoes With Baking Soda?

To clean white leather shoes with baking soda, sprinkle it inside them. Let them dry in a ventilated space for 12 to 24 hours., Then, wipe off the baking soda with a clean cloth

How to Clean White Leather Shoes With Toothpaste?

Toothpaste can be used to clean white leather shoes. You can apply a small amount of non-gel white toothpaste to a soft cloth and rub it onto the shoes in a circular motion. Then, wipe off the toothpaste with a clean, damp cloth and let the shoes dry.

Can I clean my shoes with baking soda?

Baking soda can be used to clean shoes. For example, you can make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the shoes, let it dry, and then rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water

Can I clean my shoes with dish soap?

Yes, you can clean your shoes with dish soap. A mild detergent or dish soap can be used to clean shoes. You can combine water with a few drops of detergent to form a paste, apply the mixture to the shoes with a soft, clean cloth, and then rinse and dry the shoes.

Can I clean my white shoes with bleach?

You can clean white shoes with bleach, but this should be done with caution. Bleach can be harsh on certain materials. Ensure you dilute it and test it on a small, hidden area of the shoes first. Additionally, it is not recommended for cleaning leather shoes. It can damage the leather.

Conclusion

You can clean white shoes using different methods, depending on the material. For example, baking soda and vinegar can be used for white canvas shoes. Mixing laundry detergent and warm water is best for mesh or cloth shoes. Dish soap and warm water can be used for almost any material, and a bleach pen can be used for small, dark stains. Toothpaste can also be used to clean white shoes.

Always test any cleaning method on a small area first. This is especially important for delicate materials like leather. Additionally, to keep white shoes clean longer, use a stain and water repellent spray every few weeks.