If you own a pair of white shoes, you know how difficult it can be to keep them clean and spotless. From everyday dirt and stains to yellowing and scratches, white shoes require special care to keep them looking fresh.
In this article we will learn about the most effective ways to clean white sneakers at home tell you how to restore their whiteness and suggest some useful ways to clean shoes at home.
How to Clean White Sneakers at Home
White sneakers have become an iconic fashion statement, adored for their versatile and timeless appeal. However, keeping them spotless and pristine can be a tough task, especially when facing the challenges of everyday wear and tear.
But fear not! With the right techniques and a little tender loving care, you can easily restore your beloved kicks to their original brilliance without the need for expensive cleaning services.
Not only will this guide help you save money on professional cleaning, but it will also empower you to take charge of your sneaker maintenance routine. With a few easily accessible household items you can revive your white sneakers to look as good as new, time and time again. So let’s get started
Using Baking Soda and Vinegar to Clean white Sneakers
Baking soda and white vinegar is a very effective technique while cleaning white sneakers.
Here’s the ingredients you need
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hot water
Process
- Combine all of them and mix them to make a paste Now use an old toothbrush and apply the paste on the shoes focusing on any stains or dirty areas.
- Lightly scrub using a circular motion, covering the entire surface of the shoe. For stubborn stains, you can apply a bit more pressure.
- Soak the laces in any remaining baking soda and vinegar solution to clean them as well.
- After this leave them for some time ( 2-3 hours ) and then clean them.
Using Toothpaste to clean sneakers
Can toothpaste help to clean white sneakers well the answer is “Yes” But make sure the toothpaste is white and doesn’t contain any colored gels that could stain your shoes. Then you can use it for cleaning your white sneakers.
Process
- Remove the shoelaces (if applicable): Take off the shoelaces from your shoes. This will make the cleaning process easier and allow you to clean the entire surface of the sneakers.
- Apply toothpaste to the toothbrush: Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the bristles of the toothbrush. You don’t need a lot, as a pea-sized amount should be sufficient for each of them.
- Scrub the shoes: Gently scrub the shoes using the toothbrush with toothpaste. Focus on areas with stains, discoloration, or dirt. Use circular motions and be careful not to scrub too hard, as it may damage the material.
- Wipe off the toothpaste: After scrubbing, use the damp cloth or sponge to wipe off the toothpaste from the shoes. Make sure to remove all the toothpaste residue.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse the shoes with clean water to remove any remaining toothpaste. Then, pat them dry with a clean towel. Avoid using direct heat or sunlight to dry them as this can cause damage. Instead, allow them to air dry naturally.
- Reattach the shoelaces: Once they are completely dry, reattach the shoelaces if you removed them earlier.
Using Bleach to Clean Sneakers
Bleach is also an option but using bleach to clean white shoes requires caution as bleach is a strong chemical that can damage certain materials. If your shoes are made of canvas or other sturdy materials, you can follow these steps:
- Dilute the bleach: Mix 1 part bleach with 5 parts water in a well-ventilated area. This will create a mild bleach solution that is safer to use on your shoes.
- Spot test: Before applying the bleach solution to your sneakers, it’s essential to perform a spot test on a small area to check if the material is colorfast and won’t be damaged by the bleach. Apply a small amount of the diluted bleach solution to the spot, leave it for a few minutes, and then rinse it off. If there is no discoloration or damage, you can proceed.
- Apply the bleach solution: Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the diluted bleach solution. Gently rub the cloth onto the stained or dirty areas of your sneakers. Be careful not to oversaturate the sneakers, as excessive bleach can damage them. After letting the bleach solution work, rinse them thoroughly with clean water
Important tips:
- Only use bleach on white shoes or shoes with predominantly white areas. Bleach can cause discoloration on colored or patterned shoes.
- Avoid using bleach on delicate materials such as leather or suede, as it can damage them.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from the bleach solution.
How to Clean White Canvas Shoes
Cleaning white canvas shoes is relatively simple. We can also use the method of Baking soda and vinegar here.
Process ( First remove the shoelaces )
- Prepare a cleaning solution: Fill a basin or a bowl with warm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent or laundry soap to the water and mix it well until it creates a soapy solution. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar.
- Dip a cloth or sponge: Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy solution or vinegar mixture. Make sure it is damp but not dripping wet.
- Scrub the shoes: Also If the soles of your shoes are also dirty, you can scrub them separately using an old toothbrush dipped in the cleaning solution. This will help remove any accumulated dirt
- Rinse the shoes: Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the sneakers thoroughly with clean water. Make sure to remove all the soap or vinegar residue from the canvas and then dry them
Additional tips :
- For stubborn stains, you can create a paste by mixing baking soda with water and applying it to the stained areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush or cloth.
- Avoid using bleach on canvas shoes, as it can cause discoloration.
- If your shoes have a removable insole, take it out and clean it separately according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- To maintain the whiteness of your shoes, you can use a fabric or canvas protectant spray after they are clean and dry. This will help repel dirt and stains in the future.
- Regularly brushing your canvas sneakers with a soft brush or cloth can help prevent dirt buildup and keep them looking fresh.
How to Clean White Leather Shoes
To clean white leather shoes, follow these steps:
- Remove dirt and dust: Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any dirt or dust from the surface of the shoes. This will stop any scratching while you clean.
- Prepare a cleaning solution: Make a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a little bit of mild soap or leather cleaner in a bowl. Mix the solution by stirring it until it becomes a soft and soapy mixture
- Test in a small area: Before you clean your whole sneaker, try cleaning a small, hidden area first to make sure the cleaning solution doesn’t change the color of the leather or ruin it.
- Clean the shoes : Clean them by dipping a soft cloth or sponge in the cleaning solution. Don’t put too much water on the leather because it can harm it.
- Get rid of stubborn stains: To remove tough stains, you can use a soft brush or an old toothbrush dipped in the cleaning solution to scrub the dirty spot gently. Make sure not to rub too forcefully to prevent any damage to the leather
- Let the shoes dry : Don’t expose the leather to hot temperatures or direct sunlight because it can make it crack or lose color. After the shoes are dry, gently rub them with a soft cloth to make them shiny again.
Remember to always check the care instructions provided by the shoe manufacturer, as specific types of leather may require different cleaning methods or products.
FAQs
Q1: How can we remove stubborn stains form shoes?
Stubborn stains can be a hassle when cleaning white sneakers. For scratches or stains on rubber soles, try a magic eraser or a mixture of baking soda and water.
Apply the solution to the stained areas and rub gently until the stains disappear. A paste of baking soda and water can do wonders for cloth or leather shoes. Apply the paste to the stains and leave for a few minutes before wiping away.
Q2: How to Restore Whiteness to Yellowed Shoes?
Over time, white shoes can take on a yellowish tint. To restore the original whiteness, you can make a solution of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the solution to the yellowed areas with a sponge or cloth. Leave on for a few hours, preferably in the sun, then rinse off the mixture with water. This method should help whiten your shoes and reduce yellowing.
Q3: Can I machine wash my white shoes?
Machine washing is not recommended for all white shoes, as it can damage certain materials or cause them to lose their shape. Some shoes may be labeled as machine washable, in which case you can place them in a pillowcase or laundry bag and wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water. Always check the care instructions provided by the shoe manufacturer.
Conclusion
Keeping your white shoes clean and fresh doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following proper cleaning methods and using home remedies, you can keep them spotless. Remember to take preventive measures, clean them regularly and remove stains quickly so they stay white for longer.