Are you aware that there’s an eco-friendly method to cleanse white sneakers, like Vans or Converse, without resorting to harsh chemicals, dry cleaning, or a washing machine? Comfortable white sneakers are a versatile piece of your wardrobe, perfect for pairing with a suit, sundress, or even classic denim and a tee.
The challenge lies in discovering how to restore the pristine white of canvas shoes that have turned yellow or encountered an unexpected muddy patch. Our detailed guide will walk you through the process of cleaning white shoes effortlessly and naturally, employing a variety of techniques.
Before you begin, always inspect the material of your white shoes and consult the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
You should aim to clean your white canvas sneakers approximately every two weeks, or immediately if they become stained. The frequency depends on your usage—daily wear may necessitate weekly cleaning.
Regular deep cleaning can prevent odors as well as dirt and stains. However, if they’re only worn occasionally, you can clean them less frequently, about once a month.
Paper towels | Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Dampen a paper towel, wring out the excess water, and gently wipe the outer surface of your shoes. This helps to remove large particles of dirt stuck on various parts of the shoe. Allow your shoes to air dry for 10 minutes following this.
Dampen your Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and wring out any excess water. Ensure it’s damp, not sopping wet.
Use the Magic Eraser gently to spot-clean the fabric, applying just enough pressure to lift stains without damaging the material.
Then, run the Magic Eraser along the bottom edge and soles of your sneakers until all dirt and stains are removed. Depending on the level of dirtiness, you may need to repeat these steps.
Place your cleaned white shoes in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Ensure they are completely dry before storing or wearing them.
Soft brush | Baking soda | White vinegar | Warm water | All-white toothpaste | Toothbrush | Cloths
Loosen any loose dirt by gently brushing your white shoes with a soft brush. Focus on removing dirt from the surface and soles without pushing it deeper into the material.
For baking soda and vinegar: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 1 cup of warm water in a bowl. Wait for the fizz to settle before cleaning your shoes.
For toothpaste: Use toothpaste containing baking soda for the best results. Then, proceed to the next step.
Dip a cloth or a clean toothbrush into the vinegar mixture and use it to scrub the dirt on your shoes. This solution can be used on both the fabric and soles. Clean the cloth or toothbrush as you go to prevent spreading dirt.
Scrub the shoes immediately after mixing the ingredients, as the baking soda mixture dries quickly.
If using toothpaste, apply it directly to stains and dirty spots on the fabric. Use a clean toothbrush and work in circular motions.
After scrubbing, let the toothpaste sit for about 15 minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate and remove stains. Wipe off any remaining mixture or dried toothpaste with a damp cloth, then air dry your shoes. Ensure they are completely dry before storing or wearing them.
Soft brush | Dish soap | Warm water | Mild laundry detergent | Cloth or toothbrush
Brush away any loose dirt on the surface of the shoes using a soft brush or a clean toothbrush. Avoid rubbing the dirt in—gently remove it. Don’t forget to clean the tongue, sole, and any edges, in addition to the fabric.
For dish soap: Mix water with mild dish soap in a small bowl to create a cleaning solution. Use just a tablespoon of soap to avoid oversaturating the cloth.
For laundry detergent: Mix a small amount (no more than a capful) of laundry detergent with lukewarm water in a bowl. You should have enough to clean both shoes, but you can add more as needed.
Apply the mixture to the shoes with a clean cloth or toothbrush, focusing on one area at a time. Gently scrub stains away using circular motions.
Instead of a harsh scrub, gently brush your white shoes to avoid damaging them.
Wipe the shoes clean with a damp cloth to remove the soapy solution. Do not submerge them in water. Let them air dry in a ventilated area. Make sure they are fully dry before wearing or storing them.
Cleaning suede shoes can be a bit tricky, as suede is a delicate fabric prone to staining. While most suede shoes aren’t pure white, off-white shades can easily become dirty as well. Here’s how to clean white suede shoes gently and effectively.
Soft cotton cloth | Pink pencil eraser | Paper towel | White vinegar | Suede brush
Before cleaning, ensure your suede shoes are completely dry by blotting them with a soft cloth. This is crucial, as treating stains while the shoes are damp can cause them to settle deeper into the material, making them harder to remove.
Once dry, gently rub any stains with the pink pencil eraser.
Place a paper towel over the wet stains and apply pressure to blot them. Avoid rubbing the dirt and stains with the paper towel, as this could spread them across the shoe.
If stains persist, dip your soft cloth in white vinegar and gently rub to remove them.
Let your shoes air dry, then brush the outside of each shoe with a suede brush to restore their velvety texture.
Maintain your suede shoes by regularly brushing them with a suede brush after each use, applying a protective spray, and avoiding wet or muddy environments.
Once your white sneakers are spotless, you’ll want to keep them that way. While it might be tempting to seal them in plastic or return them to their box, that’s not the point of owning them. These tips will help ensure your white shoes stay clean for longer:
Be cautious about where and when you wear white shoes. Opt for different footwear if it’s wet or muddy outside.
Invest in a high-quality shoe protection spray. This offers a clear, durable protective layer that repels liquids, mud, dirt, and accidental spills. A good spray keeps your feet dry while allowing your shoes to breathe.
Keep sneaker wipes on hand. Wipe your white sneakers quickly after each use to prevent dirt accumulation and stains.
Dirt and stains aren’t the only issues that can detract from the beauty of your white shoes. No one will appreciate how clean they are if they smell bad.
Most odors are caused by moisture, so keeping your shoes dry is key to preventing bad smells. Try these strategies to eliminate shoe odors and keep them at bay.
Use baking soda. Like it does in your pantry or fridge, baking soda can eliminate odors from your white shoes. Place an open box where you store your shoes, or use socks filled with baking soda to place in each shoe during storage.
Apply a disinfecting spray, powder, or inserts. There are many commercial products designed to eliminate or deter odors. Some are specifically for shoes, while others are general disinfectants that work on shoes too. Charcoal-based products are excellent deodorizers. Always check the labels to ensure they are suitable for your shoes’ material.
Store your white shoes properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place when not in use. Humidity promotes odor-causing bacteria, so avoid storing them in plastic bags. Wear socks to absorb sweat and dampness before your shoes do, helping to keep them odor-free. Rotate your shoe choices. Allow each pair to air out for a day or two between uses.
