Guide to Keeping White Shoes Clean with Step-by-Step Tips

Guide to Keeping White Shoes Clean with Step-by-Step Tips

White shoes brighten up any outfit, and they’re pretty versatile. However, these shoes often need some love to stay sparkling white, and certain products work better than others.

If you want to know how to keep your shoes white, this step-by-step guide offers the best tips for cleaning white shoes with simple products.

How to Keep White Shoes Clean

Here are three quick methods if you want a quick look into what it takes to clean white shoes.

  • Check what type of material you are cleaning first and whether it’s compatible with water or different cleaning agents.
  • Try using a damp cloth and a mild, dye-free, colorless detergent.
  • White vinegar and a damp cloth also can keep your shoes squeaky clean.
  • Apply a small amount of baking soda to a damp cloth to clean soles and particularly dirty spots.

Here is an in-depth guide to cleaning your white shoes.

What You Need to Clean White Shoes

1. Remove Laces and Wash First

The first thing to do when preparing to wash your white shoes is to remove the laces. This will ensure that they are thoroughly washed and dried, as well as safeguard them against being damaged by the water.

It’s best to wash laces in warm water with mild detergent or shampoo, then rinse them thoroughly and lay them flat on a towel so they can air dry.

It’s best to keep them away from direct sunlight. The detergent should not be too abrasive, as this could cause damage to the threads of your shoes’ laces.

2. Brush Off Dirt Before Cleaning

You’ll want to use a soft-bristled brush to sweep away any loose particles, like dirt and sand. For small areas, use an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled shoe brush.

If you’re looking for something more eco-friendly, try using a damp sponge instead of something disposable like paper towels or toilet paper. The water will help cleanse the surface of your shoes as well as keep them from drying out too quickly!

3. Cleaning Stubborn Stains

Toothbrushes, microfiber towels, Magic Eraser sponges, and paper towels work well to clean your shoes.

You can clean white shoes with soap and water, but you’ll want to use diluted dish soap. Before washing your shoes, you should check that the soap is clear in the water so it won’t stain your shoes.

Try using a cloth dampened with a mild detergent or baking soda for even more stubborn stains. Bleach may also be used for heavy stains, but you’ll want to use this very carefully. Bleach should be diluted with warm water, typically five parts to one part bleach.

In addition, you can keep shoes smelling fresh by sprinkling baking soda or vinegar on the insoles before wearing them to help absorb sweat.

Do you have white leather shoes? You can also make your own shoe deodorizer by filling an old sock with coffee grounds and leaving it inside each shoe overnight. This method works best for leather shoes; most other types of materials don’t react well to coffee grounds!

4. Repeat or Try Other Products

If you still can’t get the stain out, you may have to try a different method or even a professional product like KIWI Shoe Whitener or SneakERASERS Soak.

If you still can’t remove the stains from your soles, it’s time to try a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. These work best for soles but may be abrasive to other parts of your sneaker.

5. Waterproof Your Shoes

After allowing your shoes to dry completely, apply a waterproofing spray made specifically for your shoe type to help protect them from staining and mildew.

Letting your shoes air dry after wiping them with a cloth is best. When your shoes are wet, use a towel or rag and gently remove any excess moisture from the shoe’s surface. This will help keep them from being damaged by mildew or mold growth.

Bottom Line: To Keep White Shoes Clean, Wash Regularly

White shoes can stay shiny and squeaky clean with some effort. However, you want to ensure that you clean them with the right products. Canvas and cotton are different than cleaning leather shoes.

You also can’t just throw them in the washing machine. The risk of damaging the material is too great, so you’ll need to wash them by hand. It’s also best to wipe off or scrub off loose dirt with a toothbrush before using a sponge and damp cloth.

Here’s to keeping your kicks as fresh and clean as possible.

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