While they can be a statement piece, white shoes often begin to look dirty easily.
Here’s everything you’re gonna wanna know about how to clean white shoes.
But for stubborn stains, bleach might be worth a try.
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Bleach can also be effective to brighten and clean white fabric shoes, such as canvas.
Always spot-test on a small area first to verify your shoes react well.
Diluted bleach is also a great cleaner to make your white shoes bright again.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
If you use too much bleach, it can sometimes cause yellowing.
How Often to Clean White Shoes
Ideally, all white shoes should be cleaned after every wear.
However, shoes with leather or suede trim, beading, or rope soles should be hand-cleaned.
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Insoles can be hand-washed or replaced.
Soles that are heavily soiled can be cleaned with a melamine sponge (like Mr. Clean Eraser).
If you’ll be spot-cleaning your shoes and not using the washer, move on to the next step.
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If you’re using the washer, put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag.
Dip amicrofiber clothin the solution, and scrub away the soil on the inside and outside of the shoes.
Complete the cleaning process by dipping another cloth in plain water and wiping away any soapy residue.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
The heat can cause glues used in constructing the shoes to melt.
Wipe down the shoes with a towel to absorb moisture and help speed drying.
If you oughta help the shoes retain their shape, stuff the toes with nylon mesh.
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Wipe Down With Plain Water
Remove the laces, insoles, and embellishments.
Dip a cotton or microfiber cloth in plain water, and wring to remove excess water.
Move to a clean area of the cloth as the soil is transferred.
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Allow the shoes to dry for at least 15 minutes.
Clean the Soles
Dampen the melamine sponge, and clean the edges of the soles.
Clean the leather by working on a small section at a time with a gentle, circular motion.
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Begin at the toes, and continue working along the sides and heel.
Remove tough scuff marks usingbaking soda, which is a gentle abrasive cleaner.
Sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth, and gently rub the mark until it disappears.
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Rinse and Dry
Wipe away any soapy residue with a clean cloth dipped in plain water.
Wring out the cloth, so it’s not too wet.
Then, allow the shoes to air-dry away from direct sunlight.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
If the shoes are not as white as you would like, repeat the steps.
Leave it on the stain for at least one hour, and repeat as needed.
Gently rub away any scuff marks and stains with the art gum eraser.
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Do not scrub, and work slowly to remove the stains in layers.
Blot the treated area with a paper towel to absorb the moisture.
The same cleaning techniques that work with patent leather also work with vinyl or man-made shoe finishes.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Use a clean cloth damped with plain water as a final rinse.
Clean Fabric Edges
Many patent leather shoes have edges finished with grosgrain ribbon that can become soiled.
Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup of warm water.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Dip an old toothbrush into the solution, and scrub the fabric edges.
Finish by wiping down with a clean damp cloth to remove any soapy residue.
Finish by buffing to a high shine with a soft, dry cloth.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Tips to Keep Your White Shoes Clean Longer
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
