How to Clean Your White Shoes (No Matter the Material) (2024)

Updated on June 9, 2023

• Working Time:30 minutes
• Total Time:2 hours
• Skill Level:Beginner
• Estimated Cost:$10

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes with Vinegar

Use this method to clean white canvas shoes (such as Converse All Stars or Vans sneakers) and keep them looking spotless.

1. 

   Remove Loose Dirt

   Untie and remove the shoelaces so you can easily access all parts of the shoe. To loosen large bits of caked-on dirt or mud, take the shoes outside and knock the bottoms together. Use a dry toothbrush or small, soft-bristled brush to scrub the shoes and remove any remaining loose dirt. Be sure to brush along the rubber soles and outer edges of the tongue.
   

2. 

   Clean Shoes with Baking Soda and Vinegar

   Mix the baking soda and white vinegar together in a small bowl to form a paste. Dip the toothbrush into the mixture and apply the paste all over the shoes, scrubbing softly to remove dirt and stains. Allow the mixture to harden on the shoes. When it's completely dry, brush off the larger bits and wipe off the remainder using a soft cloth or paper towel. For stubborn stains that won't budge (from grass or blood, for example), use a bleach pen on the spots and wait about five minutes before washing the solution off with hot water and liquid detergent.
   

3. 

   Clean Rubber Soles

   Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove any scuff marks or streaks of dirt on the white soles of the shoes. Wet the sponge eraser with water and scrub around all sides of the rubber sole. Dampen a clean cloth or paper towel with water and wipe off the shoes. Let them air dry completely before wearing.
   

How to Clean White Leather Shoes

Follow these steps to give your white leather shoes that fresh-from-the-box look.

1. Clean Shoes with Soapy Water

   After removing the shoelaces, use a dry toothbrush to brush off any loose dirt. Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap into a cup of warm water. Dip the toothbrush into the soapy water and gently scrub all over the shoes.

2. Clean Soles and Let Dry

   Remove any scuffs or stains using an eraser sponge (as in instructions above). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the shoes. When you're finished cleaning the shoes, stuff them with white paper towels to absorb any moisture inside and maintain the shape of the shoes as they dry. Make sure they're completely dry before wearing.

How to Clean White Mesh Shoes with Laundry Detergent

Refresh your white mesh sneakers with these cleaning tips.

1. 

   Brush Away Dirt

   Mesh is a delicate fabric that can be snagged or damaged easily. While cleaning white mesh shoes, keep in mind that you'll need to use a softer touch than you would with a sturdier fabric like canvas. Use a soft-bristled dry toothbrush to gently brush away any excess dirt on the outside of the shoes.
   

2. Clean Shoes with Soapy Water

   Add a small amount of liquid laundry detergent to a bowl of warm water to create a soapy cleaning solution. Working in circular motions, apply the cleaning solution to the shoes using a soft cloth. Periodically rinse the cloth with warm water as you clean to avoid spreading dirt or stains across the shoes. For stubborn spots like grass stains or ground-in dirt, use the toothbrush and soapy water or a bleach pen to gently scrub the mesh fabric.
   

3. Rinse Shoes and Let Dry

   When rinsing your mesh shoes, avoid submerging them in water, which can damage the interiors or affect their shape. Instead, use a clean damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the shoes. Fill them with white paper towels to help them retain their shape and let the shoes air-dry completely before wearing.
   

How to Clean White Shoelaces with Bleach

Here's how to give your white shoelaces a thorough cleaning. For all-white shoelaces, you can use bleach to clean and whiten. Remember to use rubber gloves to protect your hands with working with bleach.

1. Remove and Soak Shoelaces

   Remove the laces from the shoes and place them in a white mesh lingerie bag. Soak the bag in a bleach solution for five minutes (Clorox recommends using 3 tbsp. of bleach for every gallon of water), using a small plate to keep it submerged if needed.

2. Wash Laces

   Remove the laces from the bleach solution and wash them in the washing machine using regular detergent. Let the shoelaces air dry.

How to Bleach White Shoes

Cleaning white shoes with bleach is a quick and effective way to brighten up your shoes. Use a bleach pen for small, dark stains, or dilute liquid bleach with water for an all-over clean. To do this, mix 1 part bleach with 4 parts water and don a pair of protective gloves. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub the shoes with the bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.

Cleaning White Shoes with Toothpaste

If you have toothpaste on hand, it can be used to quickly wash a pair of white sneakers. Use an all-white toothpaste (a toothpaste with baking soda in it is preferable) and a toothbrush to gently scrub the shoes all over. Once you've scrubbed the entire surface of the shoes, let them sit for 15 minutes. Then, use a damp washcloth to wipe away the dried toothpaste.