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It doesn't take long for white shoes to get dirty. These wardrobe essentials are prone to scuffs, stains, and grime, which can dull their shine (and your outfit).
Luckily, it’s easy to learn how to clean white sneakers at home. We've compiled a list of seven effective cleaning methods, including tips for removing stains from white shoelaces and soles.
Whether your sneakers are canvas, leather, or mesh, restore them to near-original condition.
Cleaning white shoes at home is a basic part of clothing care. Whether dealing with severe scuffs or everyday dirt, keep your sneakers spotless with these seven tried-and-true methods, most using items you likely already have.
A combination of baking soda and vinegar is an effective, natural way to clean white shoes. This mixture is ideal for tackling tough stains on canvas sneakers as it works to lift the dirt from the fabric fibers.
Mix three tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of white vinegar. Scrub the paste onto the sneakers with an old toothbrush. Use circular motions and focus your efforts on the stained areas. Set the shoes aside, let the paste dry completely, and wipe off any leftover residue.
Pro tip: When dealing with especially stubborn stains, repeat the above process twice for a deeper clean.
Chances are, you've heard of a Magic Eraser. But did you know it can clean shoes?
Dampen the Magic Eraser with water and use it to scrub dirt and stains from white sneakers. This quick-fix method is particularly useful for shoes' hard surfaces, like the soles, and can make them look nearly new.
Pro tip: Magic Erasers can be abrasive. If you use one on the fabric parts of your shoes, don’t scrub too hard.
You can clean mesh or fabric-based sneakers with normal laundry detergent.
Mix one tablespoon of detergent with warm water, then dip a clean sponge or cloth in the solution and gently scrub the shoes. Focus on the stained and dirty areas, and use a toothbrush for targeted cleaning.
After scrubbing, wipe the shoes down with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue. Let the sneakers air dry completely.
Pro tip: Accelerate the drying process by placing the shoes in a well-ventilated area. You can also put them outside in the sun or in front of a fan.
If your fabric-based white sneakers are extra dirty, try using bleach for a super-thorough clean.
Mix one tablespoon of bleach with four tablespoons of water, and use a toothbrush or small scrub brush to clean. If you’re facing severe stains from things like grass or blood, go extra hard on those areas. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the bleach and let the shoes air dry.
Pro tip: Bleach is a powerful chemical. To protect your skin, wear gloves when you work with it. Also, start with a spot test to see how the solution affects a small area on your shoes before cleaning them entirely. If the bleach is turning the fabric a yellow or off-white color, you might want to try a different cleaning method.
Toothpaste isn't just for your teeth—white, non-gel kinds are a helpful cleaner for white sneakers.
Use a toothbrush to scrub toothpaste onto the stained parts of the shoes. Let the toothpaste sit for about 15 minutes, and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Pro tip: Use toothpaste that contains baking soda for a deeper, more brightening clean.
For a more hands-off approach, try putting your shoes in the washing machine.
Remove the laces and place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag, then put the bag in the washing machine and add a small amount of liquid laundry detergent. Wash the shoes on a gentle cycle with cold water, but skip the dryer. Let the shoes air dry to avoid heat-related damage.
Pro tip: Add a few towels to the washing machine with the laundry bag. This cushions your sneakers so they don't bang around too much.
If your favorite white shoes are leather, dish soap and warm water is a simple but effective way to clean them.
Add a few drops of dish soap to a cup of warm water, and use a clean cloth or small brush to scrub the soapy water onto your shoes. Once the grime is gone, wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
Pro tip: Stuff the shoes with white paper towels or clean cloths so they dry in the correct shape. This also helps absorb excess moisture so the shoes dry faster.
Brightening the soles and shoelaces of white sneakers requires more frequent cleaning because these areas can accumulate dirt quickly. Maintain that out-of-the-box look with these techniques.
If the soles of your white shoes are dirt magnets, remove loose grime with a dry toothbrush or scrub brush. And if the stains are stubborn, scrub with a damp Magic Eraser and then wipe the dirt away with a cloth.
Pro tip: Use the Magic Eraser on a small area of the shoes at a time. This prevents spreading the dirt around, resulting in a better clean.
Shoelaces can become discolored in no time. Remove your laces from the shoes and clean them separately to keep them pristine.
Soak the laces in about two cups of warm water and a tablespoon of laundry detergent for 15 minutes. You can also up the measurements if you want to clean a larger batch of laces. If the laces have deep stains, add a tablespoon of bleach to the solution.
After soaking, rub the laces together gently to loosen dirt. Rinse them thoroughly in clean water and lay them flat on a towel to air dry.
For minor stains, spot-clean the laces between washes with white toothpaste and a toothbrush. This is ideal for tackling small specks of dirt, and you don't have to remove or soak the laces to do it.
Pro tip: If your white shoelaces are too dirty to be saved, upcycle them. Old shoelaces are great for craft projects like making bookmarks.
Keeping sneakers spotless helps you look sharp, extends the shoes' lifespan, and maintains their resale value—so you can sell them on ThredUp.
When you're ready to part ways, use our Clean Out kit to turn your gently used sneakers into thrifting credit. Just fill a bag with your preloved items, and we'll take it from there. And if you want a pair of new-to-you kicks, browse our extensive collection to find the perfect style at a fraction of the cost.
You can also send your stained items to Repaired by ThredUp. We've teamed up with refurbishment experts to mend clothing and keep it out of landfills.
Avoid putting your white sneakers in the dryer. The heat can damage shoes by warping them, weakening the glue, and shrinking the fabric. To prevent damage, let shoes air dry after cleaning.
If you prefer to keep your white sneakers pristine, quickly clean them with warm water and a clean cloth after every wear. This prevents dirt from building up. Do a more thorough cleaning using one of the above methods every few weeks.
