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I wear my all-white Puma sneakers almost every day. They're comfortable, supportive and match with just about any outfit. This makes them my ideal go-to shoes and the best travel shoes. In the last few months, I've taken my white sneakers to bustling London, rainy Scotland and chilly San Francisco. And while my shoes got me around the world comfortably, my once pristine white shoes are now a dishwater gray.
Sporting dirty white sneakers isn't always the bold fashion statement I want to make. Instead of throwing my shoes away and opting to buy another $60 pair, I can just clean them for much cheaper so they look as close to brand new as possible. I can't permanently remove crease lines, but I can remove dirt, scuffs and other signs of wear and tear. Here are the steps I use to clean dirty white shoes and make them look new again.
Read more: Here's How to Clean Your Dirty Running Shoes Without Ruining Them
What you'll need to get started cleaning your white shoes
You'll need very few materials to get your white shoes back in tip-top shape, and these items are probably lying around the home. Here's what you'll need:
- Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- White vinegar or baking soda
- Mild detergent or shoe cleaner
- Water
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Magic Eraser or a similar cleaning sponge
- Three bowls
- Bleach
- Toothpaste (optional)
How to clean your white shoes
You can use several methods. Following these steps should help to refresh your white shoes and make them look new again.
Step 1: Remove accessories and bleach laces
Start by removing shoelaces and any inserts from the shoes. Set shoes aside since you'll start with bleaching laces.
To prepare the solution, mix 1/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water in a large bowl. I recommend you use oxygen-based bleach, which is safe for both white and colored laces. Place the laces in the bowl with the mixture and let sit for up to an hour. You can finish the following steps in the meantime.
Step 2: Remove loose particles
Back to the shoes. Use a dry soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently brush off any loose dirt or debris from the sides and bottom of the shoes. I recommend doing this step over a trash can for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Spot clean exterior
For tough stains, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water or baking soda and water in the other bowl. Either mixture works just as well as the other, and which one you pick really depends on what you more readily have available.
Apply this solution to the outside of the shoes, and gently scrub with a clean brush or cloth.
Step 4: Wash
Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water in another bowl. You could also use a store-bought shoe cleaner for this step. Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the solution and gently scrub the entire shoe surface, working from the top to the sides, then the bottom.
Bonus tip (for fabric shoes only): If the shoes are still discolored, you can try using toothpaste on the fabric parts. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the stains, scrub gently with a brush and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Rinse and dry
Use a clean, soft cloth to remove any mixture residue. Let the shoes air dry naturally, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
While they are drying, remove the laces from the bleach solution. Rinse the laces thoroughly in cold water, and then wash them by hand or in the washing machine.
Step 6: Don't forget the soles
For rubber soles, you can use a Magic Eraser to brighten them up and remove any remaining scuffs.
Step 7: Replace accessories
Once the shoes and laces are completely dry, reinsert the clean shoelaces and any other accessories removed from the shoes. Voila. Now your shoes look new (or at least as close to new as possible).
How often you should clean your white shoes
The frequency with which you clean your shoes will depend on how often you wear them and the conditions in which they are worn, but here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Always wipe down your white shoes with a water-dampened cloth after wearing them in the rain or as soon as you notice any discoloration marks.
- Store your shoes inside in a dry place to prevent discoloration or molding.
- Do a light cleaning every two weeks or so.
- Deep clean every six weeks or so.
All of these tips will ensure that stains don't set in over time, which can make cleaning them more difficult, and keep your shoes wearable for longer.
Can you machine-wash white shoes?
Hand-washing shoes is usually the best practice, but some white sneakers and shoes are safe in the washing machine. To check, find the care label usually located on the underside of the tongue. It should tell you if you can machine-wash or not.
Shoes made of leather, suede, rubber and vinyl should never be put in the washing machine. Cotton, nylon and polyester shoes are normally safe in the machine, but if you're unsure, definitely err on the side of caution and opt to hand-wash.
For more cleaning tips, explore our guides on the best way to clean a yoga mat and how to clean your workout clothes.