Clean White Shoes

How to Clean White Shoes: 3 Simple Tricks

Have you ever been troubled by the cleaning problem of white shoes? Whether it is sports shoes or canvas shoes, white shoes are always easy to get dirty and yellow, and it is difficult to wash.
If you want to have white shoes that are as white as new, it is very simple.

How to clean white shoes

In this blog, we will go over:

  • How to wash white shoes
  • Best way to clean white shoes
  • How to clean white shoes with baking soda
  • How to clean white shoes at home
  • How to wash white shoes in washing machine
  • Why are my white shoes turning yellow
  • How to stop a white shoe from yellowing
  • How to keep white shoes clean

How to wash white shoes?

Here are 3 cleaning tips to make your shoes as white as new:

Preparation

Before cleaning, it is best to wipe off the dust and stains on the surface of the shoes with a paper towel or a soft brush.

1. Alcohol cleaning method

  • Prepare tools and materials: Alcohol (70% concentration), cotton cloth, paper towels, and rags.
  • Wipe: Pour alcohol on a cotton cloth and use it to wipe the stains on white shoes. Be careful to wipe gently to avoid excessive force that may cause wear on the shoe surface.
  • Remove residue: After waiting for the alcohol to evaporate, use a clean rag to gently wipe the surface of the shoes to remove the remaining stains and alcohol.

Repeat the above steps until the shoes are clean.

wash white shoes

Notice: Alcohol has a bactericidal and disinfecting effect, and can effectively remove stains and bacteria on the surface of shoes. However it should be noted that the concentration of alcohol should not be too high, otherwise, it will damage the surface of the shoes.

2. Toothpaste cleaning method

  • Prepare tools and materials: toothbrush, toothpaste, basin, warm water.
  • Wipe: Squeeze toothpaste onto the toothbrush and gently wipe the stains on the white shoes with the toothbrush, paying attention to wiping along the texture direction of the shoe surface.
  • Soak: Put the shoes in a basin, add an appropriate amount of warm water, and soak for 5-10 minutes.
  • Rinse: After rinsing with water, wipe the surface of the shoes with a clean towel.
  • Repeat the above steps until the shoes are clean.
wipe the white shoes

    Notice: The texture of toothpaste is relatively rough, so you should wipe it gently when using it to avoid damaging the surface of the shoes.

    3. Baking soda cleaning method

    • Prepare tools and materials: baking soda, warm water, basin, and soft brush.
    • Dissolve and soak: Dissolve baking soda in warm water and soak the shoes in the baking soda water for about 10-15 minutes.
    • Wipe: Use a soft brush to gently wipe the stains on the surface and sole of the shoes. Be careful to wipe gently to avoid damaging the surface of the shoes.
    • Rinse: After rinsing with clean water, wipe the surface of the shoes dry with a clean towel.
    • Repeat the above steps until the shoes are clean.
    Finally, place the shoes in a cool and ventilated place to dry.
    clean white shoes

      Notice: The pH value of baking soda in water is high, which may cause damage to shoes made of certain materials, so it is best to test it before use.

      With these methods, you can easily clean your white shoes and make them look like new.

      Best way to clean white shoes

      Alcohol and toothpaste combination cleaning

      This method is not only simple but also very effective!

      Best way to clean white shoes

      Cleaning tools and materials

      • Alcohol (70% concentration)
      • white toothpaste (non-gel)
      • Soft brush or old toothbrush
      • small bowl
      • clean rag

      Add an appropriate amount of alcohol to a bowl.

      Add an appropriate amount of alcohol

      Squeeze some toothpaste on the stains on the shoes.

      Squeeze some toothpaste on the shoes

      Use a brush to dip in alcohol to scrub. Use circular motions to clean the stains more thoroughly.

      scrub white shoes

      Use a clean rag to wipe off the foam and residue on the surface.

      Use rag to wipe

      Finally, place the shoes in a well-ventilated area to dry.

      dry white shoes

      How to clean white shoes with baking soda?

      Baking soda is a magical cleaning material that can achieve great results when used alone.

      clean white shoes with baking soda

      Materials needed

      • baking soda
      • warm water
      • a basin
      • a soft brush
      Clean shoes
      1. Make a cleaning paste: In a small bowl, add two spoons of baking soda and an appropriate amount of warm water, and stir well until the baking soda is completely dissolved and forms a thick cleaning paste.
      2. Soak: Dissolve an appropriate amount of baking soda in warm water to form baking soda water. Soak the white shoes in baking soda water for about 30 minutes to allow the cleaning solution to penetrate the shoe surface.
      3. Gently wipe: After soaking, use an old toothbrush or cleaning brush to gently scrub the surface of the shoes, especially those dirty areas.
      4. Scrub: For some stubborn stains, you can apply baking soda paste directly to the stains and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
      form baking soda water

        This method can effectively remove stubborn stains and make the shoes look brand new.

        How to clean white shoes at home?

        Dirty white shoes can affect your mood, If you wash the shoes directly with water when you get home, not only will the effect be ineffective, it may sometimes cause the shoes to deform and turn yellow.

        If you want a more professional cleaning effect, try this, make your white shoes as white as new.

        clean white shoes at home

        Multi-purpose cleaner method

        This method not only cleans stains but also makes white shoes whiter.

        Multi-purpose cleaner method

        Prepare materials and tools

        Materials Tools
        baking soda a small bowl
        white vinegar a brush or sponge
        dishwashing liquid  a wet clean rag
        warm water

        Make a mixed solution

        Mix baking soda and white vinegar in a small bowl, add a small amount of dishwashing liquid, add warm water, and stir well until a uniform cleaning solution is formed.

        Mix baking soda and white vinegar

        Apply to shoes

        Use a brush or sponge to evenly apply the cleaning solution to the surface of the white shoes, especially those areas with heavy stains.
        After applying, let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the cleaner to fully work.

        Apply to shoes

        Wipe off the residue

        Wipe the cleaner off the shoe surface with a damp rag.
        Finally, place the shoes in a well-ventilated place to dry.

        Wipe off the residue

        How to wash white shoes in washing machine?

        Using a washing machine to clean white shoes not only saves time and energy but also wash them very cleanly. It is a very good choice for people who are busy in their daily lives.

        wash white shoes in washing machine

        Machine washable shoes

        White canvas shoes, sneakers (mesh, cloth shoes), etc. can be put into the washing machine for washing.
        Leather shoes and suede leather shoes must not be put into the washing machine.
        Shoes with sequins, metal, and other decorations cannot be put into the washing machine.

        mesh laundry bags

        Initial cleaning

        1. Removes large particles of dirt such as mud from shoes.
        2. Put in mesh laundry bags
        3. Place the entire white shoe in the mesh laundry bag and zip it shut.

        If you have our shoe wash bag, there is no need to remove the laces or insoles.
        If not, throw a few old towels or clothes into the washing machine to help balance the load and cushion the shoes.

        wash shoes in the washer

        Speed/Temperature

        Select a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. Use cold water to prevent any potential damage to your white shoes.

        Select a gentle or delicate cycle

        Air dry, don't Tumble dry

        Allow the shoes (along with the laces and insoles) to air dry in a well-lit area at room temperature. Stuff your shoes with clean rags or paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

        Air dry

        Why are my white shoes turning yellow?

        • The textile process of canvas shoes is relatively tight, and the fabric fibers swell when exposed to water, making it difficult to clean dirt and leaving soap powder residue.
        • Excessive use of alkaline detergents (such as soap, washing powder), incomplete rinsing, and failure to use acid to neutralize residual alkali.
        • Direct exposure to sunlight.
        • Do not use highly absorbent paper towels to wrap when drying.
        white shoes turning yellow

          How to stop a white shoe from yellowing?

          1. Reduce the amount of soap powder, rinse thoroughly, and use acid (white vinegar can be used at home).
          2. Do not expose to the sun.
          3. Before drying, it must be wrapped with paper towels.

          How to keep white shoes clean?

          In addition to cleaning, daily maintenance is also the key to keeping white shoes white.

          1. Scrub regularly

          Whether your shoes are dirty or not, scrub them regularly. Gently wipe the upper with a damp cloth to remove dust and stains, and avoid dust from penetrating deep into the texture of the upper.

          Scrub white shoes regularly

          2. Avoid exposure to the sun

          Avoid exposing white shoes to the sun for a long time, otherwise they will turn yellow easily. Choose a well-ventilated place to dry them.

          3. Use waterproof spray

          Before wearing shoes, you can use waterproof spray for protection. This can not only effectively resist the invasion of rain, but also prevent the color of the shoe surface from darkening due to moisture.

          wipe white shoes

          4. Classify and store

          White shoes are best stored separately and avoid being crowded with shoes of other colors to prevent pigments from penetrating each other.
          You can use shoe boxes or shoe racks to classify and store them to keep the shoes clean.

          Classify and store white shoes
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